5 Cool Vintage Jackie Robinson Cards You Can Own Without Going Broke

Several weeks back Rich Mueller at Sports Collectors Daily put together a fun list featuring vintage Willie Mays Baseball cards.  Check out that post here.  It was titled "5 Cool Vintage Willie Mays Cards You Can Own Without Going Broke," and I was so smitten by it I decided to echo it here.

So, please check out my list of "5 Cool Vintage Jackie Robinson Cards You Can Own Without Going Broke" below.

BTW, I decided to go off the beaten path a bit by focusing on the "truly" affordable cards, i.e. cards you can get for about $20 bucks or less.  As a result, I've had to be rather liberal about what vintage means.

As is the case with Jackie Robinson cards, nearly all of the available issues from his playing days will cost you a pretty penny.  In fact, there is only one card produced and distributed from when he actually played that can be deemed affordable (that card is at the very bottom).  The other cards in my list were all issued post-retirement - some several decades later. 

Now, on to my list:

1977 Renata Galasso TCMA - Series 1

By no means is this card rare.  In fact, it's plentiful in the marketplace and downright cheap.  You should be able to pick it up for just a couple of bucks.  What I love about this card is the image they used on the front.  It's a classic.   

1980 Perez-Steele Hall of Fame Postcard

Whether your favorite player is Nolan Ryan or Jackie Robinson you must have a Perez-Steele Hall of Fame postcard of that star in your collection.  They were produced by noted sports artist Dick Perez and Peggy & Frank Steele over a 20-year period in 15 different series, and are limited to 10,000 copies.  Since their inception they became the autograph collectors best friend as fans sought to get every card possible signed.  As you can see, the Jackie Robinson postcard is absolutely gorgeous.  You should be able to find a copy for $10 to $20; oftentimes even less.

1961 Nu-Card Baseball Scoops 

This is the first real "vintage" aged card on my list.  These 1961 Nu-Card Baseball Scoops were of a standard card size and feature a mock newspaper card design in front.  As you can see, the card commemorates Jackie's remarkable game against the Phillies during the last game of the regular season in 1951.  As you know, Jackie helped the Dodgers eek out a victory to force a playoff series against the Giants for the pennant.  Unfortunately, this game proved to be the last highlight of the year for the Dodgers.  They would go on to lose a three-game playoff against the Giants in spectacular fashion.  This card can be purchased for about $10 to $20.

1960 Nu-Card Baseball Hi-Lites

The 1960 Nu-Card set is almost as large as your typical postcard.  They measure 3 1/4" x 5 3/8", and like the set shown above feature a mock newspaper card design in front.  In fact, this card commemorates the exact same moment as the 1961 card.  Unlike the above card, there is no description on the reverse.  Instead, it is on the front and the reverse includes a trivia question.  This card can be purchased for about $10 to $20.

1947-1966 Exhibits

Produced by the Exhibit Supply Company of Chicago over a 20-year period, these cards were available to fans in "penny arcade" vending machines in local stores.  They are printed on heavy cardboard and are nearly postcard sized (3 1/4" x 5 3/8").  It is likely the Robinson cards were manufactured during his entire Baseball career, but were discontinued upon his retirement.  They can be purchased from between $15 to $25.

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2014 Panini Prizm Perennial Draft Picks - All the Dodger Cards

Panini America released their newest Baseball card set last week.  It is called Panini Prizm Perennial Draft Picks, and it's a prospect heavy offering.  In fact, the Base Set includes three of the Dodgers first five picks from the 2014 Draft; Alex Verdugo (2nd), John Richy (4th) and Jared Walker (5th).  Their first round pick, Grant Holmes, is also available in the set, but as an insert.  Of note, prospect Victor Arano is also a part of the Base Set as a Dodger, but as you'll recall he was traded to the Phillies as the "player to be named later" in the Roberto Hernandez trade.  Go here to see a complete checklist.

It appears that due to the limited appeal a draft pick set tends to have, I do not have photos of all the Dodgers in the set yet.  I will update this Dodger checklist as they show up. 

BTW, this set includes the very first trade cards as professional ballplayers for Victor Arano, Alex Verdugo, John Richy and Jared Walker.  There is also an autograph card of Verdugo in the set - a first for him, as well.

Directly below is the Base Set, and four Dodger players are included.  Check them out below. 

