Key Rookie Cards of Apollo 11’s Crew

Within 66 years we went from the Wright brothers first flight to landing on the moon.  That’s some incredible innovation right there.  Did you know a couple of relics from the Wright brothers flyer were aboard Apollo 11 and made it to the surface of the moon?  Relics like that would make an excellent addition to Allen & Ginter or Goodwin Champions cards.  It probably won’t happen though as those relics are safely kept on display at the Smithsonian.  I wonder what cards containing pieces of the Wright brothers plane would sell for on the secondary market?  Its safe to say quite a bit considering how big of an event in history that is.  The relics aren’t very big either, so very few cards could be made.

On July 20, 1969 Apollo 11 landed on the moon.  2019 marks the 50th anniversary of this historic event.  Many men and women played important parts in order for that mission to be a success.  Three key individuals from the Apollo 11 mission are Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins.  When Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin traveled down to the lunar surface, Michael Collins remained in the Command Module “Columbia”.

Thousands, if not millions of years from now the Apollo 11 mission will continued to be talked about.  Its the first time mankind stepped onto a surface not of this Earth.  Truly an astonishing achievement.

Thanks to Topps, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins each have rookie cards.  These cards can be found in the 1969 Topps Man on the Moon set.  Its important to note that this set was reissued in 1970.  The 1969 set consists of (55) cards.  The 1970 reissue has the same (55) cards plus an additional (45) cards bringing the total to (99) cards.  Telling the difference between the 1969 and 1970 set is fairly easy.  All of the cards from the 1970 reissue set are numbered “1 of 99”, “2 of 99”, “3 of 99”, etc…  Whereas the original 1969 set has them numbered “1A”, “2A”, “3A”, etc…

Complete sets in exceptional condition will require some deep pockets.  In general though singles can be obtained for a relatively low price.

Card of the Day: Francis Scott Key 1952 Topps Look ‘N See #12

Who’s Going In The Hall Of Fame This Year? These Guys Are.

The Baseball Writers’ Association of America may not have voted anyone into the Baseball Hall of Fame this year, but on July 28th there will still be a ceremony.  In fact, the Hall of Fame’s Pre-Integration Committee will be inducting three very prominent individuals this year – Hank O’Day, Jacob Ruppert, and Deacon White.  No, these guys don’t sound as familiar as Bonds, Clemens, Sosa or McGwire, but they do have their place in history.

Hank O’Day

O’Day was a pitcher, umpire, and manager starting in the early days of Major League Baseball.  After playing for seven years, he went on to have one of the best careers an umpire could ever have that spanned thirty seasons.  In the end, he umpired a total of 3,986 games.  That includes umpiring 10 World Series.  O’Day is known for being part of the controversial field decision called Merkle’s Boner.  This call will go down as one of the most controversial field decisions is MLB history.

Key Cards:

• 1887-89 Old Judge Cabinets N173 #66
• 1887-90 Old Judge N172 #398
• 1888-89 Sporting Times M117 #7
• 1994 Conlon TSN #1201
• 1994 Conlon TSN Burgundy #1201

Jacob Ruppert

He purchased Babe Ruth and built the original Yankee Stadium.  Made is fortune in beer.  Enough said.

Key Cards:

• 1962 Topps #136 Babe Ruth Special 2/Babe Joins Yanks/Pictured With Owner Jacob Ruppert
• 2008 Upper Deck Yankee Stadium Legacy – Collection Moments in Time Dual Cut Signature – Steinbrenner/Ruppert #’ed/1
• 2009 Upper Deck SP Legendary Cuts – Legendary Cut Signatures #’ed/14
• 2009 Upper Deck SP Legendary Cuts – Legendary Cut Signatures Dual – Frazee/Ruppert #’ed/1
• 2011 Upper Deck SP Legendary Cuts – Legendary Black Signatures #’ed/1

Deacon White

I guess you could say that Deacon White was there when the modern game of baseball started.  He played during the time when catchers didn’t even use gloves.  White’s baseball career ranged from 1868 to 1890 and is one of the game’s first major stars.  He constantly lead the league in batting average, RBIs, hits, and triples.  Lets not forget White was also a major player on five championship teams (1873-1877).  The guy was a powerhouse.

Key Cards:

• 1887-90 Old Judge N172 #558
• 1887 Buchner Gold Coin N284 #35
• 1888 Scraps Tobacco Die Cuts #18
• 1888 WG1 Card Game #27
• 2012 Upper Deck Goodwin Champions SP #182