• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Get Sports Collectors Daily via EMail
    • Advertise with SC Daily
    • Write for Sports Collectors Daily
    • Write About Your Sports Collection
    • Where Can I Sell My Baseball Cards?
  • Hot on eBay
    • Most Watched Graded Rookies
    • Most Watched PSA 10 Cards
    • Most Watched BGS, BVG Cards
    • Most Watched SGC Cards
    • Most Watched Baseball Cards
      • Most Watched 2023 Baseball Cards
      • Most Watched 2022 Baseball Rookie Cards
      • Bowman Chrome Cards
      • Wander Franco Cards
      • Mike Trout Cards
      • Fernando Tatis Jr. Cards
      • Babe Ruth Cards
      • Hank Aaron Cards
      • Jackie Robinson Cards:
      • Mickey Mantle Cards
      • Willie Mays Cards
      • Vintage Baseball Card Sets
      • T206 Cards
    • Most Watched Basketball
      • Top 100 Most Watched Basketball Rookie Cards
      • 100 Hottest 2022-23 NBA Rookie Cards
      • 100 Hottest 2021-22 NBA Rookie Cards
      • 100 Hottest 2020-21 NBA Rookie Cards
      • 100 Hottest 2019-20 NBA Rookie Cards
        • Zion Williamson Rookie Cards
        • Ja Morant Rookie Cards
      • Michael Jordan Cards
      • Kobe Bryant Cards
      • LeBron James Rookie Cards
      • Giannis Antetokounmpo Rookie Cards
      • Luka Doncic Rookie Cards
      • Prizm Basketball Cards
      • Panini National Treasures
    • Most Watched Football Cards
      • Most Watched NFL Rookie Cards
      • 2022 NFL Rookie Cards
        • Brock Purdy Rookie Cards
      • 2021 NFL Rookie Cards
      • 2020 NFL Rookie Cards
        • Joe Burrow Rookie Cards
        • Justin Herbert Rookie Cards
        • Jalen Hurts Rookie Cards
      • Josh Allen Rookie Cards
      • Patrick Mahomes Rookie Cards
      • Tom Brady Cards
    • Most Watched Hockey Cards
      • Top 100 Most Watched Hockey Rookie Cards
      • Most Watched 2020-21 Rookie Cards
      • Most Watched 2019-20 Rookie Cards
      • Connor McDavid Cards
      • Wayne Gretzky Cards
      • Bobby Orr Cards
    • Most Watched Soccer Cards
    • Most Watched UFC Cards
    • Most Watched Golf Cards
    • Most Watched 1 of 1 Cards
    • Most Watched Racing Cards
    • Top Sports Card Dealers on eBay
    • Most Watched Memorabilia
      • Vintage Sports Memorabilia
    • Vintage Sports Tickets, Stubs
    • Most Watched Autographs
  • Ending Soon on Ebay
    • Baseball Cards
    • Basketball Cards
    • Football Cards
    • Hockey Cards
    • Soccer Cards
    • Golf Cards
    • UFC Cards
  • Top - Ad

Sports Collectors Daily

Sports Collectors Daily

Sports collecting news - Sports cards and sports memorabilia industry news.

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network. 

  • Sports Memorabilia News
  • Sports Card News
    • Modern Sports Card News
      • New Sports Card Release Calendar
      • Shop Talk
    • Vintage Sports Card News
      • Affordable Vintage Cards, Collectibles
      • Old Baseball Card Sets
      • Old Basketball Card Sets
      • Old Football Card Sets
      • Old Hockey Card Sets
      • Vintage Pack Facts
  • Business/Industry News
    • Sports Memorabilia Business News
    • Sports Memorabilia Industry News
  • Around The Hobby
    • Editor’s Blog
    • David Cycleback’s Identification and Authentication Advice
  • Popular Stories
  • Sell Your Cards
You are here: Home / Popular Stories / Billy Martin Cards Chronicle Fast, Furious Life

Billy Martin Cards Chronicle Fast, Furious Life

December 25, 2014 By Tom Joyce

On Christmas Night 1989, a Yankee legend was killed in a car crash. Billy Martin died on December 25, 1989 when the pickup truck he was in crashed on an icy road in upstate New York.

He was 61 years old.

It was a sudden ending for a man full of life and controversy, whose baseball career had begun 40 years earlier.  From fresh-faced rookie to embattled manager, Billy Martin baseball cards tell the story of an eventful career.

Known better as a manager than as a player, Martin was hired and fired five times as the Yankees skipper, often butting heads with the equally tempestuous owner, George Steinbrenner.  Their on again, off again relationship even became the stuff of beer commercials.

