We’ve seen a few of the 2020 cards in the past few weeks. Now, it’s time go back a few decades.
Ted Williams has had his share of Monster Card articles. You read about Ted Williams’ 1941, 1948, 1953 (the very first Monster Card ever!), 1955, and 1957 (the 1986 print) cards. Kevin Weber even did a Final Card Friday of Williams’ 1960 card.
Indeed, Ted Williams is one of most viewed player on The APBA Blog.
Rich Zawadzki suggested that I post the original 1957 card as it is slightly different than the one reprinted in 1986. Indeed it is.
First, the stats. Williams was a healthy 38 years old but that didn’t prevent him from leading the AL in batting average (.388), slugging (.731) and OBP (.526). Williams walked 119 times and only struck out 43 times. He hit 38 homers and opposing pitchers intentionally walked him 33 times to lead the league.
Williams came in second in the AL MVP vote in 1957. Red Sox fans will be sure to point out that it was to a Yankee. This time, it was to Mickey Mantle. For what it’s worth, I’m with you on this, Sox fans.
| Split | G | GS | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1957 Totals | 132 | 125 | 547 | 420 | 96 | 163 | 28 | 1 | 38 | 87 | 0 | 120 | 44 | .388 | .527 | .731 |
The first thing I saw with this card was Ted Williams’ slow baserunner rating. Time does catch up with everyone but it may be difficult to replicate his 96 runs.
Yet, this is still a typical Ted Williams APBA card. In other words, a fantastic one. It’s full of power with double ones and five power numbers (1-1-5-6-6) and lots of walks. He has seven 14s!
Even with five power numbers and his 14s, Williams’ 1957 card still manages to insert a 55-7 and a 15-7. You would have to expect with a .388 hitter.
A few mentionable anomalies… this 1957 card set put the 12 on 56. If the card called for a 34 as it did with Williams, they moved it to the 46 location. That explains Williams’ 46-34.
Also, Williams received a 53-9 (again, .388). His error number was moved so as a result, he has a 21-16.
Thanks, Rich!! Great selection!
I’m a statistics freak.
One stat that causes me to think “wow” nearly every time I think about it is Ted had a CAREER ON-BASE AVERAGE of .482 in 12,000-plus at-bats. That is one of the most incredible numbers in MLB history.
And to think … he missed 3 seasons in his 20s because of military service. One can only imagine what his overall career marks would be had that not been the case.