Photo identification for the 1961 Topps series checklists

[Spike]

Originally Posted by ALR-bishop

Cool project Mathew.

FYI only --there are variations to the 61 CLs.

Thanks Al, I'll include those details.

Also noting that Topps used NY-based action photos for 1961 NFL and NHL checklists following this design debut in 1961 baseball.

[Spike]

Made a better ID for Series 3, thanks to both Al's note about a "4 visible" variation (it's Reds #14, 3B Puddin' Head Jones) and Todd's note about context. I'm more confident that's August 30, with Don Zimmer caught trying to advance to third on a single.

UPDATE: Series 3 is August 30

[toppcat]

Great post on these Matthew. They must have picked up a series of game shots along the way from a friendly photographer. Don't think they would have been daily newspaper related in color back then but maybe a Sporting News connection?

[nolemmings]

Upon further review, I do not believe Series 2 depicts the action you state either (sorry). In that game, you note the Cubs CF going back to his position--that player is white (looks like Ashburn) and George Altman played CF that entire game for the Cubs, with Ashburn in LF.

It may have just been a pop-up to Zimmer or a can of corn to the OF where the runner simply elected to hold his base. That would make it really tough to pin down.

[hangman62]

Spike,
very cool research...interesting

[brob28]

Matthew a fun read, thanks for posting.

[Spike]

Originally Posted by nolemmings

Upon further review, I do not believe Series 2 depicts the action you state either (sorry). In that game, you note the Cubs CF going back to his position--that player is white (looks like Ashburn) and George Altman played CF that entire game for the Cubs, with Ashburn in LF.

It may have just been a pop-up to Zimmer or a can of corn to the OF where the runner simply elected to hold his base. That would make it really tough to pin down.

Ouch, good point on the pop-up, and I see what you mean about the camera angle being from first base and not behind home.

If the play IS a double, though, it opens up others I discounted, since play-by-play recorded them as LF or left-center. Getting a read on the Braves runner uniform # would make all the difference, but I'll take a shot anyway and update the post.

[Spike]

Originally Posted by toppcat

Great post on these Matthew. They must have picked up a series of game shots along the way from a friendly photographer. Don't think they would have been daily newspaper related in color back then but maybe a Sporting News connection?

Likely so, and it sure would be nice to know more about Topps 1960s photography. They were all over the place at times, these checklists included.

[nolemmings]

Good work Matthew.

Now if you really want a head scratcher, take another stab at the Series 6 checklist, with the ducking/hands-protecting-head runner guy. According to a list of Cubs' all-time uniform numbers, there was no player wearing number four in either the 1960 or 1961 season. The number 4 was worn by either of two coaches in 1960--Charlie Root or Vedie Himsl. Why either one of them would be on the field involved in the play is beyond me, but if so it may be recounted as an oddity in some news/sports story. If #4 is wearing a glove (looks like it), then I suppose it could be utility IF Johnny Goryl from 1959. It might also not be Wrigley Field, although it looks like it and all the other checklist photos seem to come from there. Very strange!

[JollyElm]

Well, time to throw a monkey wrench into things.
When I see the checklist in question ("ducking/hands-protecting-head runner guy"), my immediate thoughts stay in Chicago, but they wander down to the south side. It's possible that shot depicts the White Sox and third basemen Gene Freese, number 4.

[Spike]

Originally Posted by JollyElm

Well, time to throw a monkey wrench into things.
When I see the checklist in question ("ducking/hands-protecting-head runner guy"), my immediate thoughts stay in Chicago, but they wander down to the south side. It's possible that shot depicts the White Sox and third basemen Gene Freese, number 4.

Against the Wrigley checklist pattern, I think you're on the right track with Gene Freese and the White Sox. The home uniform looks too white for CHC and the opponent jersey's much closer to NYY or DET road gray.

Checked all 1960 DET and NYY games at Comiskey and updated the post with my best guess, Yogi Berra being thrown out at second, behind the photographed runner, who would be Bobby Richardson.

1961 Topps checklists, Series 6 updated