Wait For It…

Growing up in the 1970’s we were in the slow lane. We were pedaling bikes, the speed on expressways was 55 mph and we were even told to wait for our ketchup as Carly Simon sang Anticipation while the thick and rich Heinz ketchup slowly flowed onto our hamburger.

For card collectors throughout the years there would be anticipation as to which World Series highlights would be captured on cardboard by Topps the following year.

With card #312 the 1961 Topps set gave us the picture of Bill Mazeroski’s walk-off home run celebration as the Pirates upset the Yankees in the 1960 Fall Classic. It would be a moment in time that would be cemented in the minds for eternity.

Or in our 1968 Topps set, card #154 gave us the recap of Bob Gibson’s shutout of the Red Sox in Game 4 of the ’67 World Series. It was the middle of three complete game victories over the Red Sox for the future Hall of Famer as Gibson and the Cardinals claimed the World Series title.

There were also cards that caused us to scratch our head as with card #385 of the 1960 Topps set that highlights “Neal Steals Second”. Hmmm. So, from the White Sox 11-0 victory over the Dodgers in Game #1 of the 1959 World Series Topps chose Charlie Neal’s stolen base over the slugging of White Sox first baseman Ted Kluszewski who belted two home runs, while driving in five runs. Heck even Early Wynn’s seven shutout innings, while rapping out a double would have made for a better card. The Dodgers would win the 1959 World Series in six games as Neal would hit .370 to go with his lone stolen base and NOT be named the Series MVP. Those Go-Go Sox remain the Rodney Dangerfield of the baseball.

There was a whole lot of Oakland Green & Gold, Cincinnati Red and Yankee Pinstripes during the 1970’s. In our 1978 Topps set, card #413 gives us a great shot of Mr. October as Reggie Jackson belted five home runs as the Yankees captured the 1977 World Series Championship.

Nowadays we don’t have to wait as the Topps Now program gives us highlight cards right after events happen. There is a limited supply and cards are only available for a short time through the Topps website, so one has to be quick on the draw with the mouse when ordering online. Otherwise you will have to look to buy your card on the secondary market. For those who collect all sorts of cards, the Topps Now program also features cards from all the major sports.

So with the 2025 World Series in the history books, we have seen some fantastic games that has given us some great cards. Take your pick: Ohtani, Freeman, Vlad Jr., Yesavage — No waiting necessary!

Congrats to the Los Angeles Dodgers!