1961 Fleer Honus Wagner

So it's not that Honus Wagner. But it is a Honus Wagner nonetheless.

This 1961 Fleer is a definite option for those card collectors out there who would never consider a Wagner from his playing days.

When thinking of the Pittsburgh shortstop, we often only consider his famed T206 card. But I think we must also remember that there were plenty of gum and candy cards made of Wagner – and not all will set you back $1 million.

One of the best buys I ever made was about 10 years ago when I found a 1909 E95 Honus Wagner (look for it in the coming months) in decent shape at a National card show. The card's back has some paper loss and therefore became affordable.

I would never be able to afford that card today, even in its condition.

But this Wagner is just that — affordable.

For about the price of lunch, you too can be the owner of a Honus Wagner baseball card.

1968 Topps Mickey Mantle

I got an e-mail a few weeks ago from a reader of this blog alerting me to an eBay auction of a 1968 Topps Mickey Mantle.

When I looked up the card, I found this beauty: the same card I had actually been monitoring for a few days. It's like this card was made for this site.

How could I resist – even at $26.09.

When the envelope came in the mail a few days ago, it was postmarked Massachusetts.

Surprised?

I wish I knew the story behind this card.

Was it altered by a disgruntled Red Sox fan? Was it taped to a bedpost reminding its owner of the hated Yankees? Would the original artist have applied his hand if he knew the card would someday be worth a bundle?

All questions I will never know the answers to.

But it's fun wondering, isn't it?

1970 Topps Thurman Munson

So, it looks like someone went a little crazy with the transparent tape.

Those of you who have followd this blog in the past know that the 1971 Topps Munson card is my favorite card of all time. In my opinion, it's just a beautiful card.

And the funny thing about it is most think the 1971 card is Munson's rookie.

Well, it isn't. This is his rookie card.

Not nearly as attractive, but still a nice card.

What am I saying. This isn't a very nice card at all. Topps' 1970 set offered this boring gray background and forced the future Yankees captain to share his card with Dave McDonald.

Who?

That's what I said. So I looked him up ...

McDonald played a total of 33 major league games with the New York Yankees and Montreal Expos. He had nine hits in 62 at bats.

By the way, that's nine hits more than me.

1962 Topps Yogi Berra

I'm grateful to Aflac Insurance for keeping Yogi Berra in our minds over the past few years.

If it weren't for them, I wonder how many of the kids out there would have ever heard of the great Yankee catcher.

But sometimes it takes a comical commercial to keep one of the game's greats in the public eye.

I hope today's kids don't just remember him for his kooky sayings.

He is one of four four players to be named MVP in the American League three times. As a manager, he also led both AL and NL teams to the World Series.

But back to his yogisms ...

My favorite: "Always go to other people's funerals, otherwise they won't go to yours."

What's your favorite Yogi quote?

1951 Bowman Sal Maglie

So it's been a while since I posted a new (old) card on this blog.

And while looking through my recent acquisitions I found this beauty. Some of you out there must wonder why anyone would buy this card, especially in it's horrible condition.

But to me, this is the perfect card.

It makes me wonder ...

Who owned this card as a child?

Why are there so many creases?

Was it in the back of someone's pocket?

Did the fading come from someone leaving it out in the sun?

Exactly how old is the tape?

All important questions to ponder when purchasing a poor old baseball card.