Frank Robinson
Date of Birth: 8/31/1935
Rookie Card Year: 1957
Investment Rating: 8.5
Overview
As a member of the 500-Home Run Club and the only player to win an MVP in both leagues, Frank Robinson baseball cards and autographed memorabilia remain very popular in the hobby. Add to the mix the fact that he's a two-time World Series Champion and Triple Crown winner and you have the makings of one of the greatest players to ever take the field.
Frank Robinson's lone rookie card is from the 1957 Topps Baseball set. However, it is not technically his first card. Robinson had a food-issue release in 1956 Kahn's Weiners, an extremely popular hot dog brand of the era. In addition to his Topps card, Robinson had several other cards issued in 1957 including a Cincinnati Reds team-issue, Swift Meats, another Kahn's Weiners, and Sohio Gas. All of Robinson's early cards are quite collectible, especially considering the rarity of some of them.
Frank Robinson's first autographed trading card was part of the 1983 Amateur Softball Association set. He also has several food-issue autographs from the mid-1990s including ones from Nabisco, Canadian Cub and, Ball Park Franks. However, it would be his 1995 Upper Deck autograph that would, for a time, be his most popular with collectors. Robinson has continued to appear in autograph sets in the years since, keeping prices reasonable given his on-field success.
Robinson's first memorabilia card was also produced by Upper Deck as part of their 1999 Piece of History 500 Home Run Club insert set. It showcases a piece of one of his game-used bats.
A true ambassador of the game, Frank Robinson's autographed memorabilia is plentiful and in continuous demand. His participation at annual sports collectibles conventions like The National has helped ensure access to one of the game's greats. Popular with fans for his jovial nature, Robinson provides an in-person experience that is more than just simply "getting an autograph."
Frank Robinson Rookie Card Checklist
1957 Topps Frank Robinson RC #35
The 1957 Topps set is revered by collectors for its great use of photography and little design clutter. The color variations that exist with the front text of some cards have created quite the chase for vintage completists. Robinson is shown in a posed batting stance.
 | Making purchases through affiliate links can earn the site a commission |
Autograph Guide
Frank Robinson Autographed Memorabilia Buying Guide
Below you will find an example of what Frank Robinson's authentic signature looks like. This can be used as a first point of reference for determining the legitimacy of autograph memorabilia, but is not a substitute for having your items authenticated by a well-respected professional autograph authentication company. Some of the trusted sources within the sports memorabilia market include the following companies: PSA, JSA, Steiner, Mounted Memories and Tristar.
Frank Robinson Cut Signature Exemplar
Frank Robinson Key Signature Attributes: An authentic Frank Robinson signature autograph will exhibit several distinguishing characteristics. Regardless of the type of item or when it was signed, look for the following signature features:
- A pride of penmanship exists even into his older years.
- The signature is written in cursive with very few stops and starts.
- The "F" resembles a thin "J" with just a small cross in the center and a tail at the top.
- The signature leans to the right, the pen lifts to start the "r", the "a" is angular and closed.
- The "n" is pronounced, it flows into the "k" which more closely resembles the letter "h."
- The "R" start with a tail on the top left before forming a small loop that then connects with the initial vertical line.
- The letters of the last name can be discerned but are usually spaced very closely together.
- The "letter "i" is dotted, and the "o" shows no open loop.
- The signature finishes with a loop that comes off the "n," up, back and over the signature.
Frank Robinson Signed Baseball Pricing
Active Listings for Frank Robinson Signed Baseballs
Frank Robinson Signed Bat Pricing
Active Listings for Frank Robinson Signed Bats
Frank Robinson Signed Photograph Pricing
Active Listings for Frank Robinson Signed Photographs
| Making purchases through affiliate links can earn the site a commission |
More Info
For general information about Frank Robinson as well as his complete player statistics, visit:
debbie
i got a old basebase card it says frank robinson of 8/31/35 6-1 tr br on back says frank robinson 3 cather 4 left fielder 5 short stop 6 center fielder 8 right fielder 9 3rd baseman 10 2nd baseman 11 1st baseman 12 pitcher is it worth anything