This instantly recognizable rookie card of Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Gibson tells us more than usual about life beyond baseball, as well as his rookie campaign. He barnstormed for four months with Harlem Globetrotters prior to comitting with the Cardinals to baseball full-time. Three April 1959 appearances under the mercurial manager Solly Hemus failed to produce good results, so Gibson returned to AAA Omaha for a few months, leading to the note in red on his card bio. Topps included him in that year's high-number series regardless, which no doubt pleased fans who enjoyed his late-season return and eventual growth into ace of the Cardinals staff.

This SGC GD+ 2.5 grade reflects slightly rounded corners, spots on the front that could be remnants from gum exposure, and modest toning on the reverse. The image presents stronger than its technical grade and will be an accessible example for any 1959 set or Hall of Fame collection.