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My Topps Cardinals Autograph Collection (1966 - 2002 Topps totally complete!)

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  • frankhardyfrankhardy Posts: 8,044 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 28, 2018 8:40AM

    Just received a 1954 Topps Wilmer Mizell this week. Mr Mizell passed away in 1999. I now only need 3 cards to complete a signed 1954 Topps Cardinals Team Set (Steve Bilko d. 1978, Bill Sarni d. 1983, and Mike Ryba d. 1971). Those will be very, very tough to get.

    This raises the total to 1,178.

    Cardinals_Autographs_372

    Shane

  • frankhardyfrankhardy Posts: 8,044 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 28, 2018 8:40AM

    I recently picked up a 1955 Topps Rip Repulski . Of course, I will have to bust it out to go in my album. Mr Repulski passed away in 1993.

    This raises the total to 1,179.

    Cardinals_Autographs_373

    Shane

  • frankhardyfrankhardy Posts: 8,044 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 28, 2018 8:40AM

    Just picked up this 1956 Topps Walker Cooper. Mr Cooper passed away in 1991.

    This raises the total to 1,180.

    Cardinals_Autographs_374

    Shane

  • frankhardyfrankhardy Posts: 8,044 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 28, 2018 8:40AM

    Here is a tough signature. This is a 1956 Topps Ken Boyer. This is his second year card. Mr Boyer passed away in 1982.

    This makes the total jump to 1,181.

    Cardinals_Autographs_375

    Shane

  • BLUEJAYWAYBLUEJAYWAY Posts: 7,940 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Well done.

    Successful transactions:Tookybandit. "Everyone is equal, some are more equal than others".
  • frankhardyfrankhardy Posts: 8,044 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 28, 2018 8:40AM

    Recently added a 1960 Topps Carl Sawatski. Mr Sawatski passed away in 1991. I now only need a Curt Flood, Coaches card, and a Mantle/Boyer card to have a complete 1960 Topps signed Cardinals team set.

    This increases the total to 1,182.

    Cardinals_Autographs_376

    Shane

  • frankhardyfrankhardy Posts: 8,044 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 28, 2018 8:41AM

    I am posting this card even though it is a duplicate. This keeps the total at 1,182.

    Here is a link to the original story about my 1967 Topps Ed Spiezio rare variation.

    https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/991181/treasure-hidden-in-plain-sight#latest

    For those that don't want to click the link, here is what I posted.


    First of all, I need to give a little bit of background. For those that don't know, I am mainly a St Louis Cardinals collector. My Cardinals team sets are the main part of my collection. As a secondary part of my Cardinals collection, I collect Cardinals autographs on regular Topps cards. I am not talking about modern signed cards that you get out of packs, but the real thing... "on card" signatures on regular Topps cards....no reprints either. I have a thread where you can view all of my signed Cardinals cards.

    Now, back to my non-signed team sets. My team sets are fairly extensive. I have 23 albums full of team sets from 1948 to present. I started out in 2002 just wanting to get all of the main Topps sets. I quickly branched out to Bowman, Fleer, Donruss, Upper Deck, etc for modern cards, and Post, Jello, Kellogg's, Exhibits, Red Man, Hostess, etc for vintage.

    Then, I started the really hard part.....Topps Test Issues and miscellaneous inserts. Some are very easy like 1969 Topps Deckle Edge and 1965 Topps Embossed. Some are moderately difficult like 1974 Topps Deckle Edge and 1969 Topps 4-in-1. Then, some are very, very difficult like 1967 and 1968 Topps Discs, 1970 and 1972 Topps Candy Lids, 1968 Topps Plaks, etc. Then, some are almost impossible like 1955 Topps Hocus Focus, 1998 Topps Sportzcubz (both of which I have been able to accomplish). Then again, some ARE impossible like 1961 Topps Dice Game (which I don't have and don't ever foresee having).

    That is the background. Now the reason for this thread....

