Mantle Bowman 1951 or Jackie Robinson Leaf 1949

teachervido · May 23, 2008 2:01PM

I would like to pick one of these cards up but I'm not sure which one.

A Jackie Robinson PSA 6 or 7 Leaf 1949

or

A Mickey Mantle PSA 3 or 4 Bowman 1951

Gonblott · May 23, 2008 2:13PM

I'd go for the Mantle.

bsidegrve · May 23, 2008 4:39PM

51 Bowman Mantle

StanTheManMusial · May 23, 2008 5:17PM

I'd have to go with the 1951 Bowman Mantle, too.

VitoCo1972 · May 23, 2008 5:32PM

I may be alone, but I'd go for the Robinson. As far as increase in the pop reports over the next 5 years, I would almost guarantee there will be more new PSA 3/4 51 Bowman Mantes than 48/49 Leaf Robinson 7's. Higher grade Leafs are hard to find. There are a ton of Bowman's out there...Mantle's? Maybe not, but definitely more than NM Robinsons.

StanTheManMusial · May 23, 2008 5:34PM

Vito,

Yes, you bring up some good points. But...... it's Mantle we are speaking of, and that alone will be the biggest factor. Just something about collectors and the name Mantle is magic. There is a big love fest right there.

Allen · May 23, 2008 6:08PM

Mantle because he is white. Just kidding, but I have wanted a 51 Bowman Mantle for a long time.

Leiascards · May 23, 2008 9:31PM

I don't think you can go wrong with either card.

WinPitcher · May 23, 2008 10:19PM

Mantle will appreciate more over the long term.

Steve

Blackborder · May 23, 2008 10:51PM

I hate Mantle cards but purely from an aesthetic viewpoint, the 51 Bowman set is nicer so I'd probably pick the Mantle.

If you're approaching it from the viewpoint of which player you want, I'd pick Robinson, but I like his 1950 Bowman better.

uniship · May 23, 2008 11:24PM

jackie - for reasons listed above by other jackie supporter

perkdog · May 23, 2008 11:31PM

51 Mantle

fkw · May 23, 2008 11:33PM

I dont like either player, both are very much overrated in the history of baseball........... but if I had to choose which card is more important, the 1951 Mantle because it is his first card (rookie). The Leaf is 2 years off his rookie (1947 Homogenized Bond Bread is Robinson's true rookie).

lsutigers1973 · May 24, 2008 1:23AM

I would say the Robinson. The value of the Mantle cards today is highly driven by the baby boomers who are much older now and Mantle was the key figure of their childhood. Mantle is the one player I wish I could go back in time and see play. Hell, I have a dog named after him. Robinson on the other hand, accomplished something of historical significance that can never be erased from the record books. So, my .02 would be that Robinson cards will continue to increase in value after all the baby boomers are gone and Mantles will eventually level off or lose some significance.

WinPitcher · May 24, 2008 1:31AM

Great point!

Steve

teachervido · May 24, 2008 2:37AM

<< I would say the Robinson. The value of the Mantle cards today is highly driven by the baby boomers who are much older now and Mantle was the key figure of their childhood. Mantle is the one player I wish I could go back in time and see play. Hell, I have a dog named after him. Robinson on the other hand, accomplished something of historical significance that can never be erased from the record books. So, my .02 would be that Robinson cards will continue to increase in value after all the baby boomers are gone and Mantles will eventually level off or lose some significance. >>

So true....great insight!

teachervido · May 24, 2008 2:39AM

<< I dont like either player, both are very much overrated in the history of baseball........... but if I had to choose which card is more important, the 1951 Mantle because it is his first card (rookie). The Leaf is 2 years off his rookie (1947 Homogenized Bond Bread is Robinson's true rookie). >>

What brand is Homogenized Bond Bread?

gregmo32 · May 24, 2008 2:49AM

I would take Jackie because as baseball continues to lose its status as an American staple, the nation continues to benefit from the contribution of Jackie as a cultural icon. There is a lower supply of the Leaf, and demand will increase as the years go on.

MantleMarisFordBerra · May 24, 2008 4:20AM

Both cards are winners, but I'd take the Mantle. I've discussed this in other threads but I don't buy the notion Mantle cards live and die by Baby Boomer demand.

Think about it, how many people in the hobby actually saw Ruth or Gehrig play?

Now what are the value of their cards? How have they held up & appreciated over the years?

