Randy Johnson’s march towards 300 wins continues today in New York.
Armed with 298 career victories, ‘The Big Unit’ takes on the New York Mets this afternoon as he tries to get closer to pitching’s milestone of 300 victories. It will be a tall task(no pun intended) as he is battling against one of the game’s premier pitchers in Johan Santana.
Hopefully Johnson can cool off the bats of these Mets for the afternoon…
Posted in Random Baseball Thoughts
Tagged 2001 world series, 300 wins, 5000 strikeouts, all-star, arizona diamondbacks, baseball, baseball cards, baseball history, big unit, countdown to 300 wins, cy young, cy young award, diamondbacks, Expos, giants, mariners, montreal expos, randy johnson, san francisco giants, seattle mariners, the big unit, world series, world series MVP
Maybe it was me. Maybe it was my bashing of Hanley Ramirez’s efforts over the course of the first 22 games of the season…
I don’t know for sure what it was, but I can tell you one thing – Hanley Ramirez is on FIRE right now!!!!
While hitting safely in his last 10 games, Hanley is batting .475 while also crushing 3 home runs, stealing 3 bases, and collecting 7 RBI. In addition to his impressive offensive stats from the last 2 weeks, Hanley has made some nice defensive plays at shortstop too. And I have even seen him get his jersey dirty quite a bit lately, which is a prerequisite for me and my favorite infielders.
Keep up the great work Hanley!! If you don’t, I’ll be back to set you straight once again!!!
1981 Topps Traded Dave Winfield
Just 1 more to go…
On this day in 1973, Nolan Ryan threw his 1st of 7 ‘No-Hitters’!!! Who knew what was to come… none of us did, but I am sure glad that it did!!!
I cannot think of another pitcher that is as synonymous with 1 baseball related achievement the way that Nolan Ryan is tied to the phrase ‘No-Hitter’. Like Peanut Butter and Jelly, and Macaroni and Cheese, Nolan Ryan and ‘No-Hitter’ are linked forever.
The stat line from the game is an impressive one: 9 innings pitched, 12 strikeouts, 3 walks, and of course 0 hits!!
Congratulations Mr. Ryan!!!
LShQ~~_1.JPG)
Josh Beckett turns 29 years old today!!!
I cannot believe that Josh Beckett is turning 29. It seems like just a few days ago I was watching this baby-faced fire-baller suit up for my Marlins team. Man those were the good old days, huh??
Today Beckett is one of the game’s best pitchers. He has dedicated himself to the art of pitching and the hard work he has put in has paid off immensely. A 2-time World Series Champion by the age of 27, Beckett still has several quality years ahead of him. And that should include many more opportunities to hoist more World Series Trophies as well!!
Happy Birthday Josh!!! A baseball superstar today, and always a Florida Marlin in my mind!!!
John Smoltz turns 42 years old today!!!
One of the most versatile and team-oriented players to play the game in the last 20 years, John Smoltz is a rare breed. A player that is willing to accept any role that the team wants him to perform in, Smoltz personified what the ‘Team-First’ mentality is all about.
Smoltz has 210 career wins alongside 154 saves. Had he not spent 4 seasons in the bullpen during his days with the Atlanta Braves, Smoltz could have been in line to win 300 career games. Instead, he did what was asked of him and saved an incredible 154 games in 4 years for the ‘Bravos’.
Today, Smoltz is rehabbing after coming off of surgery on his pitching arm. He’s playing for the Boston Red Sox now and has a great opportunity to return to post-season play. For his birthday I want him to have 1 more shot - 1 more shot at a World Series title. And if my wish is granted, he will be on the pitching mound when the deciding out is made as he ends his career on top – which is where he has ranked for the last 20 seasons.
Happy Birthday Smoltzy!!!
George Brett turns 56 years old today!!!
One of the greatest baseball players during the mid-1970′s through the 1980′s and a first-ballot entrant in the Baseball Hall of Fame, George Brett is a baseball superstar. With a career resume that can be envied by all of his peers, Brett offered a complete offensive package for the Kansas City Royals.
Boasting 3,154 hits, 317 home runs, 1,595 RBI, 1,583 runs scored, and a batting average of .305, Brett dazzled baseball fans for 21 years. Amazingly, he also has 205 career stolen bases, and for a third baseman playing in the 70′s and 80′s, that is a rare feat. In his 21 seasons, Brett was a 13-time All-Star, a league MVP, a Gold Glove winner, and a 3-time Silver Slugger winner.