    A couple of months ago, I began to go after regular Topps cards that have variations. I have kept up with the modern gimmick variations like the SP and SSP photo variations that Topps have done over the past few years. But I decided to go back and try to get all of them back to 1952. Since I have a resource from an expert Cardinals collector, I knew every thing I was going after. So far, I am up to date (I think) back to 1960.

    One of the most expensive variations that I needed to get for my Cardinals team sets was a 1967 Topps Ed Spiezio that has the "pie" missing at the top. It is listed in the SCD Catalog. I began to look at those on Ebay, and even though it only books for $75 in the SCD, they are going anywhere from $300 to $700....OUCH! So, I just decided to be on the lookout for one and be patient. So one day recently I was going through my autograph collection and I noticed something that made my heart skip a beat! I thought to my self...."Am I seeing things?"

    When I saw my autographed 1967 Topps Spiezio, I thought...."I must have this thing wrong....It must be the other one that is rare...not this one." But sure enough, I discovered that my autographed Ed Spiezio is the rare variation missing the "pie". So, I immediately began searching for a signed replacement for my autograph collection. After searching for about a month, I now have one. I paid $21 for it. Now, even though it is autographed, I can put my rare variation in my Cardinals team set collection, and the common card in the autograph collection.

    Here they are side by side. The one on the left is worth about $20. The one on the right is worth about $300 to $500 (if you don't deduct for the signature).

    83_Spiezio


    Here it is by itself. This keeps the total at 1,182.

    Cardinals_Autographs_377

    Shane

  • frankhardyfrankhardy Posts: 8,044 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 28, 2018 8:41AM

    I have been focusing more and more on 1950's cards that I am missing. I have added these 3 recently.

    1957 Topps Walker Cooper - Mr Cooper passed away in 1991, which makes his signature harder and harder to come by.

    1957 Topps Don Blasingame - Mr Blasingame passed away in 2005.

    1957 Topps Chuck Harmon - Mr Harmon is a very interesting person. At the age of 93, he is the oldest living black player to play in the major leagues. He played from 1954 - 1957. He also played professional basketball. He was the last player cut on the 1950-51 Boston Celtics. He finished that year as a player coach in the American Basketball League.

    These three increases the total to 1,185.

    Cardinals_Autographs_378

    Shane

  • BLUEJAYWAYBLUEJAYWAY Posts: 7,940 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited January 3, 2018 8:22PM

    As a Cardinal fan always enjoy seeing your additions. I really only concern myself with pre- Mgr.LaRussa Cardinal players.

    Successful transactions:Tookybandit. "Everyone is equal, some are more equal than others".
  • rounding3rdrounding3rd Posts: 287 ✭✭✭

    This thread is amazing! I just went and looked through all of it! As a fellow Cardinals fan, I really enjoyed it. I am working on a HOF autograph set, but have not considered getting any TTM myself...have been buying them graded off EBay mostly.

    Look forward to seeing your progress!

    -Michael

    Working on Baseball HOF Autograph Set Registry
  • LarkinCollectorLarkinCollector Posts: 8,975 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @frankhardy said:
    1957 Topps Church Harmon - Mr Harmon is a very interesting person. At the age of 93, he is the oldest living black player to play in the major leagues. He played from 1954 - 1957. He also played professional basketball. He was the last player cut on the 1950-51 Boston Celtics. He finished that year as a player coach in the American Basketball League.

    Very cool! I've got a run of his cards in a Reds uni, inspired by the book "First Black Red". Highly recommended read even for a Cards fan ;) I've considered expanding to his other cards as well since I think there's only two others.

  • DboneesqDboneesq Posts: 18,220 ✭✭

    Shane ... very impressive thread. I always enjoy seeing your new additions. Best of luck. BTW ... great find on the Spiezio!

    STAY HEALTHY!

    Doug

    Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
  • frankhardyfrankhardy Posts: 8,044 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 28, 2018 8:42AM

    Thanks for looking and the comments, guys.