Mantle will always be the #1 name in our hobby, and you're talking about his rookie card. No brainer in my book.

lsutigers1973 · May 24, 2008 4:33AM

Can not compare Ruth and Gerhig cards to Mantle's. Completely different era and drastically different in card production numbers. How many EXMT Ruths are out there compared to NM Mantles?

chaz43 · May 24, 2008 4:35AM

MANTLE. chaz

originalisbest · May 24, 2008 11:29AM

Mantle is the much better choice, if you're talking future appreciation. If money is not a factor, then go for whichever you like better. My choice would be the Mick. And I guess I've followed that advice, since I have a '51 Mick, but no '49 Robby.

For my money, the most appealing Robby cards are either his '50 Bowman, or his '52 Topps. Would love to have a '52 T Robinson!

Ahmanfan · May 24, 2008 12:40PM

Mantle was not the best of his era, but I believe Ruth and Gerhrig were? Wonder why Mantle is so highly valued. New York factor?
John

WinPitcher · May 24, 2008 12:44PM

Really? Who was better then Mantle?

Mays? maybe.

Few remember that Mickey won a triple crown.

Steve

teachervido · May 24, 2008 12:58PM

Ok...so I'm checking completed auctions

PSA 3 1951 Mantle Bowman = ~2700
PSA 6 1949 Leaf Jackie Robinson = ~1300

HUGE DIFFERENCE! WHY!?

WinPitcher · May 24, 2008 12:59PM

Mantle more popular, more 51 bowmans issued then 49 leaf?

Steve

StanTheManMusial · May 24, 2008 1:04PM

<< Ok...so I'm checking completed auctions

PSA 3 1951 Mantle Bowman = ~2700
PSA 6 1949 Leaf Jackie Robinson = ~1300

HUGE DIFFERENCE! WHY!? >>

Because like I said, he is "The Mick". The man has some serious hobby love, and well deserved. He was a heck of a talent. Had he stayed healthy, he might have been the greatest Yankee of them all.

Steve, you're right, I think alot of people forget about his triple crown in 1956.

cwazzy · May 24, 2008 11:22PM

<< I dont like either player, both are very much overrated in the history of baseball........... >>

I'm sorry but I can't get past this comment. How are either player "overrated in the history of baseball"? Especially Robinson? It seems to me that he should be rated higher than he is for what he did for the game and for America's perception of the black athlete.

Chris

teachervido · May 25, 2008 8:21AM

if anyone is on AIM, PLMK...

S/N is TeacherVido need advice!

thanks in advance

originalisbest · May 25, 2008 10:08AM

Mantle/Mays debate is a long-standing one, there's no denying the skills both players exhibited. But though Mick succumbed to injuries earlier than Mays and thus was out of baseball earlier, probably in their prime they'd have to be neck-and-neck. Mickey won a triple crown and when he was young and injury-free, he was the fastest man in either league and with shocking Mantle power. What's not to like? Also, a little thing called 18 world series homers, which I'm not sure will be broken.

I always thought it was interesting to compare Mantle and Mays' homerun totals on the back of their '65 cards -- that was the year Mays had a blowout 52 dingers. But through 1964, I think they were just about, or exactly, even.

Machodoc · May 25, 2008 12:04PM

I don't think you can go wrong with either card, but the argument that once the boomers are gone the market for Mantle will soften will, ahem, hopefully take some time. I'm a boomer, born in the 1950's, and if I don't have at least another 25 good ones left, then I'll be posthumously disappointed!

I do however think Robinson cards are undervalued, as are Mays and Aaron, but that's an entirely different can of worms to discuss.

hofautos · May 25, 2008 12:27PM

<< I don't think you can go wrong with either card, but the argument that once the boomers are gone the market for Mantle will soften will, ahem, hopefully take some time. I'm a boomer, born in the 1950's, and if I don't have at least another 25 good ones left, then I'll be posthumously disappointed!

I do however think Robinson cards are undervalued, as are Mays and Aaron, but that's an entirely different can of worms to discuss. >>

+1

SidePocket · May 25, 2008 1:42PM

I'd go with the Jackie and take the money you save and buy a 56 Mantle.

Ladder7 · May 26, 2008 12:09AM

Buy the Jackie. (Save the Mantle for me)

Mantle Bowman 1951 or Jackie Robinson Leaf 1949

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