1961 topps BB

[nolemmings]

I find the 1961 card design to be one of Topps' best. The hatless shots are a drag, although that is to be somewhat expected in an expansion year. No excuse for the Mays card-- I have trouble imagining a more unflattering shot. I'm not a fan of the Banks image either, or Killebrew for that matter, although at least his can be explained by the expansion.

I disagree about Clemente-- I like that card of him alot. Brian, I don't see anything bizarre about Aaron's card, which I also really like, mostly because it's not a typical batting pose, although his capless hi-numbered AS card is disappointing. Most of the rest of your post is on point though, for my money. Still, beauty remains in the eye of the beholder, and while 1961 was not my first year of collecting, I count this among my top 2-3 favorite Topps sets.

[jchcollins]

Remember that anything produced in the 1950's or 60's, even if accurately described as "massive" is going to pale in comparison besides the production of, say...1988 Donruss or 1989 Fleer. Massive production yes, but nothing even in the same universe as what began to happen to the hobby when collecting went mainstream, the public beyond collectors became "self-aware" of cards as collectibles...and the junk and BS which ensued. I digress...

For what it's worth I think that '61s are an underappreciated Topps set - and there are many deals to be had in consideration of that. I for one love the Aaron card because you can see that old school Milwaukee uniform with the black tomahawk. Mine's a PSA 4.5.

[Promethius88]

I love the 61's. The design is simple, not a bunch of clutter and yes, a lot of big head shots. I will agree, some of the photos aren't the most flattering but it's just the simplicity of the design that I like, They feel crisp and clean to me, if that makes sense. 67's are also a favorite of mine for basically the same reasons. Although the team name could have been smaller and i can do without the facsimile autographs.

[geosluggo]

I love the 1961 set! Clean, photo-dominated design, tons of subsets, the first league leader cards, the World Series cards commemorating the victory of my beloved Pirates, the coolest All Star cards (so great they copied them in 1970), those cornball multi-player cards ("Power for Ernie"). I agree that Mays, Banks, Killebrew and some of the other hatless head shots are pretty bad, but I think the Clemente and Aaron cards are among their best. The high numbers are pretty tough -- which made completing that set all the more satisfying. I think that was the peak Mantle set -- he appeared on six different different cards, if memory serves.