1957 Topps #1 Ted Williams PSA NM-MT 8

1957 Topps #1 Ted Williams PSA 8 – Leading Off with a Legend

In 1957, Ted Williams was already a two-time MVP, a Triple Crown winner, and universally acknowledged as the greatest pure hitter in the game. Despite turning 39 that year, The Splendid Splinter put up another monster season: 38 home runs, 87 RBIs, and a blistering .388 batting average, narrowly missing his third career .400 season. Williams’ eye at the plate, smooth left-handed swing, and unmatched plate discipline made him a living legend long before he took his final at-bat in 1960. This card captures him during his twilight years—but still producing at a level few could touch.

The 1957 Topps #1 Ted Williams is a hobby icon. Being card #1 in the set, it was particularly vulnerable to rubber band damage and wear, making high-grade examples incredibly tough to find. This PSA 8 example is exceptionally clean, boasting sharp corners, strong centering, and vivid color saturation that pops against the classic posed portrait. The image of Williams—bat cocked, eyes focused—is a perfect visual of the hitter generations still revere.

With its combination of star power, set significance, and condition rarity, this is a foundational piece for any vintage baseball collector. Few cards lead off a set—and a player’s final decade—with as much historical and aesthetic punch.