1961 Topps #74 Sam Baker PSA 8

1961 Topps #74 Sam Baker PSA 8 - The Golden-Legged Specialist

Sam Baker was one of the NFL’s earliest examples of a true special teams weapon—a player who not only kicked field goals with accuracy and consistency, but also handled punting duties with skill and poise. Over a 15-year career spanning four teams, Baker racked up over 800 points, was selected to three Pro Bowls, and finished among the league’s scoring leaders several times throughout the 1950s and ’60s. His versatility and longevity helped set the standard for future kicking specialists during a time when many still played both sides of the ball.

The 1961 Topps #74 card highlights Baker during his stint with the Dallas Cowboys, capturing the poised kicker in Topps’ signature early-’60s style. Featuring a vivid background, minimalist layout, and straightforward nameplate, the design reflects the era’s no-frills approach to card aesthetics. This PSA 8 example is superbly preserved—boasting sharp corners, bold color, clean edges, and excellent centering—a standout for a set that often shows print and alignment issues.