Photo identification for the 1961 Topps series checklists

[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

[D.P.Johnson]

Interesting read. You're a very good writer Matthew.

[Spike]

Originally Posted by D.P.Johnson

Interesting read. You're a very good writer Matthew.

Thanks, Dan! It helps to have all these people of experience here at Net54 to bounce ideas off of.