Great Cards From A Loyal Reader And Fellow Blogger

In my time as a blogger I have been asked to provide my mailing address on a handful of occasions.  I have also re-established my joy of trading cards.  When Alfredo, from the blog ‘My Past Time, I Love It’ asked for my address I obliged and was delighted to find these cards in my mailbox last night. 

 Some of my favorite Chicago Cubs’ players – Andre Dawson, Mark Grace, and Mr. Cub himself, Ernie Banks!!  All of these cards are new to my collection.

 A few more random Cubs including former AL MVP George Bell, Ryne Sandberg, and 2 of my favorites: Greg Maddux and Shawon Dunston.

 A slew of Dave Winfield cards going all the way back to 1977.  This little set of Winfield cards shows him playing for 4 of the 5 teams he suited up for during his career.

 And lastly, a trio of 1977 Topps Fergie Jenkins cards.  These cards feature Fergie as a member of the Red Sox, and based on what I have read in Fergie’s book he had some of his ‘most fun’ moments while playing with Boston.

Thank you Alfredo.  Thanks for the great cards.  These are great additions to my collection and I am extremely appreciative for your act of kindness.  Go Marlins!!!

1989 Bowman Rickey Henderson

1989 Bowman Rickey Henderson

 This is not the typical picture you would find of Rickey Henderson during the late 1980′s.  Most of the cards of that era show Henderson either at the plate in his crouch awaiting the pitch from 60 feet away or running on the base paths.  I don’t mind posed portraits on my baseball cards, but surely the people at Bowman could have done better than this…

Rick Vandenhurk Autograph TTM Success!!!

Fresh off of his amazing performance playing for the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic, Rick Vandenhurk of the Florida Marlins delivered these signed cards to me.

In just a little over a month, 33 days to be exact, I got these cards back.  I was pretty suprised to get them so quickly once Rick got back to the team.  I have a few more cards out to other guys that played in the WBC.  Hopefully they will follow suit and return some great autographs to me as well.

Thanks Rick!!! 

‘The 40/40 Club’ – 1980′s – Card #8

‘The 40/40 Club’ – 1980′s – Card #8

Tony Gwynn – 1983 Donruss

A true student of the game, Tony Gwynn studied the game with such fire and energy he was bound to succeed.  Gwynn is categorized with the greatest hitters to ever suit up for a major league baseball team.  His hitting was dominant, but Gwynn was more well-rounded that given credit for during his playing days.

Tony Gwynn has won 8 batting titles during his 20 year career as a member of the San Diego Padres.  With a career average of .338, Gwynn mastered his craft and left others behind as he topped the batting charts year after year.  In 20 seasons, the lowest Gwynn batted for a full season was .289(during his rookie season).  For the next 19 years, Gwynn remained above .300.  In his best statistical season in 1994, Gwynn flirted with .400 only to fall 6 points shy and end the year at .394.  Tony Gwynn retired with 3,141 career hits and (5) 200-hit seasons.

Although Gwynn was known as a contact hitter, he did offer a little power at times.  For his career, Gwynn has hit 135 home runs with the highest single-season tally being 17.  He also has 319 stolen bases on his resume along with 1,383 runs scored and 1,138 RBI.

Tony Gwynn is a 15-time All-star.  He has finished in the Top 20 for the MVP award 10 times.   He also won 7 Silver Slugger awards along with 5 Gold Glove trophies.

Gwynn has played in 2 World Series match-ups and lost both.  In 9 career games during World Series play, Gwynn hit .371 as he collected 13 hits.  He has also accounted for 3 runs scored, 3 RBI, and 1 home run during the ‘Fall Classic’.