Burdick's collection also includes Joe DiMaggio, Willie Mays, and Stan Musial, as well as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Cy Young, Ty Cobb, and Hank Greenberg, among thousands of other cards. An avid collector, Burdick's albums are exceptional in that they contain full sets such as the famous Bowman Gum series of 1951, which includes Mickey Mantle's rookie card, and Topps's 1953 set highlighting New York Yankees Philip Rizzuto, Yogi Berra, Mantle, and Brooklyn Dodgers Jackie Robinson, Duke Snider, Pee Wee Reese, and Roy Campanella. Burdick compiled the original albums that these cards are kept in by incorporating the baseball cards alongside other contemporary advertising material.
The baseball cards document the sport through varied types of media — from lithography to photography — with imagery illustrating legends as well as the lesser-known players, owners, and teams that have contributed to the history of the game.
Issued by the Goudey Gum Company. Joe DiMaggio, New York Yankees, from the Heads-Up series (R323), issued by the Goudey Gum Company, 1938. Commercial color lithograph; Sheet: 2 7/8 x 2 3/8 in. (7.3 x 6 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, The Jefferson R. Burdick Collection, Gift of Jefferson R. Burdick (Burdick 325, R323.10)
Famous Faces
Issued by Allen & Ginter (American, Richmond, Virginia). Minnie Palmer (standing beside chair), from the Actresses and Celebrities series (N60, Type 1) promoting Little Beauties Cigarettes for Allen & Ginter brand tobacco products, 1887. Albumen photograph; Sheet: 2 3/8 x 1 1/2 in. (6 x 3.8 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, The Jefferson R. Burdick Collection, Gift of Jefferson R. Burdick (63.350.202.60.10)
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