I have yet to score a Topps card from before '55, and I'm working on it diligently. But as far as vintage Topps go, I prefer my '55 and '56, which are the best sets to me. I realized, though, that I didn't have any '57, and that's just silly.
So, I ended up finding a nicely priced lot off the 'ol 'bay.
Four cards that I don't really need and one Tiger. If anyone needs any of the other cards, let me know. I don't know what it is about this set that turns me off. The photos just feel drab for some reason, the poses too posed while trying to be candid with the players never looking at the camera. I think '53 Bowman did such a better job with photography. And what's up with the whacky, seemingly random coloring of the text? So, I'm not much of a fan of the fronts, but the backs, that's another story.
If there's any design-oriented reason for Topps' longevity, I'd say it's for what they did with card backs. Stats, write-ups, and the beloved comics. And that's enough to make me enjoy this set.
I mean, just check out that comic. Beardy McGuire defends his graceful aging to Shoulders O'Bulky.
And Tommy Byrne--who looks suspiciously like Shoulders--gets educated on plate physics.
That's right, Tommy, there's a plate down there.
I have always thought 1957 Topps was in the bottom 5 flagship sets of all time to go along with 1961, 1968, 1970, 1999.
ReplyDeletePersonally I think 1954 is the best "big" set with 53 a somewhat close second.
I wish Cal was in catcher's gear...
ReplyDeleteNice Gus Bell though, father of Ranger great Buddy Bell.