Monster Card Monday: 1921 Bob Meusel

On a trip to my childhood home this weekend, I received a treasure chest of APBA games and cards. Included was the original World Series set. I remember buying that when I was a wee one.

The World Series set included the 1921 New York Yankees. Now, when most APBA fans think of the ’21 Yanks, their minds immediately turn to the Babe Ruth card. The 1921 Babe Ruth card is considered by many as the best full-time APBA baseball card of all-time. See the 1921 Babe Ruth Monster Card writeup here.

Babe had a teammate in 1921 who has a card that stands on its own. Bob Meusel had speed, average and power. Simply, he was a good complement to the Babe.

In his second year in the majors, 24-year old Meusel batted .318 while hitting 81 extra base hits and 17 steals. He drove in 138 runs while scoring 104.

Bob Meusel’s 1921 card could pretty much bat anywhere in the lineup. He was a fast baserunner with power numbers 1-3-6-6. In addition, he earned a 44-7 and a 55-7. Add to that, Meusel’s 17 steals earns him a 15-11.

That was enough to give him a 61-9.

Interesting bit of trivia: Bob Meusel led the league in strikeouts. He only fanned 88 times, seven over Babe Ruth’s total of 81. Looking at Meusel’s 1921 card, it certainly doesn’t look like a strikeout leader. He has only four 13s and has play result numbers like 26-32 and 46-26.

And hey, check it out! APBA placed the 12 at 23 for the World Series Baseball set.