5 Baseball Cards Show Off Their Fall Fashion

Bundle up for the sprint home

Here we go — the last week of the baseball season!

Not only that, but the “official” start of fall just flew by us like a Nolan Ryan heater.

And, I don’t know how the nights are treating you in your neck of the woods, but around these parts, the cool temperatures and thick fog are barely enough to cover the October ghoulies waiting in the shadows.

Before we we drop down into some truly chilling nights — and hopefully some thrilling postseason moments — let’s consult our trusty fall fashion catalog and let our wax pack gods show us how to dress for the nippy air.

(Yeah, yeah, I know — some of these photos probably hail from springtime, or like, a summer game at Candlestick, but suspend your disbelief for a few.)

1963 Topps Whitey Ford World Series (#142)

Is there any more fitting fall baseball fashion than Yankees pinstripes with navy blue/black long sleeves providing protection from those chilly World Series breezes?

I think not, especially when they’re donned by Whitey Ford, who still holds the record for the most wins in Fall Classic history (10).

1965 Topps Casey Stengel (#187)

The Old Professor knew a thing or two about late-season baseball, having guided those same Yanks to seven World Series titles from 1949 through 1958. By 1965, he was entering his fourth year with the crosstown Mets, so that nifty warmup jacket was necessary to keep those seasons-long freezing streaks from creeping into hypothermia for their skip.

1966 Topps John Wyatt (#521)

During their 13-year run in Kansas City, the A’s never finished with a record above .452, so the chances Wyatt’s pic on his 1966 Topps card was snapped in October is nil. And that ethereal background features either palm trees, a post-apocalyptic meltdown, or a Venutian sunrise. Whatever the case, Mr. Wyatt offers up a fall-worthy ensemble that’s a study in versatility — a vest and a warmup jacket all in one. Bring on the cold mornings and hot afternoons!

1978 Topps Grant Jackson (#661)

The Pirates rested their posteason chops from 1976 through 1978, but they were always in the mix and always a threat to break onto the October scene. They kept their fall sartorial muscles sharp with dashing numbers like this disco-worthy stunner from 1977 or so (yeah, I know this is 1978 card).

1985 Fleer Dave Parker (#544)

By the time this card was issued, Dave Parker, Eric Davis, Pete Rose, and a score of other young and revamped Reds had the Cincinnati faithful dreaming of a return to October baseball. All summer long in 1985, this Fleer card had us frothing at the thought of Cobra waiting for the start of a chilly October game on the Riverfront.

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What cards showcasing “fall fashion” resonate with you? I’d love to hear and see your picks!

Until next time, enjoy the season’s final sprint, and get your warm-and-fuzzies lined up for the thrills and chills of October baseball.

Thanks for reading.

—Adam