1962 Topps Mickey Mantle

The 1962 Topps Mickey Mantle #200 baseball card is the most sought after card of the 1962 Topps set. For some people, the wood grained border offers a nostalgic, vintage look whereas to some people it reminds them of the over-produced less desirable 1987 Topps set. This particular card is one that I like very much. It features a middle-aged Mickey Mantle looking off to his left. The blue background makes this card very eye appealing. In the righthand bottom corner is his name, team name, and position. On the back of the card, there is a comic drawing with a very interesting stat – “At Joplin in 1950, Mickey led his league with a .383 batting average. That kind of batting average is unheard of in today’s game. The last time I remember anyone with a batting average close to .400 was George Brett with a .390 in 1980. The back of the card also mentions his chase for the single season home run mark. Unfortunately, an injury halted his drive in September and Roger Maris ended up breaking that record with 61 homers. Roger Maris is still the single season home run champ in my mind although some give credit to Barry Bonds with 74.

The 1962 Topps set is loaded with great hall of famers and is one set I would like to complete soon. I am only 89 cards away! Unfortunately, one of the ones I need is Mickey Mantle.