Ah, the horizontal magic of the 1955 Topps Baseball Card set! A true site to behold or is it an annoyance to some? The landscape style baseball card set holds its place in history and it all starts here!
As a 49-year-old man who has recently rediscovered his love for vintage baseball cards, stumbling upon the 1955 Topps set has been like opening a time capsule. This set, released in 1955, consists of 206 cards that capture a magical era in baseball history.
The 1955 Topps Baseball Card Set
The 1955 Topps set is unique for several reasons. Firstly, it was the first Topps set to be printed in a horizontal format, which gives the cards a distinctive look and feel. Each card features a vivid color portrait of the player along with a smaller action shot and the team logo. The design is both classic and timeless, making it a favorite among collectors.
Legends and Hall of Famers
As I glanced through my coffee table book, Topps Baseball Cards: The Complete Picture Edition, I couldn’t help but marvel at the number of Hall of Famers featured in this set. Names like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Ted Williams, Jackie Robinson, Yogi Berra, and Roberto Clemente jump out, each card capturing the essence of these baseball giants in their prime. The thrill of holding a card featuring one of these legends is indescribable.
Hidden Gems and Personal Favorites
One of the most exciting aspects of collecting is discovering hidden gems. For me, the card of Sandy Koufax stands out. It’s his rookie card, and seeing the young Koufax with that determined look in his eyes is a reminder of the greatness that was to come. Another favorite is Al Kaline—his card is a reminder of his smooth swing and impeccable fielding that made him a star for the Detroit Tigers.
A Piece of History
Each card in the 1955 Topps set is a small piece of baseball history. For instance, the card of Jackie Robinson (#50) is a poignant reminder of his impact on the game and society. The inclusion of lesser-known players adds to the charm, providing a comprehensive snapshot of the era.
The Rookies
The 1955 Topps baseball card set is notable for featuring several key rookies who would go on to have illustrious careers in Major League Baseball. Among the most celebrated rookie cards in this set are Roberto Clemente, Sandy Koufax, Harmon Killebrew, and Elston Howard. Roberto Clemente, known for his exceptional hitting and humanitarian efforts, is a standout, with his rookie card being one of the most sought-after in the hobby. Sandy Koufax, who would become one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball history, also makes his debut in this set. Harmon Killebrew, famed for his powerful hitting, and Elston Howard, the first African American player for the New York Yankees and an MVP, round out the list of notable rookies. Collecting these cards offers a glimpse into the early careers of players who would become legends in the sport.
The fallout from “The Dual”
You’ll remember, from our previous post that dove into the 1954 set, that Topps and Bowman dueled it out for cardboard supremacy. The fallout from that duel was the loss of a few key players from the 1955 set.
Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, and Bob Feller are a few of the missing stars from 1955 Topps. They would sign with Bowman for this year, so you wont find them in this Topps issue.
Today’s Market
To say graded copies of these cards go for a large amount would be a understatement. The highest graded examples are very rare, as the set does not have a lot of PSA 9’s or 10’s in its registry. Check here for some graded examples on eBay, the bulk of the best graded specimens are in the PSA 5 to 6 range typically.
1955 Topps Baseball Card Set Checklist Download Now!
Thanks for reading folks and enjoy your cards!
Note: My content may contain affiliate links. If you click any of the links on this page and make a purchase, I will receive a commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Need Penny Sleeves? Check out the price on this lot of 1000!!!!, they are going fast though!!
How about Penny Sleeves with a nice tab on the top for easy extraction from the Top Loader? Check it out!
How about Top Loaders? Here is 100 Ultra Pro discounted! Why not save and grab a case here?!?!?
These and these are my new favorite additions to my shipping arsenal! Make damaged cards a thing of the past! (They both work great!)
Tip #1: If you are looking for a display case, I just bought two of these and like them a lot. Sturdy enough for the price and they look nice, better yet, they won’t break the bank!
Tip #2: After attending a local card show I noticed all the cool kids have one of these! A slab case definitely makes carrying your graded cards around with you a bit easier!