Base Set

#41 Alex Verdugo                                    #59 Jared Walker

#81 Victor Arano                                      #94 John Richy

2014 Draft Class

#20 Grant Holmes

Minors Gold Prizms

#27 Joc Pederson

Panini High School All-America Team Prizms

#5 Grant Holmes

#10 Alex Verdugo

(Not Available At This Time)

Unfortunately, I have yet to see an autographed Verdugo card.  I will updated this post once one appears. 

Prospect Signatures Prizms

#22 Grant Holmes

#62 Alex Verdugo

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Blog Kiosk: 11/18/2014 - Dodger Links - Zaidi, Sweeney and Kershaw's Commemorative MVP T-shirts

As evidenced in the photo above, Yasiel Puig and Carlos Santana are becoming best bud.  They appear to be purchasing friendship bracelts for each other.  Photo abouve was tweeted by Carlos Santana.

Below are some links to check out:

• Via Yvonne Carrasco at Dodger Insider, "Fernandomania is alive and well in Guadalajara."

“This statue looks like me, looks like how I pitched,” Valenzuela said. “I feel very happy that this statue, that my first one is here. I feel a lot of emotion, a lot of love from the people here. This moment has given me goosebumps.

• Via Mark Saxon at ESPN, "Is 'Phase Two' all about payroll reduction?"

“It sounds overly simplistic, but we’re just going to try to make good baseball decisions,” Zaidi said. “Sometimes, those good baseball decisions are going to increase our payroll, sometimes they’re going to decrease our payroll and I think over time it will come down because that’s what the accumulation of smart baseball moves will just do to the roster.

• Via David Waldstein at the NY Times, "For Dodgers G.M. Farhan Zaidi, New Team Affords New Possibilities."

“It’s a recalibration,” he said, “but it’s also an exercise in not throwing the baby out with the bath water. It’s about applying the principals we practiced in the smaller markets while leveraging greater resources.”

• Via Mark Whicker at the LA Daily News, "Los Angeles Dodgers prospect Darnell Sweeney just looking to fit in."
• Here's an opportunity to learn a little bit about our new AAA affiliate Oklahoma City RedHawks.  Via Paul Caputo at SportsLogos.net, "Birds of Play: The Story Behind the Oklahoma City RedHawks."
• Roberto at Vin Scully is My Homeboy shares his very rare Vin Scully Bobblehead that was given out to just friends and family.
• The Dodgers added some depth to the outfield position in AAA.  Via Alden Gonzalez at MLB.com, "Dodgers acquire Minor League slugger Jensen from Marlins."
• Check out Kershaw's new t-shirt, in benefit of Kershaw's Challenge.

Pre-order a MVP tshirt today! Super soft, one-of-a-kind shirt commemorative of 2014 season!  http://t.co/TO5urbUYs1 pic.twitter.com/Jt4LpNpNFd
— Kershaw's Challenge (@KershsChallenge) November 17, 2014

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Jackie Robinson Shows his Character in Note Available at SCP Auctions

For decades collectors have been known to write to their favorite star.  Often, the fan would ask for an autograph to have as a keepsake, but from time to time they seek for a little bit more.  Featured in this post is a little bit of Dodger Correspondence from Jackie Robinson to a collector that is certainly notable.  It is available on auction at SCP.

Check it out below.  It says:

“Dear Roger,

I believe my greatest accomplishment was my ability to accept the racial abuse I did early as it was certainly not my nature to do so.

Jackie”

As you can see, a fan named Roger asked Jackie what he believed was his greatest accomplishment in his career.  Jackie responded by noting his willingness to turn the other cheek.  I think we can all agree that he was right.

(Auction Link)

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Blog Kiosk: 11/17/2014 - Dodger Links - Pederson's Car Sold and Valenzuela's Statue

Check out Fernando Valenzuela gazing upon a statue of himself that was erected this past weekend at Charros de Jalisco's ballpark in Guadalajara.  Photo via @charrosbeisbol on twitter.  As you can see, it features him looking to the heavens as he prepares his pitch.

Below are some links to check out:

• Mark Townsend at Big League Stew has more on Joc Pederson's car.  It has been sold on eBay for $1,200.00.  He also tells us a bit about the seller, who had purchased it from the winner on fan appreciation day in Albuquerque.
• Via Adam Berry at MLB.com, "Puig comes up big in Tokyo."  You can also check out a bunch of pics from the game at Tokyo, here, from Dodger Insider Jon Weisman.

