1957 was a pivotal year for the Brooklyn Dodgers franchise. After several years of failing to reach the World Series, the Dodgers brought in Walter Alston to manage and developed a talented young core that would help lead them to multiple championships in the late 50s. Top rookies like Don Drysdale and Sandy Koufax emerged onto the scene. Meanwhile, stalwarts like Duke Snider, Gil Hodges, Carl Furillo and Pee Wee Reese were still producing at a high level.
This exciting team was captured for collectors in the 1957 Topps baseball card set. The designs featured colorful team logo designs on a white background. While the photos and production quality had improved since the early 1950s issues, card condition and centering could still be an issue due to mass production techniques of the time. In mint condition though, these are classic cards that represent one of the greatest Dodgers teams.
Let’s take a look at some of the key 1957 Topps Dodgers player cards and examine their current price guide values:
Duke Snider #42: As one of the game’s true five-tool stars, Snider was a fan favorite in Brooklyn. His powerful left-handed swing produced 40+ home runs multiple times. In near mint to mint condition, his ’57 Topps card can fetch $150-250. Higher grades could command over $500.
Gil Hodges #69: The big first baseman was a stalwart run producer for Brooklyn. His smooth, accurate throws from first base were also legendary. In mint condition, his card sells in the $75-150 range. Near mint copies go for $50-100.
Carl Furillo #90: “Skoonj” patrolled right field with grace and consistency for the Dodgers. His throwing arm from the outfield was among the best. In top condition his card sells for $75-150. Near mint brings $50-100.
Don Drysdale #114: One of the game’s most intimidating pitchers got his start as a rookie with Brooklyn in 1957. Even at this early stage, his card demands $100-200 in top grades due to his Hall of Fame career. Near mint sells around $75.
Sandy Koufax #133: Like Drysdale, Koufax broke in as a rookie in ’57 and showed promise with his blazing fastball. His card in top condition fetches $150-300 already due to his legendary status. Near mint copies sell around $100.
Pee Wee Reese #154: The smooth-fielding shortstop and team captain was a fan favorite for his leadership. In mint condition his card sells for $75-150. Near mint brings $50-100.
Roy Campanella #172: Injured in a car accident prior to the ’57 season, “Campy” was still a vital presence for the team. His influence on the African American players who followed him can’t be overstated. Top-graded versions of his card sell for $100-200.
Johnny Podres #185: The young lefty had just begun to blossom as a starter in 1957. He would go on to pitch brilliantly in World Series victories. Even early in his career, his card demands $75-150 in top condition.
Sal Maglie #191: The veteran submariner was a key arm out of the Dodgers bullpen. His deceptive delivery produced big outs. Near mint copies sell around $50-75 depending on sharpness of centering/corners.
In addition to the player cards, there are several noteworthy Dodgers team and manager cards from the 1957 Topps set that hold value:
Brooklyn Dodgers Team #1: As the flagship card of the iconic franchise, this is a key piece for any Dodgers PC. Graded gems can reach $500-1000. Even well-centered near mints sell around $200-400.
Walter Alston Manager #33: Taking over the Dodgers in 1954, Alston helped stabilize the franchise and develop their championship-caliber teams. High-grade versions command $150-300 due to his Hall of Fame career.
Ebbets Field #258: The beloved home of the Dodgers is captured in an aerial photo on this card. It sells in the $75-150 range depending on condition, as it’s a key piece of Dodgers history.
The 1957 Topps set provides a wonderful snapshot of that exciting Dodgers squad. High-grade examples of the stars like Snider, Koufax and Hodges will always be in demand. But even commons like Podres and Maglie hold collector value due to that memorable Brooklyn season. For serious Dodgers collectors, a complete set would be a prized possession. Individual cards provide affordable options to build around favorite players too. Grading enhances values significantly across the board.
