The Runner Up

Last week I wrote a post about 1964 Topps Giant oddball issue and while digging through my scans, I found another interesting oddball from the same year:

1964 Auravision #9

Technically it's a record and not a baseball card... but considering how these were distributed to collectors, I'd still classify it as an oddball issue.

According to Sports Collectors Daily, these were available to baseball fans through a Milk Duds/Meadow Gold milk mail-in promotion.  Here are images I found over on Keyman Collectibles of what the milk carton and candy box ads looked like:

I was truly impressed with how informative their site was.  They mention that there was a large hoard of factory stock discovered in the 70's or 80's, which explains why these are very affordable considering these records are over fifty years old.

I wish I would have known this tidbit of knowledge six years ago when I overpaid and purchased my Koufax for $20 at the De Anza Flea Market.  But in hindsight, the uniqueness of this item and that fact that it brings two important things (records and sports) from my childhood together definitely softens the blow.

When I saw this sitting in the gentleman's display case, the first thing that caught my attention was the photo of Koufax and the bright blue sky in the background.  Even though its obviously a staged photo, collectors are able to imagine The Left Arm of God staring down at the opposing batter and waiting for Johnny Roseboro's signal.

The back is equally impressive.  There's a small biography, a second photo, full MLB statistics, and directions on how to play the record.

I had completely forgotten about this flea market find until I ran across this scan.  But after seeing how affordable these are, I'll probably add at least the two Athletics at some point... and possibly the Whitey Ford and Warren Spahn for my Lefty PC.

What about you?

Are these your cup of tea?  Would you consider collecting these?  Do you already own any?

Oh... and if you're wondering what's on this record, someone on YouTube recorded it:

Can you believe one of the greatest pitchers in the history of baseball didn't play organized baseball until high school?  The stuff you can learn from fifty-three year old baseball records.

Happy Tuesday and sayonara!