Sport — Baseball
1959 Topps 478 Roberto Clemente
Roberto Clemente joined Major League Baseball at the age of 20 in the year 1955. The Pittsburgh Pirates drafted him in November 1954. Born in 1934 in Carolina, Puerto Rico, he would first begin his professional career on his native island where he played in the Puerto Rican Professional Baseball League.
Clemente would spend 18 years in the MLB ranks (1955-1972). His entire career was played with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he was quite successful. He earned the Most Valuable Player Award for the National League in the year 1966, was voted to the All-Star Game 12 times and won that many Gold Glove Awards. Four seasons he had the league’s best batting average.
Clemente worked with a number of charity organizations throughout various Latin American countries and Puerto Rico. He delivered food and baseball equipment. He would later die in an airplane crash while attempting to deliver food to help earthquake victims in Nicaragua.
As a Latin baseball player in Major League Baseball, Clemente was responsible for many of the league’s firsts. He was the first Latino player to be elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame, to start in the World Series, win the World Series MVP and league MVP award.
A Roberto Clemente baseball card is a great one to have in one’s collection. Many hobbyists would love to have a Roberto Clemente baseball card and other baseball cards featuring many of the game’s best players. Trading cards are fun to get involved with even if you have a small budget. To get a good baseball card at cheaper prices, check at auction sites and be willing to purchase those that are not in mint condition.
1952 Topps 407 Eddie Matthews
The Eddie Mathews baseball card is a great one to add for a serious hobbyist. The 1952 Topps 407 Eddie Matthews rookie card was the last card in the storied 1952 Topps set. This card is Matthew’s only recognized rookie card. It is so valuable because Eddie Matthews had such a wonderful career.
This third base slugger was very good at bat. In his rookie season (1952), he would hit 25 home runs and bat .302. In 1953, he would improve that number significantly. He hit 47 homer runs following his impressive rookie year.
Mathews would be voted the NL MVP runner up, the All-Star team 9 times and would lead the league in homers twice. For 9 years in a row, he would hit at least 30 home runs. In 1978, he would be voted into the Hall of Fame.
If you are looking for trading cards, specifically, baseball cards you will be able to find a good number of them online. If you are looking for the 1952 Topps 407 Eddie Mathews rookie card, you may have a hard time. It is not one that is easily available. When you do find one of these Topps cards, be prepared to pay a pretty penny. It is unlikely that you will find it dirt-cheap. However, if you have the money and decide that you really want this baseball card, then it would be an excellent addition to your collection.
1952 Topps 392 Hoyt Wilhelm
The 1952 Topps 392 Hoyt Wilhelm baseball card is Wilhelm’s rookie card. It is a part of the high numbered Topps series that was issued in 1952. Hoyt Wilhelm was a talented relief pitcher that had an outstanding career, with the 1952 season being one of his best. That year, he had a winning percentage of .833, a 15-3 record and an ERA of 2.43. This would be his best year on the diamond in terms of winning percentage.
Wilhelm totaled 227 saves during his career. He was especially known for his low ERA percentage and his ability to throw the knuckleball.
In 1952, Wilhelm was in the hunt for the Rookie of the Year. Joe Black (Brooklyn Dodgers) would go on and win the award, though his career would be far less impressive then Wilhelm. Hoyt would play for over 20 years and would be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1985. He was the first relief pitcher to be inducted into the Hall.
Hoyt Wilhelm both batted and threw right-handed. He stood roughly 6’0 tall and weighed just shy of 200 pounds. He entered the league in 1952 and would play his last game in 1972. He passed away in 2002.
This high numbered Topps series baseball card can be difficult to find in really good condition, though there are definitely some out there. Look for a baseball card with well-balanced centering and minimal wear and tear (if you are purchasing it as an investment). The gloss on really expensive trading cards should be intake and the color rich.
