Topps Bob Gibson Appraisal

Bob Gibson 1970s St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Trading Card

This item is a vintage baseball trading card featuring former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher, Bob Gibson. The card is rectangular, approximately standard trading card size, and made of printed cardstock. The front of the card displays a colorized photograph of Bob Gibson wearing a red St. Louis Cardinals cap with the team's 'StL' logo, and a white jersey with red trim around the collar. The jersey features the word 'Cardinals' in script, with two red cardinal birds perched on a yellow bat acting as the 'C' in 'Cardinals'. Below the main image, in the bottom left corner, are the words 'BOB GIBSON' and 'ST. LOUIS CARDINALS' in black capital letters. In the bottom right corner, there is a circular graphic featuring a black silhouette of a pitcher on a red background, with the word 'PITCHER' printed beneath it. The card shows significant signs of wear consistent with its age and handling. There are noticeable creases, particularly in the upper right and left corners of the image, running diagonally across Gibson's cap and forehead. The edges and corners appear softened and slightly worn, indicative of lack of protection. The overall color saturation of the print seems to be well-preserved, though some fading might be present due to age. There are no visible manufacturer's marks or year printed on the front, but based on the style and player featured, it is characteristic of baseball cards from the 1970s, likely early to mid-1970s Topps issues. The quality of the printing appears typical for the era, with standard register and color application. The physical condition, including bends and corner wear, suggests it has been circulated and not stored in pristine condition.