Picked Up A Legend— Ted Signs For ‘59!
Mefer
Posts: 1,156 ✭✭✭
Like many of you, I’ve collected baseball cards since what seems like the dawn of time (actually started in 1978). Growing up, one of the fascinating cards was the 59 Fleer Ted Williams “Ted Signs for 59.” As a boy, it was much talked about and it became one of those “wouldn’t it be cool to own one” thoughts.
Fast forward decades later and a few years ago, I pick up some nice raw 59 Fleer Williams cards. I get them graded and hit a few 9s. Recently, I started thinking “well I already have a good start on this set, might as well start it.” My goal was an 8 set with thoughts of picking up a “Signs in 59” card sat down the road in a low level collector grade.
Fast forward after that and I see one for sale that seems to be a reasonable price on eBay. I bid and win! It’s now in hand:
Centering is gorgeous and I am stoked as I never thought I would own one. I wish my grandfather was still alive as he would have been the first one I shared this with.
I’m still smiling!
Comments
Awesome card! Really nice centering and corners. Congrats! I have always loved the story about Ted signs and the ‘54 Bowman SP. I have not added either yet to my collection but hope to someday. Agree on always taking notice when I saw one at a card show growing up.
SWEET!
Nice pickup! Now you can rock n roll all night and party every day!
Wow, congrats man! That card was a whale for me too for a few years until I finally landed a PSA Authentic. Yours is truly gorgeous! Congrats of the highest order!
Yaz Master Set
#1 Gino Cappelletti master set
#1 John Hannah master set
Also collecting Andre Tippett, Patriots Greats' RCs, Dwight Evans, 1964 Venezuelan Topps, 1974 Topps Red Sox
What is the story with card #68, Ted Signs for 1959?
Pop report on PSA does not exemplify from the data that it would be rare at all, as there are double the examples graded as other cards in the set.
As I understand, it was pulled from the production run as there was a contract dispute related to Ted's 59 contract (suggesting, of course, that perhaps Ted really did not sign in '59). I understand that once it was pulled, it never made it back into the packs.
I too was surprised by the population report; thought it would be a bit more scarce given the above. However, I suspect the number graded may also be high as it is the key card of the set. Many of the commons may not even be graded. All in all, it is one of those cards that gained a legendary status throughout the years!
Matt
awesome card--congrats--and love Batman lurking
Great shot!!!! I was at that show as well. It was fantastic!
The link below is to a story by Rich Mueller in 2012, that talks about the card.
Evidently, it was pulled due to Bucky Harris being on the card, as he was under contract with Topps at the time.
https://www.sportscollectorsdaily.com/fleer-tried-to-appease-collectors-looking-for-1959-ted-williams-card-68/
Steve
Great iconic card.
I love the set also
1948-76 Topps FB Sets
FB & BB HOF Player sets
1948-1993 NY Yankee Team Sets
Great card, congrats!
The idea of building this set has been lingering in my mind for a while. It's totally outside of the scope of my entire collection, but I find it really neat. And being a native San Diegan, there is the added coolness factor of Ted having grown up here as well.
Do it Todd! I have a complete set and it was a blast to complete. The cards are gorgeous.
Yaz Master Set
#1 Gino Cappelletti master set
#1 John Hannah master set
Also collecting Andre Tippett, Patriots Greats' RCs, Dwight Evans, 1964 Venezuelan Topps, 1974 Topps Red Sox
Todd--
Well, if it helps sway you:
1. I am not a Red Sox fan.
2. I have no ties to Boston.
3. I do not live in San Diego
Despite the above, I fell into this set. Ted of course is one of the legends of the sport and he knew the importance of OBP before anyone else.
With the "beast" of the set done, the balance should be relatively easy. I would, however, like to find Card #11 (Ted and the Beast, Jimmie Foxx) in a 9 for my set as Jimmie Foxx is one of my all time favorite players.
Do it, do it!
Matt
Thanks for sharing! I always thought it had to do with Ted having a contract issue. Regardless, the card has obtained mythical proportions over the years and I am glad to have one!
Ok, I bought my first two cards today. #12 and #52, both PSA 7s. I guess I'm on my way?
Glad to hear it!
Yaz Master Set
#1 Gino Cappelletti master set
#1 John Hannah master set
Also collecting Andre Tippett, Patriots Greats' RCs, Dwight Evans, 1964 Venezuelan Topps, 1974 Topps Red Sox
Congrats on starting the set. It really is cool - kind of like getting a biography in pictures of one of the all time greats.
And I just picked up two more PSA 7s... Cards #8 and #32. They're gorgeous. Thank you for sparking my interest, although my wife probably isn't as fond of your suggestions as I am. ;-)
To watch Ted Williams at the plate is just a thing of beauty. He was a hitting genius.
He sure opened up his hips quickly!
Agree - makes sense why the shift was used on him.
UPDATE-- So I have about 12 more singles coming my way. After I get and post those, I will have almost half the set. This escalated quickly.... (shakes fist at PSA).
Congrats on getting close to the halfway point. It is a cool set and hope you keep posting your progress.