Hanxter's thread inspired me to do yet another topic regarding collecting. Only this time I want you all to get involved! This is our chance to showcase any of our vintage sports cards. If you have a story for 'em, tell us! If not, still show 'em off! If you collect, be proud of it and let us all know!
I'll start off with a few highlights from my vintage collection. Since I'm all about basketball, that's all I'll be posting, but feel free to post cards from any sport.
1957-58 Topps Card #54 Earl Lloyd Rookie Card. Beckett value: $50.00
Earl Lloyd was the very first African American to play in the NBA. I picked this up off of eBay for about $40.00.
1969-70 Topps Card #25 Lew Alcindor Rookie Card. Beckett value: $400.00.
In case you didn't know, Lew Alcindor is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's "slave name," which was given to him before he became a muslim. He played for good ol' UCLA and is one of the best Lakers centers along with George Mikan, Wilt Chamberlain, and Shaquille O'Neal.
1969-70 Topps Card #20 John Havlicek Rookie Card. Beckett value: $150.00.
I don't know too much about "Hondo" myself, but my dad remembers him as one of the greatest Celtics of all time, along with Bill Russel, Bob Cousy, K.C. Jones, and Bill Sharman (this was waaay before Larry Bird or Paul Pierce).
1970-71 Topps Card #123 Pete Maravich Rookie Card. Beckett value: $250.00.
Good ol' Pistol Pete! I devoted an entire thread to him and this card. See if you can find it!
1972-73 Topps Card #195 Julius Erving Rookie Card. Beckett value: $200.00.
C'mon now. You HAVE to know who Dr. J is! He was Jordan before there was a Jordan! He brought style and flash to the NBA, and mixed it up with great ball-play at the same time.
1986-87 Fleer Card #121 Dominique Wilkins Rookie Card. Beckett value: $25.00.
'Nique was one of the greatest dunkers and scorers of all time. It wasn't until recently that I found out he actually played for my team, the Los Angeles Clippers, for a portion of a year and scored 30+ points per game during that short run. The current slam dunk champion, Josh Smith (a rookie out of high school), paid tribute to Wilkins by donning his old-school throwback jersey and performing his trademark windmill slam.
1988-89 Fleer Card #115 John Stockton Rookie Card. Beckett value: $25.00.
The Utah Jazz recently retired Stockton's jersey #. He is known by many as the greatest pure point guard of all time. He could score, play defense, make plays, and BOY could he pass! He is the all-time leader in assists, and was my favorite player throughout his time in the NBA.
1988-89 Fleer Card #57 Reggie Miller Rookie Card. Beckett value: $25.00.
This is Reggie's last year in the NBA, and he has spent his entire career with the Indiana Pacers. He never won a championship, but he sure came close. He will be known as the most prolific three-point shooter of all time for quite some time...until Peja Stojakovic retires that is!
We'll miss you, Reggie.