He’d already managed the Twins, Tigers and Rangers before he returned to New York.

Billy Martin rookie cardMartin had played his first eight years in the big leagues (1950-1957) as a Yankee infielder before being traded.  His first card however, came out even earlier than that.

Billy Martin 1949 RemarIn 1949 when Martin was a member of the Oakland Oaks, a AAA Pacific Coast League team with no affiliation, he was pictured on the unnumbered Remar Baking issue.  The company issued several sets in northern California from 1946-1950, but the Billy Martin pre-rookie card might just be the most popular. Believe it or not, it is actually cheaper than his big league rookie card as it can be had for less for well under $100 in EX or EX/NM condition.

The card released in 1952 Topps three years later that many consider to be his rookie card (#175) may be found for around $200 in EX condition, but high-end examples run into the thousands.

1953 Bowman Billy Martin Phil RizzutoA year later, Martin was depicted on a great-looking posed Bowman card (#93) alongside Hall of Famer and defensive whiz Phil Rizzuto. Both Rizzuto (#10) and MBilly Martin Red Heart 1954artin (#1) have their numbers retired by the New York Yankees, so it is no wonder why this card often goes for $150 and up, depending on grade.

In 1954, Martin appeared not only in the Topps and Bowman issues but also on the Red Heart Dog Food set. Quality examples are usually under $200.

Like all players, Martin’s cards get cheaper every year that he played. From 1958 onward, the vast majority of his cards can be found ungraded for less than $15. Billy Martin 1969 ToppsThe 1961 Post Cereal card he was featured on (#190) depicts his move to the Cincinnati Reds and  is just a few dollars despite the fact that far less of them exist than their Topps counterparts.

For those who are not big spenders but still want a card of Martin, fear not. There are plenty of affordable options. He began his managerial career in 1969 as a member of the Minnesota Twins. His 1969 Topps card (#547) is his managerial rookie card and an excellent pickup. A nice example shouldn’t cost more than $5-10. Anything mid 1970’s and beyond of Martin should be available for a dollar or two.

Billy Martin 1972 ToppsNo stranger to controversy, one of Martin’s more well-known cards among collectors is Bill Ripken-esque to say the least. In this 1972 Topps card (#33) from his time as manager of the Detroit Tigers, he is bracing himself on a bat, with middle finger extended. Whether there was any truly offense being attempted, whether it was an attempt at humor or whether that’s just the way he had placed his hand isn’t definitively known but considering Martin’s fiery nature, it’s not a stretch to imagine he was making a statement. Martin’s ‘bird’ and his In Action card from that year, which shows him arguing with an ump, are must haves for collectors who like uniqueness.

In the early 1980s, between the on again, off again tenure in New York, Martin returned to his native Bay Area and managed the A’s,

As an MLB All-Star who both played and managed for the New York Yankees, remake cards and tribute cards are plentiful for Martin. Whether it be in the 2000 Upper Deck Yankees Legends set or in the 2003 Flair Greats set, there is no shortage of Martin cards issued since his death, although most come from the early part of the 2000’s when such sets were among the most popular.

Even though he passed on 25 years ago, autographs of Billy Martin are not exactly a tough find or too expensive for that matter either. PSA certified signed cards of his run are under $100, making him a natural pickup for any die-hard Yankees fan.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • Facebook Messenger

Related Stories:

Former Yankees Exec’s 1978 World Series Ring Part Of Wheatland Auction Topps, Derek Jeter Team Up for New Card Set From Yard Sale To Auction: Heritage Selling Munson Jersey, Pants Five Thurman Munson Oddball Favorites Johnny MurphyRuth, DiMaggio, Gehrig Part of Johnny Murphy Collection Sandy Koufax 1957 ToppsHigh-Grade Vintage Set Breaks in Memory Lane Auction 1922 Ruth ‘Suspension Photo’ Headlines RMY Auction

About Tom Joyce

Tom Joyce is a freelance writer who contributes to the Yawkey Way Report. He previously wrote for CLNS Radio and BoSox Injection.

Filed Under: Popular Stories, Vintage Sports Card News Tagged With: 1952 Topps, 1972 Topps, Billy Martin, new york yankees

Primary Sidebar

Our articles may contain affiliate links. When you click on links to merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network. 

