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GIL HODGES BASEBALL CARDS

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Gil Hodges was a star first baseman in Major League Baseball who played most of his career with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers from 1947 to 1963. As one of the game’s preeminent sluggers of the 1950s, Hodges established himself as a highly collectible player and dozens of baseball cards were produced featuring his image over the years. While he debuted before the modern baseball card era began in the late 1980s, Hodges still has a strong following among vintage card collectors today.

Some of Hodges’ earliest card appearances came in sets produced by Bowman Gum and Topps during his early playing days in the late 1940s and 1950s. One of his most identifiable rookie cards is from 1948 Bowman Gum, considered one of the true Holy Grail cards forDodgers collectors. Only around 50 are known to still survive inNear Mint condition today, making ungraded examples worth thousands of dollars to serious vintage enthusiasts. Another desirable early Hodges issue is his 1951 Topps card, which captured him entering his prime years with Brooklyn. Higher grade versions of this common postwar Topps issue can still fetch over $100.

Hodges’ most prominent baseball cards span the decade of the 1950s when he emerged as a cornerstone of the Dodgers lineups that won six National League pennants and one World Series title. Topps was the lone major baseball card producer during this “Golden Age” period and captured Hodges’ likeness across multiple seasons. His iconic smiling face graced 1953, 1954, 1956, 1957, and 1959 Topps issues – all of which remain widely collected 60+ years later. Especially sought after among these are the scarce ’55 and ’58 Topps cards that were omitted for unknown reasons. Near Mint samples can sell for well over $1,000 each given their rarity.

Outside of the flagship Topps sets, Hodges also appeared periodically in other niche 1950s products. Of note are his cards in 1954 Bowman, 1955 Red Heart Cat Food, 1955 Shorin Family, and 1960 Fleer issues – the latter being one of the first post-Dodgers issues after he was traded. These supplemental 1950s cards never attained the same mass production levels as Topps but still hold value to obsessive Hodges collectors and vintage Dodgers fans. Even well-worn examples can frequently sell for $50-$100 depending on condition and scarcity.

When Hodges retired from playing after the 1963 season, card companies paid tribute to his stellar career with Dodgers cards in 1964. Both Topps and the upstart Fleer brand issued retrospective tribute cards looking back on his achievements as a Brooklyn/Los Angeles stalwart. These later 1960s “legends” pieces remain a highlight for any vintage Hodges PC. In the 1970s and 80s, he popped up sporadically in oddball regional sets like 1972 Cal Worthington and 1976 Woolworth as the hobby underwent its non-sport resurgence period.

Despite the growth of the modern era beginning in the late 1980s, Hodges has continued to gain appreciation and demand from collectors in newer releases as well. Brands like Upper Deck, Leaf, and Donruss have saluted his playing days and managerial success with the 1969 Miracle Mets with inserts and parallel cards. Memorabilia and autograph relic cards of Hodges have also surfaced. Iconic autograph rookies from sets like 2006 Ultimate Collection captured the attention of both vintage and modern collectors. In 2009, he was featured prominently in the Allen & Ginter “AMG Greats” insert set alongside legends like Ted Williams and Stan Musial.

In the 2010s, Hodges has received special attention for the 50th anniversary of the 1969 Mets’ championship. Panini released a “Mets Greatest Managers” insert set highlighting his pivotal role. Topps Archives has saluted this anniversary with retro-style reprints of classic 1950s/60s issue cards. Upper Deck’s Mets franchise set autograph relics and parallels are highly valued pieces as well. With the lasting impressions Hodges made both on and off the field, there is no sign of his card popularity waning among collectors of all ages and interests. Whether vintage or modern, Gil Hodges’ lifelong accomplishments with the Dodgers and Mets are commemorated across a vast array of his iconic baseball cards.

In summary, Gil Hodges established a formidable collecting legacy through the numerous baseball cards issued highlighting his Hall of Fame career from the late 1940s through 1960s. His classic postwar issues including the scarce 1950s Bowman and Topps issues are iconic for Dodgers fans and vintage collectors. Cards paying tribute to his full career like those in 1960s and 1970s sets remain popular as does modern recognition with autograph and commemorative releases. With consistent demand for over 70 years, Gil Hodges has proven to be one of the most collectible figures from Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers history and the triumphant 1969 New York Mets. His legendary status is immortalized across a wide-ranging vintage and modern collection of beloved baseball cards.

