Card Statistics
Frank Robinson is presented in Helmar’s T4 series with Cincinnati in a relaxed but attentive fielding position, standing on the grass with his glove held open in front of him and his bare hand poised nearby. The cream Cincinnati uniform, bright red cap, red undersleeves, red stockings, and large arched “CINCINNATI” lettering give the figure a particularly strong club identity. Robinson’s stance is less dramatic than many of the action poses in the series, but the slight forward lean and ready hands keep the image from becoming static. The card captures the alertness of an outfielder between pitches and provides an unusual defensive view of a player remembered primarily for his extraordinary offensive power.
The original artwork was painted by Natalia Valiukavich in watercolor. The painting is especially instructive in the way she uses the ballpark itself to establish scale and depth. Robinson is rendered with comparatively sharp edges and carefully described hands, face, uniform lettering, and glove, while the seating, advertisements, and structural elements of the grandstand become progressively flatter and less distinct as they recede. The diagonal foul line or worn track through the grass acts almost like a perspective guide, carrying the eye from the foreground into the distance. Valiukavich also makes strong use of complementary temperature: the warm reds of Robinson’s uniform stand against the cooler greens, blues, and grays of the field and stadium. The result is a straightforward pose made visually engaging through spatial construction, edge control, and color rather than exaggerated movement.
Frank Robinson became one of the most formidable hitters in baseball history and one of the defining stars of the Cincinnati Reds during the late 1950s and early 1960s. He reached the major leagues in 1956 and immediately won National League Rookie of the Year honors after hitting 38 home runs. Robinson combined exceptional power with speed, plate discipline, and an aggressive style of play, becoming a complete offensive player rather than simply a home-run hitter.
Robinson won the National League Most Valuable Player Award with Cincinnati in 1961 and later, after being traded to Baltimore, won the American League Triple Crown and Most Valuable Player Award in 1966. That made him the first player to win MVP honors in both leagues. He finished his career with 586 home runs, 2,943 hits, 1,812 runs batted in, and a .294 batting average. Robinson also helped Baltimore win World Series championships in 1966 and 1970 and later became the first Black manager in major-league history when he took charge of the Cleveland Indians in 1975.
Numbered #71, the Robinson card presents one of the greatest players represented in the T4 series during the early Cincinnati portion of his career. The open glove, forward-set stance, vivid red uniform accents, broad “CINCINNATI” lettering, and detailed ballpark setting give card #71 a restrained but highly recognizable character. Robinson’s Rookie of the Year Award, MVP honors in both leagues, 1966 Triple Crown, 586 career home runs, two World Series championships, and later managerial milestone make him one of the most historically significant and collectible subjects in the issue. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982.
Original watercolor artwork by Natalia Valiukavich.
- Description: Mitt at knees
- Team: Cincinnati Reds
- Population (# Sold): 16
- First Date Sold: 2023-03-01
- Latest Date Sold: 2026-09-01
- Card Status: Active
- # Sold in past year: 4
- Highest Auction: $ 62.00
- Average Auction Result: $ 29.48
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Visit these teammates on the Cincinnati Reds in the Helmar T4 series
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