1952 Topps 314 Roy Campanella
The 1952 Topps 314 Roy Campanella baseball card was issued in the company’s high number series. It features one of the Brooklyn Dodger’s favorite players, Roy Campanella. Campanella was a very accomplished catcher who was able to work well with the pitchers he played with. He was also able to successfully throw out runners trying to steal bases, and save errant pitches. For many fans, Campanella was the consummate catcher. He had all of the skills of a big-time catcher. Roy Campanella was the first black catcher in Major League Baseball.
Campanella was known as “Campy” by some. In 10 years, he hit 242 home runs and led all catchers in the NL (National League) in putouts a whopping six times. For nine years (1948-1957) he played catcher for the Dodgers (Brooklyn). He participated in 5 World Series and was named the MVP of the National League three times. These years were 1951, 1953 and 1955. He would go on to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1969.
If you are looking for baseball cards featuring Roy Campanella, you can find a number of high quality and well preserved ones online. The price that you will pay for a baseball card will depend on what it is graded and what condition it is in.
Trading cards tend to create feelings of nostalgia, especially for true fans. If you are interested in getting your hands on a Topps baseball cards, eBay and other online auction websites are a great place to begin looking.
1956 Topps 135 Mickey Mantle
The 1956 Topps 135 Mickey Mantle is one of the most coveted and popular of all of the Mickey Mantle baseball cards. It goes without saying that a Mickey Mantle card in mint condition will cost you more then mere pocket change. However, if you are really serious about the hobby and have the money to purchase one, then you should definitely do what you can to get it for your collection.
Mickey Mantle is one of the most revered of all of the New York Yankees and of all available Topps cards, the 1956 Topps 135 Mickey Mantle cards is one of the most important. This is in part because this year (1952) was one of Mantle’s best, professionally. He was voted the MVP that year and also was a Triple Crown winner.
This particular card in mint condition is worth a good deal of money. At its’ best, the colors will be vibrant, the edges sharp and it will have no blemishes. It can pretty difficult to find many of these cards in mint condition though there are definitely some available. eBay is a good place to begin.
If you plan on purchasing a Mickey Mantle baseball card be on the lookout for good deals. You should be prepared to spend a good deal of money. However, you may be able to save some money if you take your time, see what’s out there and compare prices, you may be able to avoid paying too much.
1949 Bowman 226 Duke Snider
Tedwin Donald Snider is his actual name but most baseball buffs know him as Duke Snider. In 1948 he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers and would become one of the team’s most popular members. He quickly made a name for himself as an extremely capable slugger.
The 1949 Duke Snider baseball card is one of the “high number” cards in the Bowman series. Consequently, they are a bit hard to come by. A Duke Snider card in mint condition can go for a couple thousand dollars. One of the best places to find a deal is online. Auction websites are a fantastic place to begin. If you check back on a regular basis, you might be able to stumble across some good deals. Make sure that you carefully consider the seller and their reputation. You want to make sure that you are dealing with a reputable and dependable individual.
A Duke Snider Topps card is good pick for a serious hobbyist. If you are able to find one of these, then consider getting it that is if it is of good quality. Remember, the Internet is a great place to look for Duke Snider baseball cards. However, don’t forget to do your research and look for cards in good condition.
1953 Bowman 114 Bob Feller
The 1953 Bowman 114 Bob Feller baseball card features one of the best ever pitchers who has ever played in the Major Baseball League (MLB). He entered the pros at only 17 while still a high school student. Also know as Rapid Robert, Feller, managed to strike out 17 batters in a single game and also holds the distinction of being one of less then a handful of pitchers who has managed to strike out the same number of players as his age.
Outside of baseball, Feller also spent some time in military service and became a decorated soldier. Bob Feller was the first professional baseball player (MLB) to join the military after Pearl Harbor. He was a member of the United States Navy for four years. During those years, he worked as a gun captain. In 1962, after Fellers baseball career was over, he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
The price of a Bob Feller card will differ based on where you purchase it and who you purchase it from. A Bob Feller baseball card could go for a few hundred dollars or more. Again, you will need to consider the quality of the card and its’ grade.