    I have 3 more to add from the 1960's. First, I have a 1961 Topps Don Landrum. Mr Landrum passed away in 2003.

    After that, I have added a couple of really nice ones from 1968 - a 1968 Topps Steve Carlton and a 1968 Topps All Star Tim McCarver.

    These 3 brings the total to 1,188.

    Cardinals_Autographs_379

    Cardinals_Autographs_380

    Shane

  • frankhardyfrankhardy Posts: 8,044 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 28, 2018 8:42AM

    I have added a couple of more to my collection. I forgot to scan these before I busted them out. For those that don't know, I always bust them out to put in my albums. I always insert the flip behind the card in the page. The flaws on the flip are from the screwdriver when busting them out.

    First up is a 1957 Topps Hoyt Wilhem. Mr Wilhem passed away in 2002.

    Finally, we have a 1959 Topps Stan Musial. The great Stan The Man passed away in 2013. I now have all of Stan Musial's basic Topps cards signed, which includes 1958 All Star, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, and 1963.

    This increases the total to 1,190.

    Cardinals_Autographs_381

    Cardinals_Autographs_382

    Shane

  • frankhardyfrankhardy Posts: 8,044 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 28, 2018 8:43AM

    I have added 2 more 1956 Topps to my collection. I now only need 2 really tough ones to complete the team set.

    1956 Topps Larry Jackson. Mr Jackson passed away in 1990.

    1956 Topps Rip Repulski. Mr Repulski passed away in 1993.

    This increases the total to 1,192.

    Cardinals_Autographs_383

    Shane

  • frankhardyfrankhardy Posts: 8,044 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I just discovered an error in my totals. Back on 8/1/14, I sold my 1968 Topps Maris Signed card. I can't believe I did that. I sold it for $480. I think I needed the money pretty bad and had to sell it. I just forgot to update the totals. As of right now, I am not going to go back and edit every post. I am just going to carry on with the right total from here.

    This makes the total 1,191.

    Shane

  • frankhardyfrankhardy Posts: 8,044 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 28, 2018 8:43AM

    I just added a 1958 Topps Wilmer Mizell. Congressman Mizell passed away in 1999.

    The total is now 1,192.

    Cardinals_Autographs_384

    Shane

  • frankhardyfrankhardy Posts: 8,044 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 28, 2018 8:44AM

    I just added today a 1957 Topps Murry Dickson. Mr Dickson passed away in 1989.

    This increases the total to 1,193.

    Cardinals_Autographs_385

    Shane

  • frankhardyfrankhardy Posts: 8,044 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 28, 2018 8:44AM

    Next up is a 1957 Topps Jim Davis. Mr Davis is one of the few pitchers in history to record 4 strikeouts in one innning. Mr Davis passed away in 1995.

    This increases the total to 1,194.

    Cardinals_Autographs_386

    Shane

  • Stone193Stone193 Posts: 24,351 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Mr Davis is one of the few pitchers in history to record 4 strikeouts in one innning

    Thanx for sharing Shane.

    This is an excellent thread to follow.

    I enjoy the bits of history too - have never heard about 4 SO's in 1 inning - wonder if anyone has more?

    Mike
  • bishopbishop Posts: 2,917 ✭✭✭
    edited January 20, 2018 3:18PM

    Great ongoing thread Shane

    James Reeves + Kevin Schwaab 5 in a minor league game, which was one more that the runs they allowed that inning

    Topps Baseball-1948, 1951 to 2017
    Bowman Baseball -1948-1955
    Fleer Baseball-1923, 1959-2007

    Al
  • frankhardyfrankhardy Posts: 8,044 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 28, 2018 8:44AM

    Here is a little baseball trivia for everyone......From 1949 - 1957, what NL player had more RBI's not named Stan Musial? Here is a hint.....his 1958 Topps signed card is posted below.

    Del Ennis was a much better player than I ever knew. He was a 3 time All Star and came in the top 20 in the NL MVP voting 7 times. Mr Ennis passed away in 1996 at the age of 70.