  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Baseball
  • Hockey

High End Cards and Memorabilia

  • BBCE Authenticated Boxes, Packs opens in a new window
  • Graded pre-War Card Auctions
  • Graded Rookie Cards opens in a new window
  • Authenticated Photos opens in a new window
  • Graded Tickets & Stubs opens in a new window

Bargain Corner

  • Michael Jordan cards $5 and less opens in a new window
  • Kobe Bryant cards $5 and less opens in a new window
  • Mickey Mantle Cards Under $150 opens in a new window
  • Graded T206 Cards Under $150 opens in a new window
  • Pre-War Cards Under $100 opens in a new window
  • Pre-1980 Graded Baseball Cards $10 and Less opens in a new window
  • Pre-1980 Graded Football Cards $10 and Less opens in a new window
  • Vintage Graded Basketball Cards $25 and less opens in a new window
  • Vintage Graded Hockey Cards $10 and Less opens in a new window
  • Complete Sets $20 and Less opens in a new window
  • Baseball Hall of Famers for $5 or Less opens in a new window
  • Football Hall of Famers for $5 or Less opens in a new window
  • Hobby Boxes Under $30 opens in a new window
  • Pre-1986 Rookie Cards Under $1 opens in a new window

RSS Auction Report

  • SCP Auctions Offers Wilt Chamberlain Rookie Season Uniform Auction – End June 17, 2023
  • Selling Your Collection? Consign or Sell To Detroit City Sports
  • PWCC Weekly Sunday Auction – Ending June 11, 2023

Footer

Categories

  • Around the Hobby
  • Business/Industry News
    • Sports Memorabilia Business News
    • Sports Memorabilia Industry News
  • David Cycleback's Identification and Authentication Advice
  • Editor's Blog
  • Featured Articles
  • Hobby Shop Talk
  • National Sports Collectors Convention
  • Popular Stories
  • Rich Klein's Ramblings
  • Sports Card News
    • Modern Sports Card News
      • New Sports Card Release Calendar
    • Vintage Sports Card News
      • Old Baseball Card Sets
      • Old Basketball Card Sets
      • Old Football Card Sets
      • Old Hockey Card Sets
      • Vintage Pack Facts
  • Sports Memorabilia News
  • Uncategorized

Sponsor Links

  • Sports Card Forumopens in a new window
  • Buying Vintage Sports Cardsopens in a new window
  • Game Used Jerseysopens in a new window
  • Championship Rings For Saleopens in a new window
  • Vintage Basketball Cardsopens in a new window
  • NBA Signed Itemsopens in a new window
  • Autographed Baseballsopens in a new window
  • NASCAR Autographsopens in a new window
  • Vintage Graded Baseball Cardsopens in a new window
  • Player Picturesopens in a new window
  • Vintage Football Cardsopens in a new window
  • Sports Collectors Storeopens in a new window

Pages

Ending on eBay Soon
  • Baseball Card Auctions on eBay Ending Soon
  • Basketball Card Auctions on eBay Ending Soon
  • Football Card Auctions on eBay Ending Soon
  • Hockey Card Auctions Ending Soon on eBay
  • Vintage Sports Memorabilia on eBay Ending Soon
Top 100 on Ebay
  • Top 100 Most Watched Baseball Rookie Cards on eBay
  • Top 100 Most Watched Basketball Rookie Cards for Sale on eBay
  • Top 100 Most Watched Hockey Rookie Card Auctions
  • Top Authenticated Vintage Unopened Sports Card Boxes, Packs on eBay
Most Watched on eBay
  • 100 Most Watched Graded Rookie Cards for Sale on eBay
  • 100 Most Watched Tom Brady Card Auctions on eBay
  • 50 Hottest Hobby Boxes at Auction on eBay
  • 50 Most Watched Golf Trading Cards on eBay
  • 50 Most Watched Wrestling Trading Cards on eBay
  • 75 Most Watched Bowman Chrome Cards
  • Most Popular Bobbleheads on eBay
  • Most Watched 1/1 Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Basketball Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Complete Baseball Card Sets at Auction on eBay
  • Most Watched Football Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Football Rookie Card Auctions
  • Most Watched Goudey Baseball Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Hockey Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Racing Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Soccer Cards for Sale on eBay
  • Most Watched Sports Autographs on eBay
  • Most Watched Sports Jerseys on eBay
  • Most Watched Unopened Sports Card Boxes, Packs on eBay
  • Most Watched Vintage Sports Memorabilia on eBay
  • Hottest Panini National Treasures Cards on eBay
  • Hottest PSA 10 Cards for Sale on eBay
  • What’s Hot on eBay
Sports Memorabilia
  • Sports Card Bargain Bin
  • Sports Memorabilia Auctions Ending Soon on eBay
About Sports Collectors Daily
  • Advertise with SC Daily
  • Contact Us
  • Get Sports Collectors Daily via EMail
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
Sell Your Cards
  • What’s It Worth
  • Where Can I Sell My Baseball Cards?

Copyright © 2023 SportsCollectorsDaily.com | Web Design by Wickam Groupopens in a new window