Two of my favorite Jackie Jensen cards

Along with the Jackie Jensen and Bob Friend 1958 All Star cards I posted last week I also picked up this '56 Jensen card.

No need for me to sing the praises of the 1956 Topps set. I don't know anyone who doesn't appreciate it. As much as I like the fronts with the two photos it's the three cartoons on the back that make this one so much fun. 

Here is a closer look at the cartoons on the back of the Jensen.

In 1956 Jensen had a line of 20-97-.317 and led the league with 11 triples. It was his best batting average but the only season he had fewer than 100 RBI from 1954 through 1959. 

Below is the 1961 Topps Jensen MVP card. That year Topps had a subset that featured the MVPs from the decade of the 50s. It's a pretty neat group of cards and I have a couple but I'm calling a halt to adding any new 'mini collection pursuits' until I finish off the ones I'm chasing now. 

In 1961 Jensen was making a 'comeback' after having 'retired' prior to the 1960 season. He won back his place as the Red Sox' regular rightfielder but his numbers, while respectable, were way off his previous standard and he hung up his glove for good after that final year.  

Two More 1958 All Stars

Another Red Sox and a White Sox were among the group of 1958 Topps All Star cards that I picked up last week. Here is Boston infielder Frank Malzone. He was known as a fine fielder who could also hit some as indicated in his 1957 numbers shown on the card. a .292 average with 103 ribbies isn't too shabby. Looks like he had good success against everyone except the Yanks and Senators.

The card itself has some soft corners and a crease that shows mostly from the back but it's certainly collectible to me. My scanner seems to dislike these cards and the scans show a level of 'scuffing' that just isn't there when you look at them in person.

Sherm Lollar's skills behind the plate earned him the spot on this All Star card. He had several Gold Gloves to his credit. He was a seven time AL All Star including the three years prior to and following the 1957 season reflected on this card. '57 was the only year in the second half of the decade that he did not get a spot on the team. 

This copy is a bit better than the Malzone both front and back. I love the Sox cap logo outlined in red that they wore in this era. I have one of those.