|
1950s Non-HOFers Worth Collecting
I started a pre-war thread on this a little while back and learned so much about great players I was previously unfamiliar with. Figured I’d try it with the 50s. Who are some of the non Hall of Famers from the 50s who are worth collecting. The Bo Jackson’s and Don Mattingly’s of the decade. Here is my current list. Who is missing?
Ferris Fain Roy Sievers Don Newcombe Johnny Antonelli Gil Hodges Sherm Lollar Hank Bauer Al Rosen Bobby Shantz Ray Boone Sal Maglie Billy Pierce Jackie Jensen Smoky Burgess Joe Adcock Bob Elliott Johnny Pesky Ted Kluszeski Hank Sauer Dizzy Trout Joe Page Johnny Sain Ed Lopat Preacher Roe Allie Reynolds Vern Law Vern Stephens Mickey Vernon Jim Konstanty Wally Post Del Crandall Billy Martin Bill Nicholson Dom Dimaggio Minnie Minoso Ralph Houck Del Ennis Virgil Trucks Ralph Branca Walker Cooper Phil Cavarretta Bobby Thomson Ewell Blackwell Dick Groat Gil McDougald Bob Cerv Don Larsen Harvey Kuenn Bob Turley Bill Skowron Elston Howard Camilo Pascual Ken Boyer Herb Score Rocky Colavito Bobby Richardson Tony Kubek Mike McCormick Roger Maris Vada Pinson Curt Flood Felipe Alou Bobby Allison Johnny Callison Dick Stuart Bill White Norm Cash Mike Cuellar |
After a quick glance, I don't see Gus Bell, Luke Easter, Bob Friend and Carl Furillo. I'm sure there are others that were as good as some on the list like Richardson, Kubek and Bauer.
|
That's a heck of a list. I can tell you some players I sought out that weren't on your list -
Joe Black - another early pioneer hero who helped Jackie with pension plans for negro league players Dale Long - held the HR per consecutive game record until Mattingly tied it, and Griffey broke it Joe Nuxhall - love looking at his stats...1944...then bam, the 50s...he was brought up to the bigs for a game at 15! Cool story... Harvey Haddix - pitched 12 perfect innings...only to lose in the 13th! Vic Wertz - his name is tied to several all time memorable catches (as in, he hit the ball!), including Mays big catch at the Polo Grounds! I have several other names of 50s players that take on new meaning when you see their cards after reading some of the heros of the era's autobiographies. Hank Aarons, Ernie Banks, Mickey Mantle...all had several friend and influences during their time in the 50s and love reading about them... Great topic... |
Quote:
Bob Friend...I grew up with my Dad telling me Bob and Herb Score were HUGE when he was a kid..."if it wasn't for that line drive..." |
I always liked Johnny Podres. His 53 Topps card is a beauty and if you're a Brooklyn Dodgers fan he was the MVP in 55.
|
I’m partial to Vic Power
|
Fun thread
Quote:
Don't see Lou Burdette on the list. Just one of his high lights was being the winning pitcher in that 12-inning perfecto by Haddix. Also: Two-time All-Star (1957, 1959) Third in Cy Young Award voting (1958) Led league in wins (1959) Led league in games started (1959) Led league in complete games (1960) Twice led league in shutouts (1956, 1959) 5 times in top 4 in wins (1956–58, 1960–61) World Series MVP (1957)(Three complete game wins over Yankees [Is that why he's not in the HOF?]:rolleyes:) |
Let me throw in nods for Hank Thompson and Sam Jethroe. Both were former Negro leaguers. Thompson broke the color barrier on two teams. Jethroe broke into the bigs at 33, won the 1950 ROY, and led the majors in steals his first two seasons, and retired after his 3rd season. Definitely underappreciated.
|
Dan Bankhead. First Black pitcher in 1947. Cards in 1951 Bowman and 1952 Parkhurst.
|
I'd add Eddie Yost, an excellent player and one who has one of the more interesting statistical records, with his ridiculous for the time walk rate for a guy who wasn't much of a threat at the plate. Interesting player.
Ferris Fain, already on the list here, is my favorite player of the 50's. My grandpa was a fan of his during Fain's time with the San Francisco Seals and thought he was a true great. He's not, but he did win back to back batting titles in the majors and was a fine player that I always try to pick up cards of. |
Thanks, all, for the new names to research. I’m sure I’ll be expanding my want list thanks to you all.
|
And G1911, I’ve been a longtime fan of Ferris Fain as well. The batting title in 51 referenced on the back of his 52 Topps got me.
|
Quote:
|
I actually have a Johnny Antonelli player collection. And because every thread needs cards, here are a few of my favorites: A NY Journal-American (I actually have 4 of them),a 2010 National Ethnic Heritage Foundation Sons of Italy, and a Banty Red art card.
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ofwAOkXu1...600/NYJ_JA.jpghttps://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cvj6s1VKR...010NEHF_JA.jpghttps://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2z11zv9Zj...1600/BR_JA.jpg |
1953 Bowman - Carl Furillo
One of my favorite cards...
|
Card number 1 in the 1952 set - Andy Pafko. He had a very good career also.
|
1 Attachment(s)
Carl Erskine in my book unless I overlooked him on the original list.
Set a World Series strikeout record against the Yankees (since broken). He signed this photo for me and listed every strikeout victim. Note: Mantle name appears 4 times Drew |
Red Schoendienst, a true journeyman
Stu Miller (Butterfly Man) that got blown off the mound by Candlestick winds. |
I'm sure it's been mentioned, but Minnie Minoso gets my vote for top place. There are some great (and affordable!) cards, given his long career. Sam Jethroe, Joe Black, and Hank Thompson are also deserving, though their shorter MLB careers may factor in.
Dom Dimaggio was a pretty great player, too. Being Joe's little brother definitely hurt him in how he is ultimately remembered...or forgotten, as the case may be. |
Quote:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...2ea8e669f5.jpg |
1 Attachment(s)
Total bargains (although only time will tell if they make good investments). I love that 51B card, as well.
Here's a 1948 photo of Jethroe, for whatever it's worth.... |
| All times are GMT -6. The time now is 10:52 AM. |