    This makes the total rise to 1,195.

    Cardinals_Autographs_387

    Shane

  • frankhardyfrankhardy Posts: 8,044 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 28, 2018 8:45AM

    I just added my oldest autographed Topps card in my collection (or, at least an autograph of someone who died the earliest).

    1952 Topps Al Brazle. Mr Brazle passed away in 1973 (2 years before I was born). In 1954, at the age of 40, he was the oldest player to appear in a National League game that season.

    This increases the total to 1,196.

    Cardinals_Autographs_388

    Shane

  • mrmoparmrmopar Posts: 1,030 ✭✭✭✭

    Wow, you have almost 1200 autographs and the longest deceased person was only 1973? I guess that is not 1200 unique players, but 1200 unique cards?

    I collect Steve Garvey, Dodgers and signed cards. Collector since 1978.
  • divecchiadivecchia Posts: 6,525 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Shane,

    That is an incredible run of autos!!! Thanks for scanning and sharing them.

    Donato

    Hobbyist & Collector (not an investor).
    Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set

    Successful transactions: Shrub68 (Jim), MWallace (Mike)
  • frankhardyfrankhardy Posts: 8,044 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited January 29, 2018 3:39PM

    @mrmopar said:
    Wow, you have almost 1200 autographs and the longest deceased person was only 1973? I guess that is not 1200 unique players, but 1200 unique cards?

    The count is for the number of autographs on Topps cards. If there are 3 autographs on 1 card, like a rookie card or team card, that counts as 3. If I have 8 different cards signed by Stan Musial, that counts for 8.

    As for the earliest deceased.... Seeing as that I am fairly sure 1967 is the earliest possible (Johnny Keane)... and there are only a handful earlier than 1973.....and that any signed card by a person that died even as late as the early 1980s is fairly tough, this Brazle is a prize!

    Shane

  • frankhardyfrankhardy Posts: 8,044 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 28, 2018 8:45AM

    Just added a 1959 Topps Alex Kellner to my collection. Mr Kellner passed away in 1996. He won 20 games as a rookie pitcher in 1949. He also had a brother, Walt, as a teammate in 1952 and 1953.

    This increases the total to 1,197.

    Cardinals_Autographs_389

    Shane

  • frankhardyfrankhardy Posts: 8,044 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 28, 2018 8:46AM

    This next one is one of the biggest deals of my collection. Presenting a signed 1955 Topps Ken Boyer RC. Mr Boyer passed away in 1982. He won the 1964 National League MVP.

    This increases the total to 1,198.

    Cardinals_Autographs_390

    Shane

  • BLUEJAYWAYBLUEJAYWAY Posts: 7,940 ✭✭✭✭✭

    As always, I like seeing your collection additions. Also like the tidbits of info. you add about the player.

    Successful transactions:Tookybandit. "Everyone is equal, some are more equal than others".
  • frankhardyfrankhardy Posts: 8,044 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 28, 2018 8:46AM

    Here is a nice one - a 1959 Topps Stan Musial Baseball Thrills. He is no stranger to baseball fans. I much prefer these ink pen signatures to Sharpies. One of the more interesting facts about the stellar career of Stan Musial (just in case you didn't know)....he had the exact same amount of base hits and the road as he did at home (1,815).

    I also love this story....one time at spring training a reporter asked Mr Musial why he was always smiling. Without missing a beat he said, "It's real easy to smile knowing you are going to hit .330 every year!" To me, that wasn't cocky....that was just confidence!

    This increases the total to 1,199.

    Cardinals_Autographs_391

    Shane

  • baseballfanbaseballfan Posts: 5,450 ✭✭✭

    always nice to pick up a Musial, congrats

    its not cocky if you back it up and he did, what a hitter

    Fred

    collecting RAW Topps baseball cards 1952 Highs to 1972. looking for collector grade (somewhere between psa 4-7 condition). let me know what you have, I'll take it, I want to finish sets, I must have something you can use for trade.

    looking for Topps 71-72 hi's-62-53-54-55-59, I have these sets started

  • frankhardyfrankhardy Posts: 8,044 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 28, 2018 8:48AM

    Here is a tough one that I added recently - a 1958 Topps Phil Paine. Mr Paine passed away in 1978 at the young age of 47 from a brain tumor.