For George’s birthday I want to get him a really nice pair of pants. Something dressy, but not formal. And they cannot cost too much money either. Why do they need to be cheap?? Watch this…
http://www.sportsjungle.com/view.php?i=742
Happy Birthday Mr. Brett!!!
I have spent quite a bit of time sorting through and reorganizing my Andre Dawson cards. Once my collecting goal of obtaining all of Andre’s cards from 1977-89 was achieved, I knew I wanted to expand and go after more. I quickly realized that the only way for me to do this was by building my own checklist and keeping it as detailed as possible so I could quickly review it when a new Dawson card surfaced.
Below is the result of my work.
I am proud to say that as of today, I own 211 different Andre Dawson baseball cards. Lucky for me that there is still quite a bit more out there to be had!!!!
| Base Cards | Year | Brand | Card # | Own It? | Team | Notes |
| 1977 | Topps | 473 | y | Expos | Rookie Card | |
| 1978 | Topps | 72 | y | Expos | Rookie Cup | |
| 1979 | Topps | 348 | y | Expos | ||
| 1979 | O-Pee-Chee | 179 | y | Expos | ||
| 1980 | Topps | 235 | y | Expos | ||
| 1981 | Topps | 125 | y | Expos | ||
| 1981 | Fleer | 145 | y | Expos | ||
| 1981 | Donruss | 212 | y | Expos | ||
| 1982 | Topps | 540 | y | Expos | ||
| 1982 | Topps | 341 | y | Expos | All-Star | |
| 1982 | Fleer | 187 | y | Expos | ||
| 1982 | Donruss | 88 | y | Expos | ||
| 1983 | Topps | 680 | y | Expos | ||
| 1983 | Topps | 402 | y | Expos | All-Star | |
| 1983 | Fleer | 280 | y | Expos | ||
| 1983 | Donruss | 518 | y | Expos | ||
| 1983 | Donruss | 9 | y | Expos | Jumbo | |
| 1984 | Topps | 200 | y | Expos | ||
| 1984 | Topps | 392 | y | Expos | All-Star | |
| 1984 | Fleer | 273 | y | Expos | ||
| 1984 | Donruss | 97 | y | Expos | ||
| 1984 | Donruss | 18 | y | Expos | Jumbo | |
| 1984 | Drakes | 9 | y | Expos | ||
| 1984 | Purina | 6 | y | Expos | ||
| 1985 | Topps | 420 | y | Expos | ||
| 1985 | Fleer | 394 | y | Expos | ||
| 1985 | Fleer | 8 | y | Expos | Limited Edition | |
| 1985 | Donruss | 421 | y | Expos | ||
| 1985 | Donruss | 41 | y | Expos | Highlights | |
| 1985 | Leaf | 133 | y | Expos | ||
| 1986 | Topps | 760 | y | Expos | ||
| 1986 | Topps | 576 | y | Expos | Team Leader | |
| 1986 | Fleer | 246 | y | Expos | ||
| 1986 | Donruss | 87 | y | Expos | ||
| 1986 | Donruss | 25 | y | Expos | Diamond King | |
| 1986 | Sportflics | 139 | y | Expos | ||
| 1986 | Sportflics | 10 | y | Expos | ||
| 1986 | Sportflics | 66 | y | Expos | Tri-Stars – ROY | |
| 1987 | Topps | 345 | y | Expos | ||
| 1987 | O-Pee-Chee | 345 | y | Expos | ||
| 1987 | Topps-T | 27T | Y | Cubs | ||
| 1987 | Fleer | 316 | y | Expos | ||
| 1987 | Fleer-U | U-24 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1987 | Fleer | 12 | y | Cubs | Baseball’s Best Sluggers | |
| 1987 | Donruss | 458 | y | Expos | ||
| 1987 | Donruss | 70 | y | Expos | Opening Day | |
| 1987 | Donruss | 28 | y | Expos | Highlights | |
| 1987 | Donruss | 31 | y | Expos | Highlights | |
| 1987 | Topps | 10 | y | Expos | Boardwalk & Baseball | |
| 1987 | Leaf | n/a | y | Cubs | Pop-Up – All-star Game | |
| 1988 | Topps | 500 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1988 | Topps | 401 | y | Cubs | All-Star | |
| 1988 | Topps | 18 | y | Cubs | Glossy All-Star | |
| 1988 | K-Mart | 9 | y | Cubs | Memorable Moments | |
| 1988 | Topps | 153 | y | Cubs | BIG | |
| 1988 | Topps | 43 | y | Cubs | mini | |
| 1988 | Fleer | 415 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1988 | Fleer | 6 | y | Cubs | All-Star | |
| 1988 | Fleer | 10 | y | Cubs | 1988 All-Stars | |
| 1988 | Fleer | 10 | y | Cubs | Record Setters | |
