There were two All Star Games in 1960 and in 1961 Topps had Panch Herrera as their All Star first baseman, Mazeroski at second, Ken Boyer at 3rd and Ernie Banks at short. Only Maz and Banks started in the 1960 games. Although Boyer didn't start in the 1960 ASGs he was the 1961 Sporting News All Star selection at 3rd base. Here are a few cards that could have been included in that All Star subset.
At first Topps could have included Joe Adcock who actually started both 1960 ASGs. They also could have had Orlando Cepeda who was The Sporting News actual 1962 All Star selection at 1st base.
At second, they could have included Frank Bolling. He was the 1962 Sporting News All Star selection at second base. And at third, his teammate, Eddie Mathews, started both 1960 ASGs.
At short, The Sporting News All Star was Maury Wills. Of course, he was famously not under contract with Topps at the time. So here is what could've been:
Who probably didn't merit inclusion in the 1961 Topps All-Star set, but was in it anyway?
Frank (Pancho) Herrera:
Herrera was 2nd place in Rookie of the Year voting in 1960, far behind Frank Howard. He also led the league in errors at first base and had a then MLB record of 136 strikeouts. He wasn't a 1960 All Star, nor was he a Sporting News All Star. He is an interesting side note though. He played from 1955-1974 in pro ball. Only parts of three seasons were at the Major League level. In that time he amassed 305 homers at all levels. He was elected to the International League Hall of Fame in 2008.
Even with my least favorite All Star card design, you make great looking cards. Frank Bolling and Eddie Mathews were also starters in the 1961 All Star game. Never understood the Herrera card.
ReplyDeleteFrank Herrera's inclusion as a Topps All-Star is one of the great mysteries of our time. Btw, he didn't even have a regular issue card in 1961.
ReplyDelete