A goal a lot of collector's have, especially if they're team-specific, is to have a card from a legend that was produced during their playing days. Guys like Mantle, Mays, Clemente, and Robinson are a few of the popular names that any collector would be grateful to own.
In September, Jon over at A Penny Sleeve For Your Thoughts celebrated his blog's anniversary by giving out some free cards. One card immediately caught my eye, and I was fortunate enough to lay claim to a playing era card of the greatest Red Sox player ever:
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| 1959 Fleer Ted Williams #5 Ted's Fame Spreads |
In 1959, Ted Williams was playing in his penultimate season at the age of 40. Even though he made both of that year's All-Star teams and even got some down-ballot MVP votes, it was easily the worst season of his career. It was the only year he ever had a bating average under .300, an on-base average under .400, and a slugging average under .500! But this card still counts!
The picture itself isn't the greatest when it comes to highlighting the subject. Williams' back is facing you, partially obscured by the ump, with the pitcher centered in the middle. It's a great piece of artwork, one any baseball fan would enjoy hanging in their home. However, if you didn't know beforehand that was supposed to be Ted Williams at bat, would you have been able to tell? Me neither. But this card still counts!
I am grateful to Jon for gifting me this great card of a Boston icon. Thanks again, Jon!
They had dirt from home plate to the mound?
ReplyDeleteYes, I've seen that before. I don't know when that stopped being a thing...
DeleteThe Tigers returned the dirt strip when they moved into their new park. It's still there. The Diamondbacks have it, too. It's ... weird. I still can't get used to it.
DeleteIf that's supposed to be Williams batting, oops. He batted lefty.
ReplyDeleteHa! I missed that! But as my title says - it still counts!
Deletea great card no matter what.
ReplyDeleteThe Fleer Ted Williams set was underappreciated when it was released and it's underappreciated now. "Good" I say. It allows collectors to get Williams cards for reasonable prices.
ReplyDeleteGreat looking card... and kudos to Vrooomed for catching the right handed batter.
ReplyDelete