EBAY BASEBALL CARDS GIL HODGES 138

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Gil Hodges was an eight-time All-Star first baseman who played most of his 18-year career in the 1950s and 1960s for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers. He enjoyed great success and was a key member of several World Series championship teams. Hodges’ playing career came to an end in 1963, but he went on to manage the 1969 “Miracle Mets” to a shocking World Series victory over the Baltimore Orioles. Due to his excellence both on the field and in the dugout, Gil Hodges is remembered as one of the greatest players and managers in baseball history.

Unsurprisingly, Hodges’ career achievements and popularity have made his baseball cards highly sought after collectibles. On eBay, Gil Hodges cards from his playing days frequently fetch high prices, especially for rare, high-grade examples from his rookie season in 1947 up through the 1950s and early 1960s. One of the most iconic and valuable Hodges cards is the 1958 Topps #138, which captures the smooth-swinging first baseman mid-swing for the Dodgers. This classic card is a favorite of collectors due to its sharp photography and nostalgia for Hodges and those storied Brooklyn Dodgers teams.

The 1958 Topps set is considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing designs in baseball card history. Featuring bold colors and large photos, these cards really let the images shine. For the #138 Gil Hodges card, Topps photographer Art Spiegel took an action shot of Hodges mid-swing from the left side of the plate. With his follow-through captured perfectly and the ball leaving his bat, it’s easy to see why collectors love this card – it really captures the essence of Hodges as a hitter. The photo combined with the classic yellow, red, and blue Topps color scheme makes for an instantly recognizable and appealing design that remains a standout over 60 years later.

In high grades of mint or near-mint condition, the 1958 Topps #138 Gil Hodges has sold for thousands of dollars on eBay. Like most vintage cards, its value is heavily dependent on the state of preservation. Even well-centered examples in excellent (“EX”) condition can sell for $100-200. But mint copies in grades of MT-8 or higher have realized prices up to $1,000 or more at auction. The record sale on eBay was a true gem mint PSA 10 copy that sold for an incredible $4,500 back in 2016. Condition is absolutely critical for high-end Hodges collectors seeking a true trophy card to showcase.

While the mint PSA 10s command top dollar, there is still a strong market on eBay for lower-graded Hodges #138 cards. Even well-worn copies in fair or good condition often sell, as many collectors just want any example of this classic card to add to their collections. In grades of fair to very good, prices usually range between $20-75 depending on centering, edges, and overall appeal. For investors and flippers, buying raw lower-grade copies and hoping to upgrade even a few points with a professional grading company can yield good profits with patience.

Beyond just its aesthetics and Hodges’ playing career accomplishments, the 1958 Topps #138 also holds nostalgic significance for many collectors and fans. As a star player for the iconic Brooklyn Dodgers teams of the 1950s, Hodges came to symbolize an entire era of New York baseball before the franchise moved to Los Angeles after the 1957 season. Many lifelong Dodgers fans and collectors first became aware of Hodges and his talents through owning and enjoying this very Topps card as children in the late 1950s. Even sixty years later, it continues to stir fond memories of Ebbets Field, Sandy Koufax, Jackie Robinson, and Brooklyn’s “Boys of Summer.”

For dedicated Hodges collectors, finding high-quality examples of his other vintage cards can also prove expensive on eBay. His 1952 and 1953 Topps rookie cards, as well as various Bowman, Red Man, and Play Ball issues are also in high demand. Later career cards like those from 1959-1963 can usually be acquired for $10-50 in average condition, but premium examples still command four-figure prices. Even oddball issues and minor league cards featuring the young Hodges attract attention. The 1958 Topps #138 remains the true crown jewel – an icon of 1950s baseball, Brooklyn Dodgers nostalgia, and one of the most aesthetically perfect and valuable cards featuring this Hall of Fame slugger.

The eBay market for vintage Gil Hodges cards is driven by strong collector demand for one of baseball’s most beloved stars and winners. As a member of the cherished “Boys of Summer” Dodgers teams, his cards instantly stir nostalgia. But the 1958 Topps #138 stands out as the definitive Hodges collectible – a true work of photographic art that has only gained in significance and value since its original release over 60 years ago. Whether spending $20 or $4,500, any collector would be proud to own and display this iconic piece of sports card history highlighting a legend of America’s pastime.