    From wikipedia - He pitched all or part of six seasons between 1951 and 1958. In 1953, while serving in the military, Paine pitched in nine games for the Nishitetsu Lions, becoming the first former major leaguer to play in Nippon Professional Baseball.

    This one increases the total to 1,200.

    Cardinals_Autographs_392

    Shane

  • BLUEJAYWAYBLUEJAYWAY Posts: 7,940 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Great additions to your collection.

    Successful transactions:Tookybandit. "Everyone is equal, some are more equal than others".
  • frankhardyfrankhardy Posts: 8,044 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 28, 2018 8:48AM

    No introduction needed here. This is a 1968 Topps All Star Bob Gibson.

    This one raises the total to 1,201.

    Cardinals_Autographs_393

    Shane

  • baseballfanbaseballfan Posts: 5,450 ✭✭✭

    Gibby sighting

    NICE

    Fred

    collecting RAW Topps baseball cards 1952 Highs to 1972. looking for collector grade (somewhere between psa 4-7 condition). let me know what you have, I'll take it, I want to finish sets, I must have something you can use for trade.

    looking for Topps 71-72 hi's-62-53-54-55-59, I have these sets started

  • BrickBrick Posts: 4,923 ✭✭✭✭✭

    One of my favorite threads. Refreshing to see signatures you can read.

    Collecting 1960 Topps Baseball in PSA 8
    http://www.unisquare.com/store/brick/

    Ralph

  • frankhardyfrankhardy Posts: 8,044 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 28, 2018 8:48AM

    Just got another big one. Here is a 1964 Topps Ken Boyer signed. Mr Boyer passed away in 1982. He was the NL MVP in 1964. The 5 time gold glove winner at 3rd base was an All Star for 7 seasons. Interestingly enough, he played in 11 All Star games. How was this possible? Because MLB held 2 all star games per season from 1959 to 1962.

    I was very pleased to pick this one up.

    This raises the total to 1,202.

    Cardinals_Autographs_394

    Shane

  • baseballfanbaseballfan Posts: 5,450 ✭✭✭

    don't know if you need it but there is a signed 65 topps dick groat on kevin savage auctions 2/21

    Fred

    collecting RAW Topps baseball cards 1952 Highs to 1972. looking for collector grade (somewhere between psa 4-7 condition). let me know what you have, I'll take it, I want to finish sets, I must have something you can use for trade.

    looking for Topps 71-72 hi's-62-53-54-55-59, I have these sets started

  • frankhardyfrankhardy Posts: 8,044 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited February 16, 2018 8:28AM

    @baseballfan said:
    don't know if you need it but there is a signed 65 topps dick groat on kevin savage auctions 2/21

    Got it already. Thanks anyway.

    Shane

  • frankhardyfrankhardy Posts: 8,044 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 28, 2018 8:49AM

    This post is a little bit different. I am posting a duplicate that I am using as a replacement.

    I also was able to acquire a 2nd 1956 Topps Joe Frazier. My original was signed in very light marker. The replacement below is in bold Sharpie.

    The count stays at 1,202.

    Cardinals_Autographs_403

    Shane

  • frankhardyfrankhardy Posts: 8,044 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 28, 2018 8:49AM

    These 2 additions came recently. This is a 1962 Topps Lindy McDaniel and a 1962 Topps Redbird Rippers signed by Lindy McDaniel. He was an All Star in 1960. Interestingly, he led the league in saves in 1959, 1960, and 1963 with what are considered very low totals by today's standards (15, 26, and 22).

    These 2 increases the total to 1,204.

