Andre Dawson Certified Autograph #1

I recently scored 7 Andre Dawson certified autographs off of Ebay for less than $30 delivered.  This is card #1 of the 7.

This card is a 2006 Upper Deck SP Legendary Cuts issue.  The card is numbered 73/99 and is part of the Memorable Moments set.  Judging by the look on Dawson’s face in the picture on this card, it looks like he may have connected for one of his 438 career home runs with this swing. 

The Blue Sharpie that Andre used when signing this card really pops out as the feature – and it should since he has one of the nicest signatures in baseball!!!

Did You Know….

In 1990, Oakland relief ace Dennis Eckersley had 48 saves and allowed only 45 base runners.

*factoid courtesy of ‘Armchair Reader – Grand Slam Baseball’

My take – If more of today’s top relief pitchers were able to perform at this level, I would certainly value the role of the ‘closer’ quite a bit more.  Until then, I will say that the relievers of the 1980′s were better than the group in today’s game.  And I would go further to say that in baseball in the 2000′s it is much more valuable to have a solid middle reliever than a solid closer on your team.

Nike Baseball Music Video

 Very neat.  Very Different.  I’d like to see a remake of this video using today’s level of technology…  Enjoy!!

1983 Topps Super Veteran – Sparky Lyle

 1983 Topps Super Veteran – Sparky Lyle

 Man-o-Man.  I am ashamed to admit that I knew nothing about Sparky Lyle before getting this card.  Well, actually I knew that he had a cool nickname – but that was it.

I’ve come to find out that Sparky Lyle is a former Cy Young Award winner.  Back in 1977, Lyle won the award while posting 26 saves for the Yankees after appearing in 72 games.  His 2.17 ERA and 13-5 record rounded out his solid 1977 campaign. 

I also did not know that Sparky Lyle went from playing his first 5 seasons with the Boston Red Sox to playing his next 7 for their biggest nemesis, the New York Yankees.  I’ve always wondered how other players that went through the ‘Johnny Damon Experience’ had been treated by the cities, teams, media, and fans as they swapped uniforms for rival teams in one of sport’s greatest rivalries.  I’m sure that ‘Sparky’ has some pretty good stories to share as a result.

Contest Time – Dreaming Of 1986!!!

Contest Time – Dreaming Of 1986!!!

It’s time for another contest at ’30-Year Old Cardboard’.  This one will focus on this weekend’s upcoming Inter-league games. 

While there are some great match-ups around the league taking place, none brings me back to my youth like the Boston Red Sox versus the New York Mets.  The World Series in 1986 is my first World Series memory and holds a special place in my heart.  Obviously the play that stands out in everyone’s mind is the grounder that Bill Buckner had roll through his legs.  But for me there was so much more….  2 young studs coming into their own in Roger Clemens and Dwight Gooden.  My favorite player at the time Wade Boggs and his incredible hitting abilities were on display for the world to see.  The Mets’ roster was packed with stars and personality – guys like Darrryl, Gary Carter, HoJo, Lenny Dykstra, Roger McDowell, Sid Fernandez, and Mookie Wilson.  Man baseball was fun back then…

Both teams are packed with stars now as well, and with both teams playing so well I think this will be a great series and should be a lot of fun to watch. 

So, here is how the contest will work.  All you have to do is submit a number into the comments field on this post.  A number?  Yes, a number.  Give me the total number of runs that you think will be scored in this 3-game series.  The reader that comes closest, without going over, is the winner!!!  Each number can only be selected 1 time, so choose quickly and wisely as available numbers will drop fast!!!  It’s just that easy. 

And now for the prizes.  The winner will get their choice of any 2 of these great autographed cards from my personal collection.  So get your picks in quickly as all numbers must be selected my midnight, Thursday the 21st.

Here are the cards you can win:

Good Luck to you all!!!

Chicago Cubs Greats Of The Game – Ron Santo

Chicago Cubs Greats Of The Game – Ron Santo

I finally found one of these; and at a good price too.  I’d been hunting for weeks but now it’s mine!! 

Welcome home Mr. Santo.  Please join your friends Billy, Fergie, Ray, and Andre in my collection.  Oh, and please keep a spot open for Ryno as I was told he would be dropping by sometime soon.

Just 1 left….

Happy Birthday Reginald Martinez Jackson!!!

You may know him as Reggie or as Mr. October or as 1 of the greatest World Series heroes in baseball history.  However you know him, Reginald Martinez Jacksin turns 63 years old today!!

I unquestionably consider Reggie Jackson as being one of the most dynamic players to ever play the game of professional baseball.  On the very short list, I think that Reggie during his prime was one player that was worth the price of admission alone.  His persona and ability were head and shoulders above most of his teammates and competitors and when Reggie got the chance to shine, he took full advantage…  The result is one of the most impressive careers in baseball for a player playing in a major market city.

Quite simply, Reggie Jackson lived up to the hype he built for himself and not too many players can do that.  For his birthday, I would like to give Reggie a hidden microphone and let him coach a high-profile game.  Maybe the All-star game.  Maybe the ‘Home Run Derby’.  Something good but not too serious.   Let Reggie have fun, and I am sure that hilarity would ensue…

Happy Birthday ‘Mr. October’!!!

Happy Birthday Brooks Robinson!!!

The man considered to be the greatest defensive third baseman in baseball history turns 72 years old today!!

The resume of Brooks Robinson is more incredible each and every time I take a peek at it.  I’ve always known him to be a great defensive ball player, but his offensive and team success during his 23-year career cannot be denied.  While Mike Schmidt may be the more explosive, and Chipper Jones may be the better pure hitter of the bunch, Brooks can certainly hold his own in the conversation ranking the best third basemen in baseball history.

Robinson is known for his glove first, and with 16 consecutive years of Gold Glove level performance it is clear to see why. On offense he has collected 2,848 hits, 268 home runs, 1,357 RBI, 1,232 runs scored, and a lifetime average of .267.  And the Orioles teams he played for did well too.  He is a member of the 1966 and 1970 World Series championship teams.

What can you possibly get one of the most decorated infielders in baseball history for his birthday?  This was tough, but I’m going with a very comfortable recliner.  I mean this guy’s body must have taken a pounding to be that successful at the hot corner for his career.  Let’s make home comfortable on his 72nd birthday and let him sit back and relax in style!!

Happy Birthday Mr. Robinson!!!

Man I Miss These Guys…

If there is 1 thing I have remained consistent with since my youth it’s checking the box scores on a daily basis.  Even with them being accessible in a more timely manner via the Internet and other digital media, I still prefer the good old newspaper.

As a kid I learned how to read the box scores so I could follow Wade Boggs as I considered him to be the best hitter in the game in the 1980′s.  And now some 20+ years later I still love reading the box scores on a daily basis but now I find that my emphasis has leaned towards following former Florida Marlins players still active around the league.

I thought it would be fun to build my own team made up of former Marlins players that are sill playing in the big leagues.  Here we go:

1st Base – Derrek Lee

2nd Base – Luis Castillo

3rd Base – Mike Lowell

 

Shortstop – Edgar Rentaria

 

Center Field – Juan Pierre

 

Left Field – Gary Sheffield

Right Field – Josh Willingham

 

Catcher – Pudge Rodriguez

 

Starting Pitcher – Josh Beckett

 

Relief Pitcher – Trevor Hoffman

 

Man, the Marlins have let go of some amazingly talented guys over the years huh???

Did You Know…

On July 4, 1939, Lou Gehrig was the first major league player to have his number(4) retired.

**factoid courtesy of ‘Armchair Reader – Grand Slam Baseball’