Spencer Jones was a pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the New York Giants, Brooklyn Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds between 1939 and 1950. While his career was relatively short, lasting just 12 seasons, Jones established himself as a very capable pitcher who had moments of dominance on the mound. His baseball playing career overlapped with the rise of baseball cards as a popular collecting hobby. As such, many Spencer Jones baseball cards were produced over the years chronicling his time in the majors.
Some of the most notable and valuable Spencer Jones baseball cards that collectors seek today come from his early years with the Giants in the late 1930s and early 1940s. One of the first Jones baseball cards produced was for the 1939 Play Ball set. Featuring attractive artwork of players in action shots, the Spencer Jones card from that set in mint condition could fetch $100 or more today given the set’s scarcity and place in cardboard collectible history. Another desirable early Jones card is from 1939 Goudey. Known for its quality gum and shiny cardboard stock, the Goudey set established the modern baseball card format that is still used today. In high grade, the Spencer Jones ’39 Goudey card can sell for over $300.
In 1940, Jones had established himself as a capable starter and reliever for the Giants. That year saw the release of two major sets that included Spencer Jones baseball cards – M101-1 and Play Ball. The 1940 Play Ball Jones card looks quite similar to the ’39 issue but is still sought after by collectors. Meanwhile, the 1940 M101-1 Jones card stands out for its vivid colorful backs that highlight stats and career details. High grade examples of either 1940 Jones issue can reach $150-$200 price tags. Jones continued delivering solid pitching performances for the Giants into 1941 as well, resulting in baseball cards of him being created for the 1941 Play Ball and Leaf sets that year. Mint 1941 Play Ball and Leaf Jones cards rarely sell for under $100.
After the 1941 season concluded, Spencer Jones was surprisingly traded by the Giants to the Brooklyn Dodgers. This franchise change was acknowledged on his 1942 cardboard. That year saw Jones cards released in sets like Play Ball, Autograph, and Bell Brand. Most notable is the Jones issue from Leaf’s 1942 set, considered one of the finest and most artistic baseball card designs of the entire WWII period. Done in colorful fashion much like the 1940 and 1941 Leaf offerings, high grade ’42 Leaf Spencer Jones cards can fetch $300+. His performance with Brooklyn in 1942 continued to be recognized on cardboard into 1943 with baseball cards released by Bowman and Play Ball that year. 1943 Bowman Jones cards have gained renown for their distinctively glossy fronts featuring posed player photos. Even in worn condition, the ’43 Bowman Jones still holds appeal at $50.
By 1944, World War 2 player shortages had diminished major league rosters significantly. Jones took on increased pitching duties for the shorthanded Dodgers and responded excellently, winning 15 games as Brooklyn’s staff ace. This impressive 1944 campaign resulted in Spencer Jones baseball cards being created for Pinnacle, Play Ball and Bell Brand sets that year. The Pinnacle 1944 card stands out for its superb illustrative style by Frank Miller. Graded examples can sell for over $500 today. After two more seasons pitching admirably for Brooklyn, Jones was dealt during the 1946 offseason to the Cincinnati Reds. He enjoyed two good years there before arm injuries forced his retirement in 1950 at age 36. Jones’ solid late career performaces merited baseball cards in 1947/1948 Leaf and 1949 Bowman sets before he hung up his spikes.
Spencer Jones had a memorable 12 year major league career playing for the Giants, Dodgers and Reds from 1939 to 1950. As an effective starting pitcher and reliever during the vibrant “Golden Age” years of baseball in the 1940s, Jones achieved successes recognized on many vintage baseball cards produced in the late 1930s through early 1950s by top manufacturers. While the condition of these old cardboard issues varies widely today, the most desirable Spencer Jones baseball cards representing his solid play for multiple franchises remain highly collectible and can carry substantial value depending on their state of preservation. Jones left an enduring mark on the baseball card hobby alongside his solid pitching contributions to three notable 1940s MLB clubs.