    Cardinals_Autographs_396

    Shane

  • frankhardyfrankhardy Posts: 8,044 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited May 31, 2020 5:09PM

    To me, this card is a very iconic card. I was able to recently acquire this 1968 Topps Bob Gibson. This was the years the Gibson won the Cy Young award and the MVP in the National League. He led the majors with an insane 1.12 ERA.

    This one is authenticated by JSA with a sticker on the back.

    This raises the total to 1,205.

    Cardinals_Autographs_397

    Shane

  • frankhardyfrankhardy Posts: 8,044 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 28, 2018 8:50AM

    This 1959 Topps Larry Jackson was added recently. Mr Jackson passed away in 1990. Here is an interesting tidbit....Jackson's 194 career NL victories are the most in the league since 1900 by any right-hander who never played for a first-place team.

    This increases the total to 1,206.

    Cardinals_Autographs_398

    Shane

  • frankhardyfrankhardy Posts: 8,044 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 28, 2018 8:50AM

    Up next is a 1962 Topps Tim McCarver rookie card. For some reason, many people did not like the announcer combo of Joe Buck and Tim McCarver. I actually did like them announcing games. McCarver has a lot of knowledge to offer. He now does games on Fox Sports Midwest for the Cardinals and does a fine job. I didn't realize until recently that he was born in Memphis, TN, which is just a couple of hours south of me here in western KY.

    This raises the total to 1,207.

    Cardinals_Autographs_399

    Shane

  • frankhardyfrankhardy Posts: 8,044 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 28, 2018 8:50AM

    I searched for this card for a long time and finally found one.....a 1960 Topps Curt Flood. This one is important because it is the last regular card needed for a signed 1960 Topps team set. I still need a coaches card and a Mantle/Boyer signed to be totally complete. Curt Flood passed away in 1997, so his signed cards get kind of pricey.

    This increases the total to 1,208.

    Cardinals_Autographs_400

    Shane

  • frankhardyfrankhardy Posts: 8,044 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 28, 2018 8:51AM

    Up next is a 1962 Topps Stan Musial Plays In 21st Season.

    This addition increases the total to 1,209.

    Cardinals_Autographs_401

    Shane

  • frankhardyfrankhardy Posts: 8,044 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 28, 2018 8:51AM

    I've been on a little bit of an autograph buying spree lately. The next 6 cards were purchased from Mickeys' Sportscards out of Arizona. He has several hundred autographed Topps cards and is very reliable. Here they are......

    1959 Topps Curt Flood (d. 1997)
    1959 Topps Don Blasingame (d. 2005)
    1959 Topps Lee Tate (high number....still living)
    1959 Topps Howie Nunn (high number) (d. 2012)
    1961 Topps Gene Oliver (d. 2007)
    1962 Topps Carl Sawatski (d. 1991)

    These 6 cards raises the total to 1,215.

    Cardinals_Autographs_404

    Cardinals_Autographs_405

    Cardinals_Autographs_406

    Cardinals_Autographs_407

    Cardinals_Autographs_408

    Cardinals_Autographs_409

    Shane

  • cpamikecpamike Posts: 5,561 ✭✭✭

    Well done Shane. Congrats!!

    "The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
    But I have promises to keep,
    And miles to go before I sleep,
    And miles to go before I sleep."

    "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."

    Collecting:
    Any unopened Baseball cello and rack packs and boxes from the 1970's and early 1980s.
  • baseballfanbaseballfan Posts: 5,450 ✭✭✭

    Great stuff

    Fred

    collecting RAW Topps baseball cards 1952 Highs to 1972. looking for collector grade (somewhere between psa 4-7 condition). let me know what you have, I'll take it, I want to finish sets, I must have something you can use for trade.

    looking for Topps 71-72 hi's-62-53-54-55-59, I have these sets started

  • BLUEJAYWAYBLUEJAYWAY Posts: 7,940 ✭✭✭✭✭

    As always, enjoy seeing your latest additions to the "Cardinal Clan".

    Successful transactions:Tookybandit. "Everyone is equal, some are more equal than others".
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