Value: $3500 – Grade: 9
Hall of Fame Biography: https://youtu.be/knhVHLtub4U
Richard Michael “Goose” Gossage (Born in Colorado Springs, CO on July 5, 1951-) was the rare, Cy Young candidate as a reliever, finishing in the top ten in voting five times including 4 times in the top five. Goose was a big, strong, menacing hurler on the mound with a terrifying look and blazing fastball that would intimidate even the greatest of hitters. His intensity and competitiveness made him one of the most feared relievers in the big leagues and earned him nine All-Star selections in both leagues with four different teams. The well-travelers Gossage spent time with nine different teams but found much of his success with the New York Yankees (1978-1983, 1989) and the San Diego Padres (1984-1987). From 1975-1986, Gossage saved move than 20 games twelve times and lead the American League three times in saves. Goose was a member of three pennant winners with the Yankees in 1978 and 1981 and the Padres in 1984, saving 8 contests and winning the 1978 World Series with the Yankees. Goose Gossage retired with a record of 124-107 adding 1,502 strikeouts with 310 saves while posting a 3.01 career ERA. Richard Michael “Goose” Gossage was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008. During the 1950s and 1960s, Topps was known for producing trading card sets that possessed fantastic eye appeal. In fact, in 1972 the manufacturer produced another set that has captivated collectors to this day based on the colorful design alone. The very next year, for some reason, Topps decided to go with a bland look, one that doesn’t exactly stop hobbyists in their tracks. What the issue may have lacked in aesthetic beauty, however, it made up for in difficultly. The quality of the paper and print, poor centering, and the black borders on the reverse can make high-grade examples hard to come by relative to the period. Gossage’s debut (#174) and Schmidt’s first Topps card are the two Hall of Famer rookies in the set. Unlike Schmidt, Gossage had the spotlight all to himself, which was a rarity during the period as many newcomers had to share their rookie cards with fellow prospects. A Canadian version (O-Pee-Chee) of the same card also exists. While it is tougher to find overall, the Topps rookie is the one that gets most of the attention from collectors.
High Quality Baseball Cards 