The most obvious feature of the 1968 Topps cards is the burlap borders. Series one has the wider version and the rest of the set got slimmed down. A second hallmark is the use of team-specific colors. Both Chicago teams were given an orange circle. Topps was going to have to faithfully recreate both of these features in Heritage.
So how well was Topps able to pull this off?
I'd say they pretty much nailed it. About the only thing that seems a bit off is that the font for the last name on the Heritage cards seems a tab bit thicker. So kudos to Topps for that.
Below are the players from both teams. There are similarities as both were relatively young teams. The Cubs were coming off of a major improvement in 1967, vaulting to third place from last place. Obviously I don't need to say much about what the 2016 Cubs did. The 1968 Cubs regressed a little, losing three more games compared to the year before. if the 2017 Cubs lose three additional games, they will still have 100 wins and I will be a happy boy!
The Position Players:
I wonder if some day Bryant, Russell, Baez, and Rizzo will roll off my tongue as easily as Santo, Kessinger, Beckert, and Banks?
The Outfield
The Pitchers
The '68 Cubs weren't bad and they have four guys in Cooperstown. But the '17 team players top them at just about every position. I think the Cubs are set for a decent run!
Great side-by-side comparison. You're right, the '17 Cubs compare favorably well to the '68 squad. Buckle your seat belts, because it's going to be a fun ride!
ReplyDeleteNever noticed before, but what's up with Kessinger's helmet patch/decal? Off center, and been that way a while, as his uni numbering in the middle of the C can attest to.
ReplyDeleteYosh put those on by hand..most of the time he got it right, some times he missed...
DeleteI love it when Topps gets Heritage right. Many times they just don't. Looks like they did much better with the '68 to '17 than in some other years.
ReplyDeleteFantastic post! I love the comparisons at every position. Kudos!
ReplyDeleteI agree with the Capt. The 68 team had a lot of talent. Probably not as deep as the current group.
ReplyDeletelooking forward to the Cubs run in 2017. I think the team has a great chance. The players have the talent but also a fun spirit the game requires. They don't let a loss keep them down. A great post for Heritage. Certainly not a design I like but the comparison is grand.
ReplyDeleteTopps nailed it for Heritage, but I personally don't like the 1968 design.
ReplyDelete