Even More 1965 Alt-Topps

All Star, World Series, Leader Cards and More

The All Star cards are a bit of a throwback to the 1958 design. Second base belonged to New York in the 1964 ASG.

1964 World Series MVP Bob Gibson pitched 27 innings over 3 games. This included 10 innings in Game 5. His battery mate, Tim McCarver broke the tie in the 10th with a 3-run homer.

For the Leader cards, I tried to let the photos dominate the card. 

I also used a couple of stat categories that Topps wouldn't use on their own leader cards until 1973.

One thing that has been missing in my previous Alt-Topps efforts has been the multi-player card. Topps used them throughout the 50s and 60s.  The Aaron Brothers seemed like low-hanging-fruit. 

While I'm surprised Topps didn't use Hank & Tommy, this tribute to the KC Monarchs might have been a departure for Topps. Both Altman and Banks played for the Monarchs under Buck O'Neil in the early 50s. In 1965 O'Neil was the Cubs hitting coach.

1965 marked the opening of the Astrodome and the name change from Colt .45s to Astros. There were plenty of gimmicks, including a ground crew dressed as spacemen.  

1965 Topps AL Stolen Base Leaders: Aparicio, Weis, Davalillo

Luis Aparicio led the league in stolen bases for the 9 consecutive year in 1964. This was the final time he would lead the league but he would finish in the top 10 4 of the next 5 years. He was still a threat on the basepaths even in his final year. In 1973 at the age of 39 he still stole 13 bases for the Boston Red Sox. 

The next closest behind Aparicio was his former teammate Al Weis. Weis had a career high of 22 stolen bases in 1964 which was a full 35 bases fewer than Aparicio's 57. 

Cleveland's Gold Glove centerfielder, Vic Davalillo was in 3rd with 21 stolen bases.