TOP TEN HOCKEY CARDS FROM THE 1960s

[samosa4u]

I was born in 1983, and so I missed seeing all the hockey greats. For example, if you look at the top five, and these guys are Gretzky, Orr, Howe, Lemieux and M. Richard, well, three of them were before my time. I also missed seeing Gretzky and Lemieux in their prime, so I'm not going to count them either. In the end, all I have left are the stories, sir. Stories, which get passed down to the younger generation by folks like you. Where would this hobby be without the amazing stories? Think about it. Would somebody spend thousands of US dollars on a high-end Orr rookie without hearing the stories first? Definitely not!

I'm very sorry to hear about what happened to your father. My father is such a huge part of my life and if he had passed away, like twenty years ago, oh man, my life would have turned out pretty crappy! I'm very sorry you had to suffer like that. But it is awesome that you have such great memories with him. Watching Hull battle it out with Orr during his rookie season? Wow, just wow. It can't get any better than that!

You are right regarding Topps Test issue. Not much is known about it. One guy, who has been in the hobby for decades and has written a few books, believes they were issued in 1967. If that is true, then ummm ... is that Topps Test Orr still a rookie then? More research is definitely needed.

Now since we are talking about Orr, let me say this: I did get a PM this morning and the gentleman told me that his second year card should have made the list. First I looked at the cost. I do own a dead-centered PSA 7 which I purchased many years ago for under $300. Today, I would say it's probably worth closer to a thousand, no? Also, 67-68 was the last season where there was only one set of hockey cards. After this, both Topps and O-Pee-Chee started printing their own sets and that ruined everything in my opinion! And finally, it's a beauful-looking card. I have decided to add it to the list.

[Exhibitman]

"Preferred by those who like it best."

That about sums it up. Me, personally, I am not a fan of a butt-ugly RC over a slightly later beautiful classic card. If you had to own a card that you could never sell, just enjoy, would you rather have a Howe Parkhurst RC or a 1954 Topps? I know how I answered that question:

[samosa4u]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

"Preferred by those who like it best."

That about sums it up. Me, personally, I am not a fan of a butt-ugly RC over a slightly later beautiful classic card. If you had to own a card that you could never sell, just enjoy, would you rather have a Howe Parkhurst RC or a 1954 Topps? I know how I answered that question:

I'll tell you what happened: for about ten years, there wasn't a single hockey set issued in Canada. So, when the 51' Parkies came out, they were a huge hit. And yes, in comparison to the other hockey cards issued during this period, I would say that they are very ugly indeed. They are small in size, have blank backs, very little color, registration issues, centering issues - the list goes on and on. But what makes this set so popular is the fact that ninety-two percent of it consists of rookies. For example, Rocket Richard entered the league in 1942, and Gordie Howe in 1946, but because there were no sets issued during those years, this means that their rookies didn't come out until 1951.

The 1954 Topps set is stunning to look at. This set has all the qualities that the 51' Parkies are missing. However, the one issue - a huge issue - with this set is the fact that only the American teams were printed. So, in other words, there were no Canadiens and no Maple Leafs. Boston, Chicago and New York were crappy teams during this period. Detroit dominated the league from 1950 to 1955, so this is the only team that stands out from this set.

Anyhow, the 54' Topps Howe was always on my mind, and now I have decided to add it to my 1950s list which can be found below:

https://www.net54baseball.com/showth...47#post1970747

[brian1961]

Samosa4u---- Thank you for your condolence and compassion. I find the great people of Canada are beautiful that way. Wishing you the very best always, sir.

I would encourage you to maintain your close relationship with your dear father. Not to be morbid or anything, but let's face it, none of us are guaranteed tomorrow.

Your inclusion of the 1967-68 Topps Bobby Orr is a valid one. The design, the unusual and attractive background color, and especially the super photo of Bobby. As you know, Topps was notorious for re-using photos to the point of wretched redundancy. That's one reason the 67-68 Bobby Orr is special, 'cause the photo was used there first, and the best occurrence of that photo. Moreover, this same season the Bruins were to become very good, very big, and very bad. They also changed their home uniform color to black, which added to their new persona. My Black Hawks general manager, Tommy Ivan, saw to that with his infamous trade in the spring of '67, dealing out Phil Esposito, Kenny Hodge, and Freddie Stanfield. Yes, we got Pit Martin, but nobody else panned out; whereas, Boston got players that BLOSSOMED MARVELOUSLY. As if the Bruins weren't getting "good enough", the 67/68 season marked the rookie year of Derek Sanderson; he was something else. Though he dished out a few cheap shots here and there, he was a darling to the Bruin fans. A special show ALWAYS began when a Bruin went to the penalty box, for their penalty killing line was gruesome to have to face down. Sinden would send out Sanderson at center, and Ed Westfall, and I now forget who else, but I believe Bobby Orr was among that sterling five. They were so crazy good at scoring short-handed goals and humiliating the power play of the opposition. Bruin fans relished their chip on their shoulder, constant aggressive play. The only time they really failed was went Montreal humiliated the Big Bad Bruins during the Stanley Cup semi-final. No one, except perhaps Montreal fans, saw that coming. Captain Jean Beliveau dazzled everyone and his swan song Cup was unforgettable.