| 1988 | Fleer | 13 | y | Cubs | Superstars | |
| 1988 | Fleer | 9 | y | Cubs | Baseball’s Hottest Stars | |
| 1988 | Kay-Bee | 7 | y | Cubs | Team Leaders | |
| 1988 | Donruss | 269 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1988 | Donruss | BC-10 | y | Cubs | MVP | |
| 1988 | Donruss | 9 | y | Cubs | Diamond King | |
| 1988 | Donruss | 36 | y | Cubs | All-Star Game | |
| 1988 | Score | 4 | Y | Cubs | ||
| 1988 | K-Mart | 9 | y | Cubs | Memorable Moments | |
| 1988 | Kay-Bee | 8 | y | Cubs | Superstars of Baseball | |
| 1988 | Starting Line-up | n/a | y | Cubs | ||
| 1988 | Sportflics | 95 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1988 | Topps | n/a | y | Cubs | Superstar Sticker | |
| 1988 | King-B | n/a | y | Cubs | Disc | |
| 1989 | Topps | 10 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1989 | Topps | 3 | y | Cubs | mini | |
| 1989 | Topps | 4 | y | Cubs | Record Breaker | |
| 1989 | Topps | 391 | y | Cubs | All-Star | |
| 1989 | Topps | n/a | y | Cubs | SuperStar mini Sticker | |
| 1989 | Fleer | 422 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1989 | Fleer | 12 | y | Cubs | League Leaders | |
| 1989 | Fleer | 11 | y | Cubs | Baseball’s Exciting Stars | |
| 1989 | Fleer | 12 | y | Cubs | SuperStars | |
| 1989 | Donruss | 167 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1989 | Donruss | BC-8 | y | Cubs | MVP | |
| 1989 | Donruss | 36 | y | Cubs | All-Star Game | |
| 1989 | Score | 2 | Y | Cubs | ||
| 1989 | Score | 80 | y | Cubs | SuperStar | |
| 1989 | Score | 10 | y | Cubs | McDonald’s | |
| 1989 | Upper Deck | 205 | Y | Cubs | ||
| 1989 | Bowman | 298 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1989 | Starting Line-up | n/a | y | Cubs | ||
| 1989 | Kay-Bee | 8 | y | Cubs | Kay-Bee Kings | |
| 1989 | Sportflics | 108 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1990 | Topps | 140 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1990 | Topps | 41 | y | Cubs | All-Star send-in | |
| 1990 | Topps | 9 | y | Cubs | Ames | |
| 1990 | Fleer | 29 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1990 | Donruss | 223 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1990 | Score | 265 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1990 | Score | 28 | y | Cubs | Score Masters | |
| 1990 | Upper Deck | 357 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1990 | Upper Deck | 73 | y | Cubs | Collector’s Choice checklist | |
| 1990 | Bowman | 39 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1990 | Leaf | 177 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1990 | Classic | 85 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1990 | n/a | y | Cubs | playing card | ||
| 1991 | Topps | 640 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1991 | Stadium Club | 33 | y | Cubs | N.L. All-Star | |
| 1991 | Fleer | 419 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1991 | Fleer | 713 | y | Cubs | Chicago 100 Club – Dawson & Ryno | |
| 1991 | Fleer Ultra | 58 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1991 | Donruss | 129 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1991 | Score | 445 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1991 | Score | 87 | y | Cubs | SuperStar | |
| 1991 | Upper Deck | 454 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1991 | Upper Deck | 98F | y | Cubs | All-Star Game | |
| 1991 | Upper Deck | 725 | y | Cubs | MVP Line-up – Dawson, Ryno, Bell | |
| 1991 | Upper Deck | n/a | y | Cubs | hologram | |
| 1991 | O-Pee-Chee | 31 | y | Cubs | Premier | |
