Collectible of the Week: Robin Roberts, "Sports Club Baseball Game"

Robin Roberts' "Sports Club Baseball Game"

Produced by the Dexter Wayne Company, a small Philadelphia area manufacturer, in 1952 - the Robin Roberts, Sports Club Baseball Game was a fully endorsed board game featuring the Phillies Hall of Fame right-hander.  The game was not unique for the time, as around the same period, similar games endorsed by Willie Mays and Bobby Shantz - and later Sandy Koufax and Roger Maris were produced.  It was however, the only one I am aware of that starred a member of the Phillies.

Packaged in a cardboard box with a drawn picture of Robin Roberts, the game (in its complete form) includes: More than 100 playing cards (in blue, pink and yellow), a playing board, one spinner a die-cut cardboard batting figure, four blue wooden markers and an instruction booklet. The game board measures 12.5 x 19 inches and features fielders with fictitious names, such as Windy Wilson, Skeeter Straton, Skinny Sileski.  Roberts in also prominently featured on the pitcher's mound of the board, and on each playing card.  A spinner determines the situation or directs you to draw a card to name the play.

I saw one of these at a Philly Show a few years ago and while eye-appealing, I was surprised by the $200 price tag.  A little research since then has proven the game to be a rare commodity - often fetching more than $250 when included in internet auctions.  Some common problems faced when considering a purchase are condition of the box, card and board - and missing playing cards, spinners or wooden pieces. 

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