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ELSTON HOWARD BASEBALL CARDS

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Elston Howard was the first African American player in the American League and made his major league debut with the New York Yankees in 1955. As a pioneer in breaking the color barrier in professional baseball, Howard faced immense racism and discrimination yet persevered to have a highly successful career. He was a key member of six World Series championship teams with the Yankees and in 1963 became the first Black player to win a World Series MVP award. Howard’s trailblazing career and accomplishments have made his baseball cards highly valuable collectibles that provide a lens into an important era in sports history.

Some of the earliest and most scarce Elston Howard baseball cards were produced during his rookie season in 1955 when he was still establishing himself in the majors. One of the first issues to feature Howard was the 1955 Topps card #448. This was among the last cards in the set and it shows Howard in a Yankees road uniform from his rookie season. The photo has a blue border and “Rookie Star” printed at the bottom. Due to the limited distribution of 1955 Topps sets during Elston’s rookie year, his card from that issue is quite rare in high grade. Another key early Howard card is the 1955 Bowman card #359 which also depicts him as a rookie for the Yankees. Bowman sets from 1955 are also very scarce to find in pristine condition today.

In 1956, Howard’s second major league season, he began to receive more recognition on baseball cards as he started to become an established member of the Yankees lineup. His 1956 Topps card #382 and 1956 Bowman card #245 both feature updated photos from that season. By this point, Howard’s name recognition was growing and his cards from the mid-1950s are considered important issues for documenting the early stages of his career as the American League’s first Black player. While still not overly common to find in mint condition, 1956 is when Howard’s rookie cards started seeing wider distribution compared to 1955.

As Howard’s career progressed into the late 1950s, he began achieving statistical milestones and greater accomplishments that garnered him prominent inclusion in the flagship Topps sets of the time. In 1957, he appeared on the iconic Topps card #477 wearing his traditional catching gear. That same year also saw the release of the rare 1957 Topps Traded card #T87, which is one of the most significant Howard variations from the 1950s. In 1958, Topps honored Howard on card #540 after he hit a career-high .324 batting average the prior season, showing how his stats were earning him more recognition on annual issues.

The peak of Howard’s career coincided with the rise of the modern baseball card boom in the early 1960s. As a star player for the dominant Yankees dynasty, he received excellent card coverage during this period. In 1961, Topps featured Howard on card #556 in the base set. Then in 1962, he appeared on the coveted Topps card #500 in the standard issue as well as card #T100 in the rare Traded variation. This was around the time that Howard was becoming one of the elder statesmen in the Yankees clubhouse and his leadership was a big factor in the team’s continued success.

Howard had one of the finest seasons of his career in 1963 when he hit .287, led AL catchers in fielding percentage, and was named World Series MVP as the Yankees defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers. This standout campaign earned Howard one of his most iconic baseball cards ever released – the 1963 Topps card #600. The photo shows Howard in action catching for the Yankees and its prestigious low card number placement signified his status on that team. He also received the 1963 Topps Traded card #T102 treatment that same year. With Howard’s career peaking, his cards from this era are highly valued by collectors.

In the latter stages of his playing days from 1964-1967, Howard continued to be featured regularly in the annual Topps sets as a respected veteran for the Yankees. His 1964 Topps card #650, 1965 Topps card #600, 1966 Topps card #610, and 1967 Topps card #640 are all notable issues that showcase Howard in his later 30s. Even after retiring as a player, Howard remained in the Yankees organization and was honored on the 1968 Topps card #620 in his post-playing role as a coach. This completion of coverage from his rookie season through retirement makes Elston Howard’s Topps run one of the most documented careers from that era.

Beyond the standard Topps issues, Howard also appeared in several other memorable 1950s-60s card sets. He was included in the 1960 Leaf card set on card #78L. In 1962, he had cards in Picasso (#18), Post Cereal (#36), and Utica Club (#41). That same year also saw his solo card #23 in the rare MGM Movie Stars set. Howard also received cards in 1964 Post (#58), 1965 Post (#41), 1966 Post (#68), 1967 Post (#59), and 1968 Post (#59) issues over the latter part of his career. The extensive representation of Howard across various 1950s-60s brands is a testament to his importance as one of the first Black baseball stars.

In the modern era, Elston Howard has continued to gain recognition for his trailblazing career and role in breaking the color barrier. This is reflected through special tribute cards released long after his playing days. Examples include a 2000 Fleer Greats of the Game Memorial card and a 2008 Topps Allen & Ginter card honoring African American baseball pioneers. Howard was also part of a 2009 Topps Allen & Ginter card paying homage to the original New York Yankees dynasty. In 2019, Topps honored Howard further with a card in their Archives 65th Anniversary set remembering his 1963 World Series MVP achievement. These modern issues celebrate Howard’s lasting legacy over 60 years after his debut.

