Picked Up A Legend— Ted Signs For ‘59!

Mefer · September 23, 2019 12:46PM

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!

brad31 · September 23, 2019 12:51PM

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.

JoeBanzai · September 23, 2019 1:11PM

SWEET!

doubledragon · September 23, 2019 1:25PM

Nice pickup! Now you can rock n roll all night and party every day!

DBesse27 · September 23, 2019 1:59PM

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!

secretstash · September 23, 2019 2:04PM

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.

Mefer · September 23, 2019 2:15PM

@secretstash said:
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

Unknown · September 23, 2019 2:43PM

This content has been removed.

flatfoot816 · September 23, 2019 2:51PM

awesome card--congrats--and love Batman lurking

Mefer · September 23, 2019 5:14PM

@MLBdays said:
Saw Kiss perform Halloween night 2000 at Dodger Stadium when I lived in Santa Monica....1st time ever. Smashing Pumpkins opened for them and came out dressed like the Beatles ~ it was quite a show.... Paul Stanley flew all over the stadium on a cable above the crowd...... tremendous show ~ a show I've never forgotten .....

Great shot!!!! I was at that show as well. It was fantastic!

SDSportsFan · September 23, 2019 10:54PM

@secretstash said:
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.

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

jay0791 · September 24, 2019 3:55AM

Great iconic card.

I love the set also

AFLfan · September 24, 2019 10:27AM

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.

DBesse27 · September 24, 2019 10:32AM

Do it Todd! I have a complete set and it was a blast to complete. The cards are gorgeous.

Mefer · September 24, 2019 12:05PM

@AFLfan said:
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.

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

Mefer · September 24, 2019 12:07PM

@SDSportsFan said:

@secretstash said:
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.

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

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!

AFLfan · September 24, 2019 6:12PM

@Mefer said:

@AFLfan said:
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.

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

Ok, I bought my first two cards today. #12 and #52, both PSA 7s. I guess I'm on my way?

DBesse27 · September 24, 2019 6:23PM

@AFLfan said:

@Mefer said:

@AFLfan said:
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.

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

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!

brad31 · September 24, 2019 6:29PM

Congrats on starting the set. It really is cool - kind of like getting a biography in pictures of one of the all time greats.

AFLfan · September 25, 2019 10:00AM

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. ;-)

doubledragon · September 25, 2019 11:17AM

To watch Ted Williams at the plate is just a thing of beauty. He was a hitting genius.

JoeBanzai · September 25, 2019 11:56AM

He sure opened up his hips quickly!

brad31 · September 25, 2019 5:29PM

@JoeBanzai said:
He sure opened up his hips quickly!

Agree - makes sense why the shift was used on him.

Mefer · December 2, 2019 9:44PM

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).

brad31 · December 2, 2019 10:38PM

Congrats on getting close to the halfway point. It is a cool set and hope you keep posting your progress.

Picked Up A Legend— Ted Signs For ‘59!

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