Card Statistics
Joe Gordon is presented in Helmar’s T3 series with the New York Americans in a low fielding pose, leaning forward with both hands extended as he receives the ball into his glove beside second base. The cream Yankees uniform, dark undersleeves and stockings, and navy cap with the familiar white “NY” give the figure an unmistakable New York identity. The spread stance and forward reach capture Gordon in the middle of an infield play rather than in a posed portrait, giving the card a strong sense of concentration and defensive action.
The original artwork was painted by Natalia Valiukavich in watercolor. She models the pale uniform with warm cream, gray, tan, and muted green washes, using darker shadows through the sleeves, waist, and trouser folds to emphasize Gordon’s crouched position. The navy cap and undersleeves provide strong contrast, while the large brown glove and white baseball form the visual focus at the right side of the composition. The nearby base anchors the action at lower left, and the softly painted green field and blurred tree line keep the background quiet and atmospheric.
Joseph Lowell Gordon, known as “Flash,” was one of the finest second basemen of the 1930s and 1940s. He joined the Yankees in 1938 and quickly became an important part of a championship club, combining unusual power for a middle infielder with excellent range, quick hands, and a strong throwing arm. Gordon was an All-Star in nine seasons and developed a reputation as one of the American League’s best defensive second basemen.
Gordon helped the Yankees win World Series championships in 1938, 1939, 1941, and 1943, and in 1942 he was named the American League’s Most Valuable Player. After military service during World War II, he later joined Cleveland and helped the Indians win the 1948 World Series. He finished his career with 253 home runs, an exceptional total for a second baseman of his era.
Numbered #210, the Gordon card adds one of the strongest all-around second basemen of the prewar era to the T3 checklist. The low fielding pose, prominently shown baseball and glove, and inclusion of the base make the composition especially effective in emphasizing Gordon’s defensive reputation. His MVP award, four championships with New York, and later title with Cleveland give the subject considerable historical significance. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009.
Original watercolor artwork by Natalia Valiukavich.
- Description: Leaning forward, ball in mitt
- Team: New York Yankees
- Population (# Sold): 5
- First Date Sold: 2025-07-23
- Latest Date Sold: 2026-09-08
- Card Status: Active
- # Sold in past year: 4
- Highest Auction: $ 38.00
- Average Auction Result: $ 30.21
Popularity Rankings
Visit these teammates on the New York Yankees in the T3-Helmar series
Click the Card # link to go to Card Info, Click the Player Name link to go the the Player Biography
- # 16, Babe RUTH (HOF)
- # 63, Frank Crosetti
- # 86, Lou GEHRIG
- # 87, Lefty GOMEZ (HOF)
- # 103, Bob Meusel
- # 104, Wally Pipp
- # 111, Bill DICKEY
- # 117, Tony LAZZERI (HOF)
- # 121, Ray "Slim" Caldwell
- # 130, Wally Schang
- # 133, Lou GEHRIG
- # 140, Babe RUTH (HOF)
- # 151, Joe DiMAGGIO
- # 155, Bennie Bengough
- # 159, Waite HOYT
- # 163, Herb PENNOCK (HOF)
- # 165, Urban Shocker
- # 177, Joe DiMAGGIO
- # 208, Joe McCARTHY
- # 220, Miller HUGGINS (HOF)
