when topps had no competion/imagination

celesterussell

hope we can discuss above and point out the benefits topps had with no competion in 1060's and 70's

for example, as we know many of the same pictures were used in 1968 and 1969, ken hubbs as dick ellsworth, (today there would have been a lawsuit over that one0 but look and see...

1969 sammy ellis - picture was actually taken in 1963, as he is photographed at the polo grounds

1969 billy cowan in in a met uniform, he played with them in 1964

1969 haller holding his glove so that you cant"see" that he is in a giants uniform.

1965 photo of Carl yaz's neck, same photo used in 1966 HR leaders card

the absolute ugly airbrushing of the 72's lookat rich mcKinney's card as well as others, so poorly done its embarassing.

Just as an aside the first player to appear on a card with the new expansion uniforms on wer:

Pilots- Jim Gosger
expos ty cline
royals dennis ribant
padres al ferrara

hope to have fun with this one

F1ferrari

I think Topps used the same photos for Hank Aaron in '54, '55 and '56. The Jackie Robinson head photo got used in 1955 and 1956. Brooks Robinsions 1963 and 1964 cards also have the same photo.

Lothar52

68 and 69 ernie banks...the same

Leiascards

There are still many cards that have the same photos used. I have seen a couple where the same photo was used by 2 or 3 different companies.

downtown

Topps repeated the image of Larry Haney from 1968 and 1969...but they reversed the image in the 69T card.

jskirwin

I saw a post recently that asked about the business and "behind the scenes" info on the making of these cards. I too would like to learn more about what it was like. After all we're talking about a business that targeted kids at a nickel and dime a pop.

That recycling of Haney's pic by flipping it is amazing. I can just hear the Topps editor: "Haney still playing? And no pic from this year? Just grab last year's and flip it. The little b***ards won't know the difference."

Buccaneer

Cards were made for kids and sold in 5- and 10-cent packs. I would have taken that over the cheap cardstock of the 70s or the expensive packs we've had the past 15-20 years.

TonyC

As mentioned, Topps is still reusing pictures. For instance, the cards of Phil Hughes and Julian Tavarez in 2008 Topps Series 1 feature the same pictures from their cards in 2007 Topps Updates and Highlights.

Allen

I think they should use the photos from the players MySpace page or from the tabloids. I cannot wait to be the first kid on the block to pull a Roger Clemens testimony card or an Alex Rodriguez playing high stakes poker in the backroom of a private club. This years football set will include Vick cheering on a dog fight and Tom Brady in a boot pictures, both recycled from last year.

gotsparks09

<< <i>I think they should use the photos from the players MySpace page or from the tabloids. I cannot wait to be the first kid on the block to pull a Roger Clemens testimony card or an Alex Rodriguez playing high stakes poker in the backroom of a private club. This years football set will include Vick cheering on a dog fight and Tom Brady in a boot pictures, both recycled from last year. >>



I'll take the Jessica Simpson GU panties card, please.

stown

<< <i>

<< <i>I think they should use the photos from the players MySpace page or from the tabloids. I cannot wait to be the first kid on the block to pull a Roger Clemens testimony card or an Alex Rodriguez playing high stakes poker in the backroom of a private club. This years football set will include Vick cheering on a dog fight and Tom Brady in a boot pictures, both recycled from last year. >>



I'll take the Jessica Simpson GU panties card, please. >>



Unwashed.

BobaFett72

if its unwashed, i hope you have had all your shots first.

Stone193

I know those sets - in some cases - could've been done better - I wish we had a true report of the total history of Topps and their product planning and evaluation before going to print.

They were still in the gum business back then - and produced quite a few different sets - most non-sport.

I just don't think the budget was there to be more creative - that's why some of the oddball inserts are more coveted and chased by veteran Topps collectors who - after finishing a complete Topps run look for the esoteric and truly scarce items.

One of our contributors - Bishop - collects some of the sweetest oddball Topps items on the planet.

That's why I like the Topps comic art that goes with the baseball cards.

63T Eddie Fisher




But, I do agree - using the same pics for a few years running and some being poor in quality makes me really like when they jumped eons up the ladder with the production of full bleed, UV coated cards in 1991 and actually 92F Ultra was my favorite.

