I'm not sure if it is a coincidence or if it is fate (maybe it's just.... arbitrary), but many of my favorite card backs have come from years ending in 4.
Take this Angel Scull card:
Not only is the name Angel Scull amazing by itself, but the first line "Angel, a Cuban speed merchant," is a fantastic opener. The whole 1954 set is well-known for great comics on the back and colorful and appealing design.
Then in 1964, we have Mr. Bennett, who just might be the Phillies' first (and only) time-trave
ling pitcher:
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I've mentioned my love for 1984 Topps backs before - They share a lot of the same qualities of other 80s backs, but this is only one from Topps to include the full color team logo. Nice!
Similar to the 18 year old 19 year old, 1987 Topps features a right-handed throwing left-handed Quarterback, Tom Foley:
Score has some of the best copy - you learn a lot about the player from the backs of these cards - here's the first one I grabbed from a pile of 1988 Score cards:
Such flowery prose!
And of course, my favorites are the 1948 Bowman set - lots of nicknames, lots of great stories:
Do you have a favorite card back? Maybe an example or two of some really hilarious errors, or unintentionally funny biographical details about the player?
I think my favorites might be '73 Topps and of course '71 OPC with the "floating head" backs. I think card backs in general don't get enough collector love/attention. I try to includes scans of card backs frequently on my blog.
ReplyDeleteYeah 1971 OPC! I should have mentioned those. I don't see them at shows very often, though, I don't have any to show off.
DeleteI love a good card back!