I've had this card on my 'someday' list for a long time. Wasn't on top of the list but it certainly was there. Problem was...the price. These Wilson Franks cards routinely go for over $200 even ungraded. I had an eBay search going for this card and I would get a couple of 'hits' a week but they always seemed to be for $300+ copies. So nailing this one for $85 was a pretty good deal.
Stephens played in the majors from 1941 through 1955 with the Browns/Orioles, Red Sox and White Sox. He was a shortstop early in his big league tenure. The Browns experimented with him in the outfield after an arm injury but that was short-lived. That same injury, by the way, caused him to fail his Army physical keeping him out of WWII. In 1951 he moved over to third base and stayed there the remainder of his career.
No matter where he played he was a solid hitter. He led the AL in RBIs three times including back-to-back in 1949/50 with the Red Sox. Those years he racked up 159 and 144. His 137 total in 1948 was nothing to sneeze at either. He led the league with 24 dingers in 1945 and hit 39 in '49. He was a seven time All Star and he finished in the Top Ten in MVP balloting six times. With that resume I wonder why we don't hear more about Vern Stephens?
Here is the (unnumbered) checklist:
- Roy Campanella
- Del Ennis
- Carl Erskine
- Ferris Fain
- Bob Feller
- Nelson Fox
- Johnny Groth
- Stan Hack
- Gil Hodges
- Ray Jablonski
- Harvey Kuenn
- Roy McMillan
- Andy Pafko
- Paul Richards
- Hank Sauer
- Red Schoendienst
- Enos Slaughter
- Vern Stephens
- Sammy White
- Ted Williams
Love this set since it looks like every player is thinking about hot dogs. Congrats on getting one. I think it'll always be out of my price range.
ReplyDeleteNone more so that Paul Richards
DeleteMe too, Paul. Me too.
DeleteCongrats on your persistence, patience and most importantly, adding this to your collection. I could interchange a few cards that I want with the one you have and it would be the EXACT same story. Congrats again!
ReplyDeleteI have the Sammy White for my Bosox collection. Don't think I'll ever get the T. Williams. Upwards of four figures. I would love to grab a Stephens though. Great find Bob
ReplyDeleteYou're right about the stats. I can't say he was on my radar, though. I guess if I were looking for a card from the set it would be my dad's favorite, Stan Hack. Great looking card!
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite oddball sets....congrats on the great pickup!
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome card - reminds me of the old Classic Fantasy Baseball site on ESPN - had Vern on many an Oriole-themed team...
ReplyDeleteA beautiful Oriole pickup, no doubt.
ReplyDelete