Last - interestingly - since the cards got so photo-crystal-clear - both portraits and action shots - there was a move "back" to the simple poster-board appearance of the 50s cards - which became so popular in the retro-style of Topps Heritage. Go figure?

mike

celesterussell

true but i still do not know why the 68 astros have no emblem on their hats.

also i for got to mention the 1964 sadecki with the word "ass" behing him

nam812

1961 and 1962 Drysdale are the same photo too.

SidePocket

There's something cool about the tackiness of the older Topps cards, where they used the same photos 2 years running. Like the 63 and 64 Yaz. In an era of HD quality I like the imperfections of life "back in the day".

WinPitcher

Just as an aside the first player to appear on a card with the new expansion uniforms on wer:

Pilots- Jim Gosger
expos ty cline
royals dennis ribant
padres al ferrara


I think you are forgetting 1961 when the Angels and New washington Senators began play.

Steve

thenavarro

Some of y'all are incredible in being able to catch those details on cards. It's nice to see the passion of some card collectors. Makes you really appreciate the individual cards of BOTH the stars and lesser players, and I believe much more intrinsic satisfaction then just busting a brand new case and submitting 20 of the same card for grading, without even examining them and reading them. I always enjoyed when I was growing up reading all the stats on the cards. I was a statistics junkie and I think that helped lead to my career choice. CPA.

Take care,

mike

celesterussell

merant the 1969 set, in 1961 topps was to cheap to at least to show the uniforms they just had the old uniforms with the new team name.

ALSO lets not forget the hairy armpit of Gil Hodges in 1969.

and the fact that in 1969 jeese gonder is shown in amets unifom as a padre EVEN though he was never on the roster or in their spring training camp.

in 1972 nl era leaders, dave roberts is actually Dan Coombs.......

TJMAC

Here are some others: 1966 Topps Mays is the same as the 1969. The 69 is just a closeup. The 61 and 62 Drysdale and 63 and 64 Drysdale are the same. 1966 and 1969 Al Kaline are different, but they appear to be shot on the same day. 1968 and 1969 Aaron are the same.

It is also funny how close the 1966 and 1968 Mantle resemble each other.

RipublicaninMass

I think 55 and 56 Duke Snider too

perkdog

<< <i>I think 55 and 56 Duke Snider too >>



I think all the 55 and 56 stars are the same pics

nam812

<< <i>ALSO lets not forget the hairy armpit of Gil Hodges in 1969. >>


I don't see the hairy armpit that you spoke about.

WinPitcher

merant the 1969 set, in 1961 topps was to cheap to at least to show the uniforms they just had the old uniforms with the new team name.


ok, how about the 62 set with the Mets and Astro's? surely some of those cards must show expansions first?

Steve

WinPitcher

t is also funny how close the 1966 and 1968 Mantle resemble each other.


I think the 69 is also from that batch.

As for hodges, are you thinking ted klusweski and the 59 set?


Steve

celesterussell

meant 1959 hodges

nam812

You're thinking of the 1957 Kluszewski. Armpit yes, but not hairy.

WinPitcher

I don't recall the 59 Hodges.

maybe someone can post it?

Steve

nam812

Not exactly a hairy armpit, and no worse than the 1957 Kluszewski in my opinion.

celesterussell

at least ted klu took a shower, it seems that gil hadn't taken one that week, the uni needs to be washed

fur72

I know Whitey Ford had the same pose in 2 or 3 years but I dont have the cards handy at the moment.

What I find strange is I read an article on 2004 and 2005 Topps Alll Time Fan Favorites and all the pics in the collection were never used before and actually said they could have had teh ATFF brand run for a good 4 to 5 years without running out of new pics.

nam812

<< <i>at least ted klu took a shower, it seems that gil hadn't taken one that week..... >>



I don't see how that statement can be backed up factually.

celesterussell

are you an accountant, seem very exacting,

not trying to be a wise guy, just having some fun by pointing out card "defects'

nam812

I'm a numbers guy, but not an accountant. Pointing out interesting things about cards is cool, but saying that Gil Hodges needed a shower seems a little juvenile.

celesterussell

Alfred Hitch... to Kim Novak in Vertigo...

Relax Kim, its just a movie.......

today

Relax, its only a baseball card....

nam812

You're absolutely right, it's just a baseball card. I should definitely relax. (sitting back in my comfy chair and breathing deeply in and out) OK, now im fully relaxed. I gotta say, even thinking about it in this relaxed state, it still seems juvenile.

ICE9

Don't forget Claude leaving his zipper down two years in a row ('66 and '67):





and Billy flipping everyone off in '72



Mike