Whether from his rookie season, prime years, or post-career tribute issues – Elston Howard’s baseball cards serve as a visual chronicle of the obstacles he overcame and excellence he displayed as a pioneer. His cards ranging from the scarce 1950s Bowman and Topps rookies up through modern commemoratives are highly prized by collectors appreciating Howard’s important place in sports and cultural history. Few players can match the complete coverage and significance represented across such a wide range of issues from the 1950s until today. Elston Howard’s trailblazing career on the field is immortalized through the baseball cards that were produced during and long after his playing days.

FRANK HOWARD BASEBALL CARDS FOR SALE EBAY

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Frank Howard was one of the most intimidating power hitters of the 1960s, often referred to by his nickname “Hondo.” Standing at a towering 6-foot-7 and weighing in at over 250 pounds, Howard struck fear into opposing pitchers with his no-doubt home run swings. Howard’s combination of size and raw power made him one of the game’s first true “three-true-outcomes” players who either homered, struck out, or walked. Between his 11-year career from 1960-1970 that included stints with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Washington Senators, and Houston Astros, Howard blasted 382 home runs while tallying over 1,100 runs batted in and 900 walks. His monstrous home runs captivated fans and still bring back memories of baseball’s deadball era for anyone who was lucky enough to watch him play.

Given his cartoonish size and ridiculous home run totals, it’s no surprise that Howard was one of the most popular players to be featured on baseball cards during his career in the 1960s. The demand for Howard’s cards among fans was immense during his playing days and has only grown greater in the decades since as collectors seek to acquire cards commemorating one of the game’s true home run legends from that era. On modern auction sites like eBay, Howard’s cards from Topps, Fleer, and other vintage card issues from the 1960s routinely fetch high prices when they become available. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of Frank Howard’s most coveted and valuable baseball cards that frequently appear for sale on eBay.

One of Howard’s most iconic and desirable baseball cards is without question his 1964 Topps card. Featured sporting his classic Washington Senators uniform, Howard looms large in the photo with his massive shoulders filling out his jersey. The 1964 Topps set is considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing vintage issues due to the vivid color photos and minimalist graphical design. As a result, stars like Howard who were memorable players from that era are highly sought after by collectors. In high grade, Howard’s ’64 Topps card routinely sells for hundreds of dollars on eBay when inNear Mint to Mint condition. Recently a PSA Gem Mint 9 copy fetched $465, while ungraded but apparent Mint copies often sell for $200-300 range.

Just as valuable and iconic is Howard’s 1968 Topps card, which was arguably his best statistical season. That year, Howard led the American League with 44 home runs and 122 runs batted in suiting up for the Washington Senators. The photo on the ’68 Topps card perfectly captures Howard unleashing one of his tape measure shots from the left side of the plate. Graded high copies in the PSA 8-9 range often sell for $300-400, while apparent Near Mint raw copies sell for $150-250. And for collectors seeking an even more valuable Howard rookie card, his 1960 Topps rookie is incredibly scarce in high grades yet highly desired. PSA 8 examples have gone for well over $1000, showing the immense demand for one of the great slugger’s earliest cardboard issues.

While Topps had distribution rights for Howard in the peak of his career, Fleer also featured “Hondo” prominently in their 1960s baseball sets. Howard’s 1965 Fleer card #130 shows him rounding third base in typical home run trot fashion. High graded copies in PSA 8-9 fetch $150-300. One of Howard’s most visually striking Fleer cards is the 1968 issue, which pictures him mid-swing launching a ball to the moon. Perfectly capturing “Hondo’s” mammoth power, this coveted cardsells for $80-150 in Near Mint to Mint condition.

Continuing down memory lane, collectors seeking a Howard card from his later career can find options from the late 1960s/early 1970s. One is his 1970 Topps card donning an Astros uniform, which shows a grayer Howard still swinging hard. This transitional issue sells for $40-80 in top condition. And Howard’s final 1972 Topps card as a member of the Kansas City Royals provides a retrospective look at one of the original home run sluggers. Raw Near Mint copies change hands for $30-50.

In sum, Frank Howard’s formidable home run prowess and literally larger-than-life presence on the baseball diamond during the 1960s made him one of the most charismatic and iconic players to be featured on vintage cards from that era. As nostalgia and demand grows decades later, Howard’s classic cardboard issues from Topps, Fleer and more remain some of the most sought after and valuable options for collectors seeking to commemorate one of baseball’s true Bash Brothers. Whether a mint 1960 rookie, ’68 home run king card, or final 1972 swan song issue, Frank Howard cards endlessly enthrall fans new and old on auction sites like eBay. Towering over backlots then and now, “Hondo” continues wowing crowds through the cardboard cubes he inhabited during his awe-inspiring MLB career.