| 1991 | Stadium Club | 310 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1991 | Bowman | 429 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1991 | Leaf | 400 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1991 | Studio | 153 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1992 | Topps | 460 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1992 | Fleer | 379 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1992 | Fleer Ultra | 468 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1992 | Donruss | 119 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1992 | Donruss | 422 | y | Cubs | N.L. All-Star | |
| 1992 | Score | 75 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1992 | Upper Deck | 124 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1992 | Upper Deck | HR9 | y | Cubs | Homerun Heroes | |
| 1992 | Upper Deck | 308 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1992 | Pinnacle | 115 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1992 | Leaf | 183 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1992 | Studio | 12 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1992 | Studio | BC-9 | y | Cubs | Heritage Series | |
| 1992 | Baseball Enquirer | 46 | y | Cubs | Fun Stuff | |
| 1992 | n/a | y | Cubs | playing card | ||
| 1993 | Topps | 265 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1993 | Topps Traded | 92T | y | Red Sox | ||
| 1993 | Donruss | 632 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1993 | Donruss | 113 | y | Cubs | Triple Play | |
| 1993 | Donruss | 174 | y | Cubs | Triple Play | |
| 1993 | Upper Deck | 777 | y | Red Sox | ||
| 1993 | Upper Deck | 832 | y | Red Sox | Collector’s Choice checklist | |
| 1993 | Leaf | 310 | y | Red Sox | ||
| 1993 | Pinnacle | 16 | y | Red Sox | Home Run Club | |
| 1994 | Score | 471 | y | Red Sox | ||
| 1994 | Score | 93 | y | Red Sox | Score Select | |
| 1994 | Pinnacle | 320 | y | Red Sox | ||
| 1995 | Stadium Club | 146 | y | Red Sox | ||
| 1995 | Fleer Update | y | U-95 | Marlins | ||
| 1995 | Pinnacle | 318 | y | Marlins | ||
| 1995 | SP | 48 | y | Marlins | ||
| 1996 | Topps | 275 | y | Marlins | ||
| 1996 | Donruss | 260 | y | Marlins | ||
| 1996 | Score | 51 | y | Marlins | ||
| 1996 | Pinnacle | 86 | y | Marlins | ||
| 1997 | Donruss | 142 | y | Marlins | ||
| 1997 | Upper Deck | 80 | y | Marlins | Final Tribute | |
| 1997 | Upper Deck | 115 | y | Marlins | Collector’s Choice 1996 Tribute | |
| 1997 | Fleer Ultra | 196 | y | Marlins | ||
| 2001 | Topps | 473 | y | Expos | Archives | |
| 2001 | Topps | 4 | y | Cubs | Archives | |
| 2001 | Topps | 275 | y | Marlins | Archives | |
| 2001 | Fleer | 43 | y | Cubs | Greats Of The Game | |
| 2001 | Upper Deck | 69 | y | Expos | UD Decade – 70′s | |
| 2001 | Upper Deck | 164 | y | Expos | UD Decade – 70′s Award Winners | |
| 2001 | Upper Deck | 92 | y | Expos | UD Decade – 70′s Rookie Flashback | |
| 2001 | SP | 19 | y | Cubs | Legendary Cuts | |
| 2002 | Topps | 345 | y | Expos | Archives | |
| 2002 | Fleer | 36 | y | Cubs | Greats Of The Game | |
| 2002 | Upper Deck | 66 | y | Cubs | Sweet Spot – All-Time Classic | |
| 2003 | Topps | 89 | y | Cubs | All-Time Fan Favorites | |
| 2003 | Donruss | 308 | y | Expos | Team Heroes | |
| 2003 | Donruss | 104 | y | Cubs | Team Heroes | |
| 2003 | Upper Deck | 3 | y | Expos | Sweet Spot Classic | |
| 2004 | Topps | 29 | y | Expos | All-Time Fan Favorites | |
| 2004 | Fleer | 122 | y | Cubs | Fleer Greats | |
| 2004 | Donruss | 165 | y | Cubs | Diamond King | |
| 2004 | Donruss | 84 | y | Expos | Leather & Lumber | |
| 2004 | Donruss | 42 | y | Cubs | Playoff Honors | |
| 2005 | Donruss | 284 | y | Cubs | Diamond King | |
| 2005 | Donruss | 137 | y | Expos | Leather & Lumber | |
