1939 Play Ball Ted Williams

[Topnotchsy]

Hey all,

I've been thinking of making my first, significant vintage purchase and have pretty much decided it would be a 1939 Ted Williams Play Ball. I feel like the realm of rookies for all-time great players, it is valuable, but not "crazy-insane-money" expensive (from my perspective anyways.)

I've read through many of the older posts on this site regarding the card, and know quite a few have changed hands on these boards over the years (my impression as someone who knows very little is that it's not a particularly rare card for the era).

I've been trying to learn more about the card, and would love any thoughts and perspectives on it; anything about variants; anything to look out for or be concerned about etc.

Would also appreciate opinions if you were recommending what condition to buy. It seems like there's a pretty decent price gap between PSA 8's and 7's, and I was thinking maybe a 7 would be a good balance between quality and price, but would love to hear different perspectives.

[Leon]

Hey Jeff
I can't really help with much of a perspective but have always liked the card. It's a classic. For me, I just wanted one I like regardless of grade. I suggest you get one which you enjoy looking at each time more so than being too concerned with the technical grade. Technical grades are for registry guys . (*just kidding, please don't send hate emails or make hate responses)
For a reference on price this one cost 2100 from our BST within the last year or so....
ps. That said, if you like looking at a card in an 8 holder then that is definitely what I would do . Good luck

[rjackson44]

Terrific card Leon

[Topnotchsy]

Originally Posted by Leon

Hey Jeff
I can't really help with much of a perspective but have always liked the card. It's a classic. For me, I just wanted one I like regardless of grade. I suggest you get one which you enjoy looking at each time more so than being too concerned with the technical grade. Technical grades are for registry guys . (*just kidding, please don't send hate emails or make hate responses)
For a reference on price this one cost 2100 from our BST within the last year or so....
ps. That said, if you like looking at a card in an 8 holder then that is definitely what I would do . Good luck

Thanks Leon! Beautiful card!

I'm definitely not exclusively looking at the grade, but am buying with the thought process of "I'm like to own a Williams that I enjoy having, but also once shopping, might as well think about the market overall."

I would like to find one with solid centering and no blatant issues. The one you picked up has a ton of eye-appeal IMO.

[DaveW]

It's a great card and the only one I need to finish the set. I just can't get myself to pay that much for a piece of cardboard when I still have 2 kids to get through college. As for variations, there are just a few. His name comes in either all upper case letters or a mix of upper and lower case letters. The all upper case version also can come with the red salesman sample stamp on the back. There doesn't seem to be much of a premium for any of them. Personally, I'd go for one with the sample back but they are all nice. Good luck!

[Topnotchsy]

Originally Posted by DaveW

It's a great card and the only one I need to finish the set. I just can't get myself to pay that much for a piece of cardboard when I still have 2 kids to get through college. As for variations, there are just a few. His name comes in either all upper case letters or a mix of upper and lower case letters. The all upper case version also can come with the red salesman sample stamp on the back. There doesn't seem to be much of a premium for any of them. Personally, I'd go for one with the sample back but they are all nice. Good luck!

I appreciate the info, and wish you luck with the kids/college thing!

[Topnotchsy]

Thanks everyone for the help. Ended up picking up a lower grade copy that I felt like had pretty solid eye appeal.