Top 10 Vintage Topps Players

cjraleigh · 03-07-2025, 10:14 AM

Looking to start a small vintage Topps collection of the 10 greatest players to have a playing days card during this era (1952-1980).

Parameters:

- 10 players, no more no less
- No RC
- No pitchers (already have a separate project for that)
- PSA (for continuity)
- No repeating years
- Aesthetically pleasing design/pose

It does not matter if the player was in his final years or was just starting out on what would be a legendary career. I am more interested in who best represents the golden age of Topps.

The first 7 are locks:

Ted Williams
Jackie Robinson
Stan Musial
Mickey Mantle
Willie Mays
Hank Aaron
Roberto Clemente

Just stuck on who the last 3 should be. Leaning toward Frank Robinson, Johnny Bench, and Mike Schmidt.

Suggestions?

Here are the WAR leaders during this period as a starting point.

https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/ma...ault&pagenum=1

Will share my progress as it unfolds.

discodanman45 · 03-07-2025, 04:22 PM

Frank Robinson, Yogi Berra, and Pete Rose would be my three.

Above the Rim · 03-07-2025, 05:07 PM

Reggie Jackson
Yogi Berra
Johnny Bench

Sheld505 · 03-07-2025, 05:48 PM

Al Kaline? Pee Wee Reese?

Fullerton · 03-08-2025, 12:02 AM

Ernie Banks
Carl Yastrzemski
Reggie Jackson

tjenkins · 03-08-2025, 12:14 AM

My three, keep in mind I am a huge Killebrew fan, would be:

Pete Rose
Sandy Koufax
Harmon Killebrew

but if you make it a bakers dozen:

Frank Robinson
Al Kaline
Carl Yastrzemski

cjraleigh · 03-08-2025, 01:06 AM

Great choices. An argument could be made for all.

Frank Robinson is locked in as my 8th. Choosing between Rose and Bench is tough. Can't have all 3 be Reds, can I?

Banks is also gaining support in my mind...but so is Reggie. My self imposed 10 is just a nice number. Otherwise, I'd go down the every HOFer rabbit hole.

discodanman45 · 03-08-2025, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjraleigh

Great choices. An argument could be made for all.

Frank Robinson is locked in as my 8th. Choosing between Rose and Bench is tough. Can't have all 3 be Reds, can I?

Banks is also gaining support in my mind...but so is Reggie. My self imposed 10 is just a nice number. Otherwise, I'd go down the every HOFer rabbit hole.

Pete Rose has some absolutely amazing cards. His 1965 Topps card is probably my favorite card from the entire 60's.

Banks is super affordable besides his rookie. Can't go wrong with any of your choices!

sheetskout · 03-08-2025, 05:18 PM

I've pondered questions like this a lot. For me it's just like you said:

Mike Schmidt
Johnny Bench
Frank Robinson

vintg · 03-09-2025, 07:23 AM

koufax and banks,

and... satchell paige

JustRachel · 03-09-2025, 07:26 AM

I think maybe the lesson here is limits suck. Pick 20.

corndog · 03-09-2025, 09:16 AM

Eddie Mathews (17 seasons) 512 HRs, .271 BA
Ernie Banks (19 seasons) 512 HRs, .274 BA
Frank Robinson (21 seasons) 586 HRs, .294 BA

cjraleigh · 03-09-2025, 12:36 PM

10 was the most I'd want to go with this mini project. Maybe even just the Magnificent 7 will do....nah. A Dandy Dozen has a nice ring to it.

Mathews certainly had a legendary career, but is unfairly an afterthought when all time postwar greats are mentioned...especially being Robin to Hank's Batman.

However...

Banks revolutionized the role of a power hitting shortstop. That can't be overstated. Synonymous with Chicago baseball.

Rose was the most intense competitor since Cobb, who he coincidentally passed to become The Hit King. His flaws add to his legend, and he quipped the greatest baseball quote ever in my opinion. "I'd walk through hell in a gasoline suit to play baseball".

Bench is widely regarded as the best backstop in over 150 years of the sport. The near consensus #1 at any position has to be included.

Ditto for Schmidt at 3rd.

No argument needed for Frank Robinson. Spectacular career, Jackie's equivalent on the managerial front, first MVP in both leagues, on and on.

For these reasons, these 5 would fit in beautifully with what I'm trying to accomplish.

VanLingoMungo46 · 03-09-2025, 01:13 PM

Yaz. Ernie Banks. Brooks Robinson.

daveyc1 · 03-09-2025, 06:15 PM

i would go

Brett
Schmidt
Bench

vintg · 03-09-2025, 08:21 PM

maybe this was a "good luck charm"

i posted THIS MORNING, koufax, banks , and paige

go to a really good show in Valparaiso, IN today, and BAM !!!

