This new section came about because there are so many new collectors to the hobby, that I decided a nice lesson in what are the must have cards in your collection. I will do this for both baseball and football since that is where my expertise lies. I hope you enjoy this section as much as I do.
Player: Thurmon Munson
Set: 1970 Topps
Card Number: 189
Why is This Card a Must Have?: I decided to start with this set and this card because this is the oldest, easiest to get card. Once you get older than 1970 the rookie cards start to skyrocket in price. This card is listed in Beckett at $100, but you can find it on eBay for as little as $10 – $20. This is a must have card simply because it’s of a player who was cut down so early in his career. At the time of his death in 1979, he had a Rookie of the Year and MVP award, plus he was the captain of the most popular team in baseball (Yankees). His gritty play is what made fans adore him. He was not a Hall of Fame caliber guy, but years after his death he is still one of the more collected players.
What Ever Happened To: Dave McDonald, well it was a short pro career for him. He ended up with 9 hits in 62 at bats over the course of 2 seasons, ironically not in 1970 though.
On a Scale of 1 to 10, How Must Have Is This Card?: A solid 7,definitely not the most important card in the definitive collection, but it is a key card, and a difficult one to get in great shape.
Any idea why Munson’s 71 card is more valuable? I don’t think it is a high numbered card.
There are actually two reasons for that. The 1971 card is tough to find in good shape and it is considered a SP card.
also it’s the first card featuring Munson by himself