Not to change the subject, but it reminds me of the Cubs trade of Lou Brock in '64. The thing is, the Cubs had years to do something with Lou, but they never had a vision for him, and he seemed to languish in Chicago. Once a Cardinal, Lou took off......... and finally stopped at Cooperstown.

Nearly everyone for the Black Hawks played in the shadow of Bobby Hull. Once gone, and heavily relied upon, Phil, Kenny, and Fred all meshed with Bobby Orr, and there were lots of others of course, and the Bruins best dynasty unfolded. Sorry, friend, long post, and I gotta eat and go to work.

Really, that's one reason Adam's choice of the 1954-55 Topps Gordie Howe is a good one, because that superb full-length photo of Gord just glows, and he's lookin' right into your eyes. I love it, though I don't own that beauty.

Take care, friend. --- Brian Powell

[irv]

Great stories, Ranjodh and Brian. I am really enjoying them and learning a lot in the process.

Unfortunately, as I mentioned before, I don't recall seeing Orr play, or many other greats, but I know I did growing up watching hockey with my Father and Uncle's.

They were all Montreal CDN fans so those, more than likely, were the games I watched the most, and most likely on Saturday nights when I was allowed to stay up a bit later?

Speaking of OPC/Topps cards, were all Topps hockey cards printed in Canada in those mid+ 60's or were some actually printed in the U.S.?
When I see mid 60's Topps cards of Orr, and others, and see they were printed in Canada, to me, that means they're OPC cards.
I am likely offside with that thinking as I believe "true" OPC cards have french writing on the back but I've always been curious about that.

And speaking of 67-68 Topps Orr cards, I am currently looking for any of those 3 from the 67-68 set, especially the Calder Memorial Trophy card, which has always appealed to me the most for some reason?

I know I have likely had those cards in my hand at one point or another, maybe even an Orr rookie at one time, but unfortunately the only card I have remaining from my childhood of Orr is his 68-69 James Norris Trophy card.
Not in the best of condition, as you can see, but I'm glad, somehow, through the years, I was able to retain it.

Ranjodh, I appreciate you making these threads, and Brian, like usual, I enjoy reading your great write ups about the game of hockey and what you've experienced and can remember.

Thanks guys!

[samosa4u]

Originally Posted by irv

Speaking of OPC/Topps cards, were all Topps hockey cards printed in Canada in those mid+ 60's or were some actually printed in the U.S.?
When I see mid 60's Topps cards of Orr, and others, and see they were printed in Canada, to me, that means they're OPC cards.
I am likely offside with that thinking as I believe "true" OPC cards have french writing on the back but I've always been curious about that.

Topps printed their own hockey cards in the 1950s, however, they were only sold in Canada. Starting in 1961, O-Pee-Chee started printing them (under licence from Topps). Then, in 1968, Topps printed their own set (sold in the US) and O-Pee-Chee printed their own set as well (sold in Canada). However, the O-Pee-Chee set would be released a few months after the Topps set. This is why O-Pee-Chee always had a more updated set.

[brian1961]

I know it never happened, but I wish Bee Hive had made a Bobby Orr in the last month of their long-running promotion, during the spring of 1967. I understand 1967 was their last year. A Bee Hive Bobby Orr, with an outstanding smiling full-length portrait or cool action shot would have been a top 10 for sure. Its rarity would have put it out of our reach today, but what a thought!

--- Brian Powell

[irv]

Originally Posted by samosa4u

Topps printed their own hockey cards in the 1950s, however, they were only sold in Canada. Starting in 1961, O-Pee-Chee started printing them (under licence from Topps). Then, in 1968, Topps printed their own set (sold in the US) and O-Pee-Chee printed their own set as well (sold in Canada). However, the O-Pee-Chee set would be released a few months after the Topps set. This is why O-Pee-Chee always had a more updated set.

Thank you!

Originally Posted by brian1961

I know it never happened, but I wish Bee Hive had made a Bobby Orr in the last month of their long-running promotion, during the spring of 1967. I understand 1967 was their last year. A Bee Hive Bobby Orr, with an outstanding smiling full-length portrait or cool action shot would have been a top 10 for sure. Its rarity would have put it out of our reach today, but what a thought!

--- Brian Powell

Yes, that would have been nice, and I'm sure that would have helped Beehive then and today with their popularity.