1953 topps satchell paige, psa 3, is now mine.

rats60 · 03-09-2025, 08:22 PM

Bench and Schmidt are the greatest players at their position. They both should be on any top 10 list.

cjraleigh · 03-10-2025, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vintg

maybe this was a "good luck charm"

i posted THIS MORNING, koufax, banks , and paige

go to a really good show in Valparaiso, IN today, and BAM !!!

1953 topps satchell paige, psa 3, is now mine.

Congrats! Took me a long time to get my PSA 2. The perfect card to wrap up my Topps era HOF pitcher run (before CC and Wagner got in).

inaka · 03-10-2025, 07:23 PM

Since you said until 1980, I'd add Rickey Henderson to the list.

EDIT: Your list doesn't show Rickey, and he had a career WAR of 111.1

That ranks him 3rd on your list...yes, above Mantle. Just sayin.

cjraleigh · 03-10-2025, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inaka

Since you said until 1980, I'd add Rickey Henderson to the list.

EDIT: Your list doesn't show Rickey, and he had a career WAR of 111.1

That ranks him 3rd on your list...yes, above Mantle. Just sayin.

Rickey would be a slam dunk, but no RC for this project.

Parameters:

- 10 players, no more no less
- No RC
- No pitchers (already have a separate project for that)
- PSA (for continuity)
- No repeating years
- Aesthetically pleasing design/pose

inaka · 03-11-2025, 02:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjraleigh

Rickey would be a slam dunk, but no RC for this project.

Parameters:

- 10 players, no more no less
- No RC
- No pitchers (already have a separate project for that)
- PSA (for continuity)
- No repeating years
- Aesthetically pleasing design/pose

Ah! My apologies, I missed that part.

livfreely · 04-29-2025, 09:28 PM

Wouldn’t you just do top 10 WAR players?

Gary · 05-01-2025, 08:00 AM

last 3 for me.......

71 munson
79 yaz
74 reggie

aro13 · 05-01-2025, 11:29 PM

Great project!
I would go with Joe Morgan, Mike Schmidt and Frank Robinson. As for years, I think a 1971 Morgan, a 1975 or 1977 Schmidt and for Robinson maybe a 1965.

03-07-2025, 04:22 PM	#2
discodanman45 Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: CA Posts: 9,603 danch27	Frank Robinson, Yogi Berra, and Pete Rose would be my three. __________________ Updating my entire collection on Card Ladder. Lots to go... https://www.cardladder.com/showcase/IOBB7AY2qTVVKSgU9Aqj02kfF4I3

03-07-2025, 05:48 PM	#4
Sheld505 Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Morrow, Ohio Posts: 2,173 Sheld505 Sheld505	Al Kaline? Pee Wee Reese? __________________ Collect: Denver Broncos, CU Buffaloes, BoSox, Vintage football and baseball, Heritage ROA and action variations.

03-08-2025, 12:14 AM	#6
tjenkins Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Clark, SD Posts: 3,177 tjenkins5gz2	My three, keep in mind I am a huge Killebrew fan, would be: Pete Rose Sandy Koufax Harmon Killebrew but if you make it a bakers dozen: Frank Robinson Al Kaline Carl Yastrzemski __________________ Collect Vikings, Twins, Vintage HOF and also Off-Center vintage. **A journey of a 1,000 miles begins with a single card! -Cardfusious Last edited by tjenkins; 03-08-2025 at 12:19 AM.*

03-08-2025, 05:18 PM	#9
sheetskout Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 1,687 brewtowncardboard	I've pondered questions like this a lot. For me it's just like you said: Mike Schmidt Johnny Bench Frank Robinson __________________ "I set records that will never be equaled. In fact, I hope 90% of them don't even get printed." --Bob Uecker Follow me on Twitter: @jordo2323

03-09-2025, 09:16 AM	#12
corndog BODA Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: From a table in McDonalds, with lovely fake flowers on it. Posts: 17,523	Eddie Mathews (17 seasons) 512 HRs, .271 BA Ernie Banks (19 seasons) 512 HRs, .274 BA Frank Robinson (21 seasons) 586 HRs, .294 BA __________________ He has no rival, He has no equal.

