Box Score Game Card (19) – WSFL0023

Box Score Game Card: WSFL0023
Card Date: October 4, 1955
Autograph(s): Johnny Podres (D); Whitey Ford (D) – HOF; Yogi Berra (D) – HOF; Don Zimmer(D); Gil McDougald (D); Tommy Byrne (D); Bob Turley. (D)
Grade Value:  VP

Significance of autograph (rare):
One of the greatest games in baseball lore. You really have to know the history behind this rivalry to really appreciate the significance. Yankees and Dodgers, and along with the Giants, New York was the epicenter of the baseball world. So, when the beloved Brooklyn Dodgers finally beat their hated rival, the New York Yankees (who had beaten them five times in the World Series), for their first championship title, the underdog of dogs was no longer in the Bronx pen. It was even secretly said that many of the Yankee fans were rooting for the BUMS! All seven players (autographs) were well-known players in an intense rivalry, including Dodger Johnny Podres, who pitched this masterpiece and became the first MLB World Series MVP! 

Note: Card #2 is signed just by Podres. This is very significant. Since Podres is the premier link between the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was the only player who was a main contributor in Brooklyn, as this World Series game illustrates, and continued in LA, as his record indicates, including his gem in the 1963 World Series against these same Yankees. Incredible! After pitching that gem in 1955, Podres was drafted into the service, resulting in him missing the entire 1956 season. However, he told me it was a blessing in disguise. When he came back in 1957, his arm felt like he was 21 again… ’57 was his best year ERA-wise.
Johnny Podres – Wikipedia
Whitey Ford – Wikipedia
Yogi Berra – Wikipedia
Don Zimmer – Wikipedia
Gil McDougald – Wikipedia
Tommy Byrne (baseball) – Wikipedia
Bob Turley – Wikipedia