The 1962 Post Cereal Baseball Card series was one of the most popular and iconic sets of the 1960s. Included in boxes of sugary cereal, these cardboard collectors’ items were beloved by millions of young baseball fans. Like most vintage card releases of the era, the 1962 Post cards featured players from both the American and National Leagues on a single checklist of 132 total cards.
Some of the biggest stars of the day graced the fronts of these small packets of cardboard joy. Iconic players featured included Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax, Roberto Clemente, Mickey Mantle, and more. The checklist was a who’s who of the sport at the time. Each card displayed a color photo of the player along with their career stats and information on the back. For kids of the 1960s, these cardboard trading chips were highly coveted pieces of their baseball fandom that could be hunted for in cereal boxes.
The set was also notable for including the first cards ever issued for some rising young stars who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers like Luis Aparicio and Dick Allen. That makes some of the rookie cards from 1962 quite valuable today. Other interesting inclusions were the last cards ever produced for legends like Stan Musial who retired after the 1961 season and Early Wynn who hung it up after 1962. Collectors today enjoy the historical perspective these vintage cards provide.
The checklist is broken down by American League teams first, starting with the Baltimore Orioles. Some of the Orioles included were star pitcher Milt Pappas, slugger Frank Robinson, and versatile shortstop-turned-manager Davey Johnson. The Boston Red Sox section contained future Hall of Famers like Carl Yastrzemski, Jim Lonborg, and Eddie Bressoud. Cleveland Indians represented included young pitching standouts Luis Tiant and Sam McDowell. Future Athletics owner Charlie Finley made an appearance on his card as well as a member of the original Kansas City A’s franchise.
The rest of the American League teams were also well-accounted for on the checklist. For the Los Angeles Angels, slugger Leon Wagner and fireballer Bo Belinsky made appearances. The Minnesota Twins section contained future Hall of Famer Jim Kaat along with young stars Tony Oliva and Zoilo Versalles. The New York Yankees, always a hot seller, included Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, and a rookie card for Bill Staffier. For the White Sox, future Hall of Famers early Luis Aparicio and Nellie Fox got their first Post Cereal cards. And Washington Senators represented included future Expo Mike Epstein and pitcher Camilo Pascual.
Moving over to the National League, the famous San Francisco Giants franchise led off the NL team checklist sections. Willie Mays, of course headlined along with young outfielder Willie McCovey in one of his early cardboard issues. The Cincinnati Reds portion featured future Hall of Famers Frank Robinson and Vada Pinson along with manager-turned-broadcaster Sparky Anderson. The Los Angeles Dodgers section contained the great Sandy Koufax and future announcer Maury Wills. Philadelphia Phillies stars included future manager Dick Allen and fireballer Chris Short.
Other National League highlights included Hall of Famer Hank Aaron anchoring the Milwaukee Braves list. Roberto Clemente led the Pittsburgh Pirates section in one of his many classic Post issues. The St. Louis Cardinals group contained future broadcasters/managers Lou Brock and Joe Torre along with young hurler Bob Gibson. And wrapping up the set, the Chicago Cubs portion featured star second baseman Glenn Beckert and fireballing pitcher Balor Moret.
In all, the 1962 Post Cereal Baseball Card set represented one of the most comprehensive checklists of the time period. Collectors today still seek out high grade examples to add to their vintage baseball card collections thanks to the memorable photos, key rookie cards, and historical players included from both leagues. While the cards come from a more simple time before expansive stats on the back, they remain treasured pieces of baseball history for fans both young and old.