03-07-2025, 10:14 AM	#1
cjraleigh Member Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 1,000 cjraleigh	Top 10 Vintage Topps Players Looking to start a small vintage Topps collection of the 10 greatest players to have a playing days card during this era (1952-1980). Parameters: - 10 players, no more no less - No RC - No pitchers (already have a separate project for that) - PSA (for continuity) - No repeating years - Aesthetically pleasing design/pose It does not matter if the player was in his final years or was just starting out on what would be a legendary career. I am more interested in who best represents the golden age of Topps. The first 7 are locks: Ted Williams Jackie Robinson Stan Musial Mickey Mantle Willie Mays Hank Aaron Roberto Clemente Just stuck on who the last 3 should be. Leaning toward Frank Robinson, Johnny Bench, and Mike Schmidt. Suggestions? Here are the WAR leaders during this period as a starting point. https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/ma...ault&pagenum=1 Will share my progress as it unfolds. Last edited by cjraleigh; 03-07-2025 at 10:54 AM.

03-07-2025, 05:07 PM	#3
Above the Rim Member Join Date: Sep 2020 Posts: 727	Reggie Jackson Yogi Berra Johnny Bench

03-08-2025, 12:02 AM	#5
Fullerton Member Join Date: Feb 2021 Posts: 3	Ernie Banks Carl Yastrzemski Reggie Jackson

03-08-2025, 01:06 AM	#7
cjraleigh Member Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 1,000 cjraleigh	Great choices. An argument could be made for all. Frank Robinson is locked in as my 8th. Choosing between Rose and Bench is tough. Can't have all 3 be Reds, can I? Banks is also gaining support in my mind...but so is Reggie. My self imposed 10 is just a nice number. Otherwise, I'd go down the every HOFer rabbit hole.

03-09-2025, 07:23 AM	#10
vintg Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Posts: 1,055	koufax and banks, and... satchell paige

03-09-2025, 07:26 AM	#11
JustRachel Member Join Date: Jul 2019 Posts: 5,663	I think maybe the lesson here is limits suck. Pick 20.

03-09-2025, 12:36 PM	#13
cjraleigh Member Join Date: Mar 2021 Posts: 1,000 cjraleigh	10 was the most I'd want to go with this mini project. Maybe even just the Magnificent 7 will do....nah. A Dandy Dozen has a nice ring to it. Mathews certainly had a legendary career, but is unfairly an afterthought when all time postwar greats are mentioned...especially being Robin to Hank's Batman. However... Banks revolutionized the role of a power hitting shortstop. That can't be overstated. Synonymous with Chicago baseball. Rose was the most intense competitor since Cobb, who he coincidentally passed to become The Hit King. His flaws add to his legend, and he quipped the greatest baseball quote ever in my opinion. "I'd walk through hell in a gasoline suit to play baseball". Bench is widely regarded as the best backstop in over 150 years of the sport. The near consensus #1 at any position has to be included. Ditto for Schmidt at 3rd. No argument needed for Frank Robinson. Spectacular career, Jackie's equivalent on the managerial front, first MVP in both leagues, on and on. For these reasons, these 5 would fit in beautifully with what I'm trying to accomplish. Last edited by cjraleigh; 03-09-2025 at 12:41 PM.

03-09-2025, 01:13 PM	#14
VanLingoMungo46 Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Posts: 696	Yaz. Ernie Banks. Brooks Robinson.

03-09-2025, 06:15 PM	#15
daveyc1 Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: maine Posts: 1,712	i would go Brett Schmidt Bench

03-09-2025, 08:21 PM	#16
vintg Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Posts: 1,055	maybe this was a "good luck charm" i posted THIS MORNING, koufax, banks , and paige go to a really good show in Valparaiso, IN today, and BAM !!! 1953 topps satchell paige, psa 3, is now mine.

03-09-2025, 08:22 PM	#17
rats60 Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 9,915	Bench and Schmidt are the greatest players at their position. They both should be on any top 10 list.

03-10-2025, 07:23 PM	#19
inaka Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Posts: 999	Since you said until 1980, I'd add Rickey Henderson to the list. EDIT: Your list doesn't show Rickey, and he had a career WAR of 111.1 That ranks him 3rd on your list...yes, above Mantle. Just sayin. __________________ Sports Card Organizer Software for Mac & Windows www.InakaSoftware.com/SportsCardDatabase Last edited by inaka; 03-10-2025 at 07:26 PM.

04-29-2025, 09:28 PM	#22
livfreely Member Join Date: Apr 2025 Posts: 621	Wouldn’t you just do top 10 WAR players?

05-01-2025, 08:00 AM	#23
Gary Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Posts: 723	last 3 for me....... 71 munson 79 yaz 74 reggie

05-01-2025, 11:29 PM	#24
aro13 Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 971	Great project! I would go with Joe Morgan, Mike Schmidt and Frank Robinson. As for years, I think a 1971 Morgan, a 1975 or 1977 Schmidt and for Robinson maybe a 1965.