RYAN HOWARD BASEBALL CARDS

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Ryan Howard Baseball Cards Capture a Star Slugger’s Rise to Fame

Ryan Howard is undoubtedly one of the most prolific power hitters of the 21st century. Through his years dominating Major League Baseball as the Philadelphia Phillies’ franchise first baseman, Howard blasted power into the history books and became a household name across baseball fandom. His accomplishments are immortalized through the many Ryan Howard baseball cards released over the years, providing a unique window into his rise from prospect to superstar slugger.

Howard came onto the baseball card scene in the early 2000s as an up-and-coming player in the Phillies’ farm system. One of his earliest notable rookie cards came in 2002, released in series like Topps and Upper Deck. After tearing it up in the minors, Howard got his first extended MLB playing time in 2005 following an injury to Jim Thome. He immediately made his presence known, batting .288 with 22 home runs in just 105 games. This breakout performance led to more prominent cards in 2006 sets showing Howard in his Phillies road grey and home red uniforms, power numbers rising. His burgeoning stardom was reflected by parallels and autograph/relic cards starting to appear regularly.

The 2006 season was the true arrival of “The Big Piece” on the national scene. Howard blasted a mammoth 58 home runs that year, establishing himself as one of the game’s preeminent sluggers right out of the gates in his first full MLB season. His achievement led to one of the most iconic and valuable Ryan Howard rookie cards ever created, the 2006 Topps National Baseball Card Day Red parallel. Limited to just 50 copies, these autographed cards showcase Howard at the peak of his rookie campaign and are highly sought after by collectors. Other ’06 releases like Triple Threads, Finest, and Leaf Memorabilia reflected Howard as the NL’s premier power bat with coveted parallels, autographed options, and memorabilia relics.

Howard carried his hitting prowess right into the postseason, clubbing five home runs and earning NLCS MVP honors as the Phillies reached the World Series. The peak of his early career was captured perfectly in 2007 products like Topps Finest, clearly presenting Howard as a dominant slugging force. A fan and player favorite, retail releases that year also incorporated popular autographed and memorabilia cards into their base sets to meet rising demand for Howard collectibles. Contending teams started regularly featuring the stud first baseman prominently on oddball and regional sets as well.

Entering his athletic prime in 2008, Howard smashed 48 long balls and drove in 146 runs to lead the Phillies to their first World Series championship. This made him one of the most sought-after players for special memorabilia cards encapsulating that magical season. Resets like 2008 Upper Deck Philadelphia Baseball Greats spotlighted Howard smashing a home run in Game 4 of the ’08 Fall Classic. High-end products from the likes of Preferred, Exquisite, and Triple Threads met collector demand for 1/1 relic and autographed parallels celebrating Howard’s crowning achievements. He had unquestionably become one of the sport’s marquee stars.

The 2009 season saw Howard named NL MVP after launching 45 homers in a season where he led all MLB in runs scored (135) and RBIs (148). He appeared as a featured slugger across dozens of card releases paying tribute to such all-time great offensive production. From flagship brands to niche independent sets, Howard’s hulking frame towering at the plate was a common sight in many product profiles and action shots highlighting a legendary year at the plate. The early 2010s continued to deliver highly sought-after autographed parallels and 1/1 memorabilia marvels capturing the slugger in his prime.

Unfortunately for Howard and collectors alike, injuries began slowing his torrid pace starting in 2011. But he still managed highlights like becoming just the fifth player in MLB history with multiple 50+ home run seasons. Through it all, Howard’s peak excellence and Phillies tenure earned him legendary status in that franchise’s lore, memorialized by special limited cards often numbered well under 100 copies. Even as production declined in later years, fans relished opportunities to obtain autographed cards showing appreciation for “The Big Piece’s” incredible run dominating baseball for nearly a decade straight in Philadelphia.

From prized rookie gems to 1-of-1 treasures, Ryan Howard’s baseball cards serve as a capsule to one of the most feared pure home run hitters of his era. Chronicling his rise from prospect to superstar MVP, the cards capture all the booming blasts, gaudy stat lines and ultimate team success of a modern slugging icon. For collectors who admired Howard in his playing days, seeking out his cards from the early 2000s peak years remains a fun way to reminisce about the heights reached by “The Big Piece” in baseball immortality.