Earle Combs--1954
Looking at this card of Earle Combs, I
realized it was the first such card of a big
league coach that I can remember. The
distinction of a singular card by a non-
player is generally reserved for
managers only, while coaches
occasionally took their place as part of
their skipper’s card.
But Combs was a standout outfielder with
the powerful Yankee clubs of the 1920s ,
so you could see why Topps might
include him in their set during their
formative years as cardboard makers.
The former fly catcher led the American
League in triples three times, while
setting the table for Babe Ruth and Lou
Geherig. He would be elected to the Hall
of Fame in 1970 by the Veteran's
Committee.
The "Kentucky Colonel" would hit .300 or
better in 10 of his 12 big league
seasons. Serious injuries during 1934
and 1935 ended his career prematurely,
while opening the door for rookie Joe
DiMaggio in 1936.
However, he did manage to stay in
uniform as a coach for the Yankees,
Browns, Red Sox and Phillies long
enough for Topps to capture his likeness
on cardboard.
(2/5/11)
realized it was the first such card of a big
league coach that I can remember. The
distinction of a singular card by a non-
player is generally reserved for
managers only, while coaches
occasionally took their place as part of
their skipper’s card.
But Combs was a standout outfielder with
the powerful Yankee clubs of the 1920s ,
so you could see why Topps might
include him in their set during their
formative years as cardboard makers.
The former fly catcher led the American
League in triples three times, while
setting the table for Babe Ruth and Lou
Geherig. He would be elected to the Hall
of Fame in 1970 by the Veteran's
Committee.
The "Kentucky Colonel" would hit .300 or
better in 10 of his 12 big league
seasons. Serious injuries during 1934
and 1935 ended his career prematurely,
while opening the door for rookie Joe
DiMaggio in 1936.
However, he did manage to stay in
uniform as a coach for the Yankees,
Browns, Red Sox and Phillies long
enough for Topps to capture his likeness
on cardboard.
(2/5/11)
