{"product_id":"1980-topps-super-jerry-koosman-gray-back","title":"1980 Topps Super - Jerry Koosman Gray Back","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is the \u003cstrong\u003e1980 Topps Super #38 — Jerry Koosman, Gray Back\u003c\/strong\u003e, a nearly 5×7-inch oversized card that doubles as a piece of Miracle Mets history. The gray back is the original issue: \u003cstrong\u003eTopps distributed the gray-back Supers first through retail hanger packs\u003c\/strong\u003e, making them the authentic first run of this boldly photographed, larger-than-life set. The white backs came later as a dealer-direct exclusive and are considered the rarer variant — but the gray is the one collectors remember cracking out of packs, and it's the foundation of any serious 1980 Topps Super set build.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe set itself was a landmark. \u003cstrong\u003e1980 Topps Super\u003c\/strong\u003e was a 60-card issue measuring just under 5×7 inches — roughly four times the size of a standard card — designed to look like an autographed photo, complete with a facsimile signature on the front. There was no cluttered design to get in the way: just bold photography, a clean facsimile auto, and a minimal gray back listing name, team, and position. It was Topps at its most photogenic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe man on the card earned his place in the set. \u003cstrong\u003eJerry Koosman\u003c\/strong\u003e was the winningest left-handed pitcher in Mets history, a two-time All-Star, and the pitcher who closed out the 1969 World Series — throwing a complete game in Game 5 to beat the heavily favored Baltimore Orioles and deliver New York its first-ever championship. He went 4-0 in the postseason with the Mets, and his number 36 now hangs retired at Citi Field alongside Tom Seaver, Mike Piazza, Gil Hodges, and Casey Stengel. A card of Kooz is a card of Mets royalty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSet:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1980 Topps Super (60-card oversized issue)\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCard #:\u003c\/strong\u003e 38\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariant:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gray Back — original retail distribution\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4⅞\" × 6⅞\" — nearly four times a standard card\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlayer legacy:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1969 World Series champion, No. 36 retired by the Mets, Mets Hall of Fame inductee (1989)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGray-back singles from this set trade in the entry-to-mid single digits in raw condition, making this an accessible pickup on a legendary player with genuine retired-number cachet. If you're building the 1980 Topps Super set or chasing \u003cem\u003eevery Koosman card\u003c\/em\u003e in the hobby, this one belongs in the stack.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAvailable at Collector Station, Easley, SC. Local pickup available. \u003cstrong\u003eAll sales final.\u003c\/strong\u003e Shipping damage must be reported within 48 hours of delivery with photos.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Collector Station","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51252206272764,"sku":null,"price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0786\/1387\/2892\/files\/47565039-7EE1-4F2C-A23B-E70EE6DD03FC.jpg?v=1789076737","url":"https:\/\/thecollectorstation.com\/products\/1980-topps-super-jerry-koosman-gray-back","provider":"Collector Station","version":"1.0","type":"link"}