The Great NY Debate - 1956
The times were a-changing. Baseball was having the itch to expand west in more than just the Pacific Coast League. Cities like St. Louis were seen as far west as the Majors would venture for the longest time, but now places like Minneapolis and Los Angeles were seeking to be big league destinations, be it by expansion or relocation. But for the time being, it was still a "worry about it later" thing. The war for NY was still raging in 1956.
Another great trio of cards, and there really is no right or wrong selection....but 1956 is when the true Mickey Mantle arrived and put himself head and shoulders above all others, not just in his city or on his team, but in all of baseball. Triple crown seasons are very tough to beat.
With an elite season and an always top tier supporting cast, Mantle was able to return yet again to the fall classic, and meeting them there was Duke Snider and his defending champ Dodgers squad. Mantle had himself a decent series, and it sure did help that Don Larsen was perfect, all ultimately putting the Yankees back on top in what would be the final Subway Series involving the Giants or Dodgers. NY as a whole would have to wait another 40+ years to get another exclusive World Series.
The era of NY owning the baseball world was nearing the end.
With an elite season and an always top tier supporting cast, Mantle was able to return yet again to the fall classic, and meeting them there was Duke Snider and his defending champ Dodgers squad. Mantle had himself a decent series, and it sure did help that Don Larsen was perfect, all ultimately putting the Yankees back on top in what would be the final Subway Series involving the Giants or Dodgers. NY as a whole would have to wait another 40+ years to get another exclusive World Series.
The era of NY owning the baseball world was nearing the end.
Elsewhere in baseball was Jim Piersall. Jim slugged a career high 40 doubles to lead the league in his all star season, and knocked in 87 runs (also a career best, but a far cry from what Mantle was doing). His best asset, however if you notice his card, was his defense. A better than perfect +4 in Center makes him a nice option off the bench in case your lineup isn't sporting one of the NY trio. Mantle and his mere 12 speed would have to think twice about trying to score from second base, even with 2 outs, with Piersall patrolling the outfield.
