1954 Bowman - Preston Ward

I didn't have a 1954 Bowman in my collection so when browsing eBay the other day, I ran across a pretty cheap card of Preston Ward.  Ward played for the hometown Kansas City Athletics in 1958 and 1959 and was born in Columbia, MO.  He was really nothing more than a light-hitting first basemen who also saw time at the hot corner and outfield.  He compiled a .253 career average with 522 hits, 50 homeruns, and 262 RBIs.  He is probably most notable for the trades in which he was involved.  He would be a part of a trade that would send him from the Cubs to the Pirates in 1949.  Ralph Kiner and Joe Garagiola were a part of that 10 player trade.  He would also be involved in a 5 player trade in 1958 that would send him and Roger Maris to Kansas City from Cleveland.

Even though it is graded a PSA 2.  It is really a beautiful card with the only major blemish a crease noticeable only across the back of the card.  Anyway it is the first 1954 Bowman card to be added to my collection, and it only set me back $4.90.