{"product_id":"1956-topps-164-harmon-killebrew-gray-back-psa-nm-mt-8","title":"1956 Topps #164 Harmon Killebrew Gray Back PSA NM-MT 8","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1956 Topps #164 Harmon Killebrew Gray Back PSA 8 - Before the Home Runs Came in Bunches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e1956 Topps #164 Harmon Killebrew Gray Back\u003c\/strong\u003e catches one of baseball’s greatest power hitters at an unusual point in his story—when the power was already evident, but the legend was still waiting for regular playing time. Signed by Washington as an 18-year-old bonus baby in 1954, Killebrew was required under the rules of the era to remain on the Senators’ major-league roster rather than develop normally in the minors. His 1956 Topps card therefore belongs to that fascinating apprenticeship, presenting a \u003cstrong\u003e20-year-old future superstar years before he became “Killer.”\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe classic horizontal format makes 1956 Topps one of the decade’s most distinctive issues, pairing Killebrew’s portrait with an action scene against a colorful backdrop. This example carries the desirable \u003cstrong\u003eGray Back variation\u003c\/strong\u003e and has earned a strong \u003cstrong\u003ePSA NM-MT 8\u003c\/strong\u003e. Between centering, corner wear, surface issues, and the set’s vulnerable edges, reaching the NM-MT level is no small achievement on nearly seventy-year-old cardboard. The darker reverse adds another layer for collectors pursuing the distinct printing variations found throughout the 1956 checklist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKillebrew’s transformation would eventually be spectacular. Once given a full-time opportunity in 1959, he erupted for an \u003cstrong\u003eAmerican League-leading 42 home runs\u003c\/strong\u003e, beginning a stretch that would make him the most feared power hitter in the franchise’s history. He ultimately launched \u003cstrong\u003e573 career home runs\u003c\/strong\u003e, led the American League in homers six times, made 13 All-Star teams, and captured the \u003cstrong\u003e1969 AL MVP Award\u003c\/strong\u003e after driving in 140 runs.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hall of Fame Exchange","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53487906914613,"sku":null,"price":1600.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0920\/7827\/6917\/files\/1956Topps_164HarmonKillebrewGrayBackPSANM-MT8.png?v=1788802139","url":"https:\/\/halloffameexchange.com\/products\/1956-topps-164-harmon-killebrew-gray-back-psa-nm-mt-8","provider":"Hall of Fame Exchange","version":"1.0","type":"link"}