Most Desirable Ted Williams Card

MattyC · August 13, 2012 12:41PM

So I'm looking to represent Ted Williams in my collection, and trying to decide which single card to target of the following: his 1939 RC, the 1954 Franks, the 1954 Bowman, 48 Leaf, or the 1941 Playball. Each has its own aesthetic pros, significance within the hobby, and holds its value well, but since I'm far from an expert on his cards I was curious as to others' opinions/insights. Thanks as always. I've been reading more about the man and getting deeper into his stats, and man are they impressive. Makes me feel way overdue to have one of his cards.

Of course if there is another I am sleeping on beyond those mentioned, feel free to let me know.

hookem · August 13, 2012 12:40PM

My vote is 39 Playball. Classic RC & great pose

bobbyw8469 · August 13, 2012 12:48PM

Don't forget the 1959 Ted Signs card. His Doubleheader card, and Red Man tobacco card are also frequently overlooked....

MattyC · August 13, 2012 12:50PM

Just noticed the 50 and 51 Bowmans are so nice also.

Going to be tough to settle on one card for this guy, but determined to stay on budget.

bobbyw8469 · August 13, 2012 12:53PM

My personal favorite is the 1956 Topps. The 1954 Topps first and last card are really nice as well.

handyman · August 13, 2012 12:55PM

I like a high grade 1954 bowman

jwgators · August 13, 2012 12:57PM

I like the looks of the Wilson Franks personally.

Maurice · August 13, 2012 1:00PM

My favorite is the Wilson Franks card. Love the floating hot dogs.

The Red Man is a great card, and in my opinion gives the best bang for your bucks.

MattyC · August 13, 2012 1:10PM

That swing pictured on the Franks card is so money, and the card is a seminal regional issue. The RC of course is great because of its being his one true RC. The '41 has the .406 season to it. And then that 54 Bowman is another great looking card and has the whole story to it. Hence the toss up. I love that red 48 Leaf just because it pops to the eye so well, but I'd admit it lacks the historical significance some of those others do.

I can see that it's a fun and interesting dilemma to settle on just one Williams card (or even two!), as say opposed to other guys. Take Mantle: he has the famous 52T and the one true 51 Bowman RC, which would probably be most people's first two picks to represent him in a collection. Then there is of course the '56 that commemorates his triple crown year, and beyond that it's somewhat of an open debate among several issues.

Even for most other major players there are one or two cards that clearly tower over the rest of their issues. I had a similarly tough time with Gehrig, and in the end just went for my favorite looking one (and will probably cave over time and get the two others of his that I love). But for Williams I can only slot one card.

I'm not familiar with the Red Man; will have to look into that one for sure.

thenavarro · August 13, 2012 1:36PM

While you are looking for your Williams, if you happen to see a signed 54 Bowman available I'd appreciate a heads up

Mike

onebamafan · August 13, 2012 10:35PM

Wow! This is a tuff question, i owned 1954-58 topps, i then ended up selling them to buy the '39 playball RC. I liked all of them really, the Bowman are neat as well the '54 Bowman really garners a lot of extra attention with Williams. Bottom line, it really is a personal choice, the '55 and '56 classic looks are hard to beat IMO.

scmavl · August 13, 2012 11:20PM

I've always thought his '57 Topps was a great card, as well as his '51 Bowman.

WeekendHacker · August 14, 2012 12:38AM

This one is high on my list:

bxb · August 14, 2012 12:57AM

My favorite, while certainly not the rarest or most valuable, is the 1959 Fleer #17 how Ted hit .400. Beautiful portrait of the young Ted in his prime.

Probstein123 · August 14, 2012 1:23AM

Wilson Franks

scooter729 · August 14, 2012 2:45AM

My favorite Teddy Ballgame from my collection (crappy scan is all I have at work) - T/B centering is about 80/20, L/R looks solid.

I was going to get this re-slabbed with an updated flip, but a few guys from here at the National at the Net54 dinner said it looks great just as it is, so I am leaving it just like you see it!

JoeBanzai · August 14, 2012 2:57AM

Great thread on a great hitter!

1939 Play Ball
1939-46 "Salutation" Exhibit
1954 Wilson Franks
1954 Topps #1
1971 Topps (GREAT SMILE)

If I had unlimited funds the rookie Play Ball is the way I would go. Other than that I am torn between the 2 1954 issues.

Joe

Morgoth · August 14, 2012 3:08AM

1. 1954 Wilson Franks
2. 1954 Bowman
3. 1941 Play Ball
4. 1955 Topps
5. 1948 Leaf

MattyC · August 14, 2012 3:12AM

Seems like I'll be choosing between the Franks and the RC, with the 54B a close runner up. Now it's up to the card gods to throw a perfectly centered eye appealing example my way! Definitely a fun topic to discuss.