Baseball cards and trading cards have been a popular hobby for young children and today, even adults. It is a bit nostalgic to collect them and quite profitable if you are able to lay claim to baseball cards featuring stars from yesteryear. If you are interested in purchasing a 1953 Bowman 114 Bob Feller card, the Internet is a great place, with eBay potentially being an excellent source (if you do your homework).
1959 Topps 10 Mickey Mantle
Getting one’s hand on a 1959 Topps 10 Mickey Mantle would be some hobbyist’s dream, especially one who is a fan of the New York Yankee’s perrenial all-star. Inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974, anyone that knows anything about baseball knows who Mantle is. A Mickey Mantle baseball card (an authentic one) can demand a good deal of money. In most cases, purchasing one in good or excellent condition is relegated to those collectors that are extremely serious about the hobby, individuals in the business or those who have deep pockets.
A Mickey Mantle card, especially a Mickey Mantle topps card, is an extremely valuable commodity. If you are interested, look for Mickey Mantley cards that are in good condition. This means no or minimal tears, scratches or bent edges.
Mickey Mantle played 10 years in Major League Baseball. His entire career was spent with the baseball powerhouse, the New York Yankees. During that time, he was named the MVP of the American League and was voted to 16 All-Star teams. While with the Yankees, they won 12 pennants, and 7 World Championships. During those World Series, he hit 18 homers, 40 runs and was walked 43 times. Benyond baseball, Mickey Mantle was an Amercian icon and today a Mickey Mantle baseball card is one of the most coveted in the hobby.
1933 Goudey 149 Babe Ruth
Babe Ruth is one of the most celebrated and revered baseball players in the game’s history. Most collectors in the hobby covet his trading cards. Getting your hands on an authentic Babe Ruth trading card, especially one in pristine or even very good condition can be tough. If you are looking for at least a PSA NM 7, you will find it very difficult to nab. You will also need to be ready to play a mint for it. Babe Ruth’s cards (any grade) can be hard to come by.
The Internet is a great place to start to start your search. You drastically increase your reach by looking online. You don’t have to just settle for those card dealers near your home. If you don’t know where to start, consider eBay.
The 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth #149 baseball card is one of the most coveted cards featuring this great hitter. Other notable ones include the 1948 Leaf #3, 1935 Goudey, 1934 Goudey Sports Kings #2, 1932 U.S. Caramel #32 and the 1915 M101-5 Sporting News (Babe Ruth’s rookie card). The 1993 Goudey Babe Ruth card included in that years set included more then #149 but also #53, #144, #149 and #181. These are also in high demand, with #53 being the most highly regarded Babe Ruth Goudey in this set in many circles. However, many collectors would more then happy to have the 1933 Babe Ruth Goudey #149 or any of the others in this set. Any high quality Babe Ruth Goudey cards would sit well with any serous baseball card collector.
1941 Play Ball 71 Joe DiMaggio
The 1941 Play Ball #71 Joe DiMaggio baseball trading card is one of the most notable that feature the great baseball icon. If you are looking to get your hands on the best cards look for ones that have sharp corners, are clean and have been graded high. If you have spent any significant time in the hobby, you know that such cards (Joe DiMaggio cards especially) won’t come cheap. However, if you look in the right spots, you should be able to purchase one for a few thousand dollars.
1941 was a great year for Joe DiMaggio on the baseball field. He was voted MVP and set a record for hitting streaks that year with 56. This record has not yet been broken. All in all, this was one of the best, if not the best year for DiMaggio on the diamond. This is one reason why the Play Ball Joe DiMaggio card is so popular and sought after. This Joe DiMaggio card features one of the all-time greats in his prime. If you are looking to buy a Joe DiMaggio baseball card, eBay is a great place to look.
DiMaggio was born in 1914 in California. He went on win the MVP award 3 times and was an All-Star 13 times. He holds the distinction of being selected to participate in the All-Star game every year he was in the league. He is the only person to have ever accomplished this. Besides his work on the field, he is also well known for wedding the great beauty, Marilyn Monroe.