"The way they were attacking Yasiel in the first three games and really not giving him too much to hit, to put him in front of [Rockies first baseman Justin] Morneau was an opportunity for him to see some pitches. It worked out," MLB manager John Farrell said. "They threw the ball in the strike zone, and he responded with three hits tonight.

• Via J.P. Hoornstra at Inside the Dodgers, "Dodgers senior VP Josh Byrnes on Billy Gasparino, Ryan Jackson."

“Billy’s great,” Byrnes said. “Great resume as a player, scout; crosschecked for a long time. I think the skills we’re looking for — a good evaluator, running a draft. using all that information to make that decision.”

• Via Cary Osborne at Dodger Insider, "Adrian Gonzalez on the offseason, Julio Urias, baseball in Mexico and Canelo Alvarez."

“Julio is a young man who is an excellent pitcher. He pitches about 95 mph. He has a great curve as well. A lot of people feel that he has the potential of being one of the greatest pitchers in the Major Leagues,” Gonzalez said. “He’s a great guy, simple and very attentive. Even though I’ve known him for a short time, I hope we can start a great friendship. Our team expects a lot from Julio.”

• Via Jim Callis at MLB.com puts together a team-by-team breakdown of top performers in the 2014 Arizona Fall League

Best Prospect: After a rough AFL performance in 2013, shortstop Corey Seager played much better the second time around, batting .281/.354/.472 with a league-best 10 doubles. The 2014 Minor League leader in hitting (.349) and doubles (50), he'll produce for average and power but will likely have to move to third base. .

• Via TheThinGwynn at Gaslamp Ball, Topps is issueing a Johnny Manziel San Diego Padres autographed Baseball card.

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Blog Kiosk: 11/15/2014 - Dodger Links - Kershaw to Pitch Subway and Japan Loves Butera

The legend of Drew Butera has just begun.  He is getting a lot of love in Japan.  Pic above via @TheReal2ryoSS on twitter.  Here is a pic of another sign made by a Japanese Baseball fan extolling their love for Butera.

Below are some links to check out:

• Go here and bid often.  The Negro League Baseball Museum has up a bunch of auctions on eBay featuring MLB game-used negro league commemorative uniforms worn over the past couple of years; including players like Rusty Kuntz, Rafael Soriano and Ed Yost.
• Clayton will be the new Jared.  Via Darren Rovell at ESPN.com, "Kershaw signs on with Subway."

"The key for us is authenticity," Subway chief marketing officer Tony Pace said. "We found out that Clayton would stop by a Subway before going to the ballpark and that meant a lot to us that he was a fan of the brand."

• Uh-oh.  Via Gus Garcia-Roberts at Newsday, "Anthony Bosch told feds that agent Scott Boras tried to cover up Manny Ramirez's PED use, sources say."
• Via Jamal Collier at MLB.com, "Garvey mentors son at Dodgertown fantasy camp."

"Just seeing all the pictures in the hallways and the memories you see and you hear, especially being around the locker rooms with all these greats, the stories about Dodgertown, and then it finally comes true when you come here," Ryan (Garvey) said. "You see it and you actually live and see it through their eyes what they've been through and what kind of place they kind of grew up in.

"Like they said, this was like a home away from home for a lot of guys. I feel like deep down inside, it's a home away from home, even just being here three or four days. Just the history here and being with my dad."

• Coming out next week will be Panini's 2014 Classics Baseball.  Check out some preview pics here.  Below are a couple of Dodger cards.

• The fabled Barry Halper Collection auction takes another hit.  Via Rich Mueller at Sports Collectors Daily, "Collector Suing over Mays Items in Halper Auction."
• In commemoration of Clayton Kershaw's 2014 MVP award Topps has issued a limited edition 10"x14" prints that uses the vintage 1961 Topps MVP design.  These prints uses a different profile pic than the recently issued CY Young award prints.  There are three different versions of the MVP prints; limited to #/99, #/10 and #/1.  The card on the left below is the more common #/99 variation and the print on the right is limited to #/10 copies.  The "1 of 1" version uses a gold background and is already sold out.  Go here to check them out.

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