1957 Topps #1 Ted Williams PSA MINT 9
1957 Topps #1 Ted Williams PSA 9 – The Splendid Start of a Classic Set
The 1957 Topps #1 Ted Williams is a cornerstone of postwar baseball history — a card that captures one of the game’s purest hitters at the height of his mastery. As the leadoff card in Topps’ first standard-sized set, it holds a special place in hobby lore. By 1957, Ted Williams was already a living legend, a two-time MVP, triple crown winner, and the last man to hit .400. This iconic issue presents him in full-color photographic form — a fitting tribute to the player who embodied both precision and perfection.
This PSA 9 example is a spectacularly preserved survivor of one of the most condition-sensitive cards in the entire Topps run. The color saturation is outstanding, with Williams’ crisp red Boston uniform contrasting beautifully against the ballpark background. The centering is superb, the surface gloss immaculate, and the registration razor-sharp — an extraordinary combination for a card that sat at the top of the printing sheet, often subject to wear, chipping, and handling from the start. The edges and corners remain sharp and clean, giving this example truly elite visual appeal.
Beyond its technical excellence, this card represents the bridge between eras — the final chapter of Ted Williams’ dominance meeting the beginning of modern baseball card design. To collectors, it’s not only the first card of one of Topps’ most iconic sets, but a symbolic opening to the golden age of the hobby itself.