| 2006 | SP | 42 | y | Cubs | Legendary Cuts | |
| 2008 | Topps | AR8 | y | Expos | 50th Anniversary All-Rookie Team | |
| 2008 | Goudey | 286 | y | Cubs | Sport Royalty | |
| 2008 | Goudey | 286 | y | Cubs | Sport Royalty – mini | |
| IP/TTM Autos | 1978 | Topps | 72 | y | Expos | |
| 1979 | Topps | 348 | y | Expos | 77 NL ROY’ | |
| 1981 | Donruss | 212 | y | Expos | The Hawk’ | |
| 1983 | Topps | 680 | y | Expos | ||
| 1988 | Topps | 500 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1988 | Topps All-Star | 401 | y | Cubs | 8-Time All-Star’ | |
| 1988 | Fleer | 415 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1988 | Donruss | 9 | y | Cubs | Diamond King | |
| 1989 | Topps | 10 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1989 | Score | 2 | y | Cubs | 87 NL MVP’ | |
| 1990 | Topps | 140 | y | Cubs | ||
| 1990 | Donruss | 223 | y | Cubs | ||
| Game-Used | 2004 | Donruss | 108 | 205/250 | Cubs | Century Collection – Jersey |
| 2004 | Donruss | PAS-12 | 37/100 | Expos | Playoff All-Stars – Bat, Jersey, Hat | |
| 2005 | Donruss | TT-3 | n/a | Cubs | Timber & Threads – Jersey | |
| 2005 | Donruss | 284 | 99/100 | Cubs | Diamons Kings – Jersey, Bat | |
| 2007 | SP | LM-AD2 | 87/125 | Expos | Legendary Materials – CUTS – Bat, Jersey | |
| 2008 | SP | LM-AD | 73/75 | Cubs | Legendary Memorabiia – Jersey | |
| Certified Auto | 1996 | Donruss | n/a | n/a | Marlins | Leaf Signature Series |
| 2003 | Topps | TT-AD | n/a | Expos | Topps Legends | |
| 2004 | Donruss | 3 | n/a | Red Sox | Timelines – Boys of Summer | |
| 2005 | Donruss | 3 | n/a | Cubs | Donruss Greats |
Posted in Andre Dawson Collection, Chicago Cubs, Stars from the 80's
Tagged all-star, Andre Dawson, Andre Dawson Collection, baseball, baseball cards, boston red sox, Chicago Cubs, collection, collector, Cubs, Expos, Florida/Miami Marlins, gold glove, hobby, Marlins, montreal expos, most valuable player, MVP, red sox, silver slugger
30 down and just 5 to go.
This set has been a blast to collect and I have learned quite a bit about these guys as I have shown them off to you. I am eager to obtain the last 5 cards of this set so I can mark off another piece to my collection as being complete. And I am sure that I will learn more about Tug McGraw, Nolan Ryan, Tony Perez, Kent Tekulve, and Sparky Lyle in the process.
Stay tuned – the final 5 cards should be all mine in the coming weeks!!!
Posted in 1983 Topps Super Veterans Subset
Tagged 1983 topps, 1983 topps super veterans, bruce sutter, dave laroche, Fergie Jenkins, gaylord perry, joe morgan, Kent Tekulve, mike schmidt, nolan ryan, pete rose, phil neikro, reggie jackson, rollie fingers, rusty staub, Sparky Lyle, steve carlton, super veterans, tom seaver, tommy john, tony perez, topps, Tug McGraw
Roy Halladay turns 32 years old today!!
Halladay is my favorite pitcher in today’s game that has never been affiliated with the Florida Marlins. His style and approach on the mound reminds me of Fergie Jenkins and I believe that the 2 of these guys were and are very under-appreciated in comparison to their peers.
This 12-year veteran is a 5-time All-star that has already won 1 Cy Young Award and placed in the Top 5 three more times. ‘Doc’ has been the picture of consistency for the Toronto Blue Jays for more than a decade now and he continues to deliver impressive numbers year after year.
Halladay has never made a post-season appearance so that is what I would like to give him for his birthday. His Blue Jays team is in first place in the American League East and it would be great to see Halladay lead the Jays past the powerhouses in their division. As we all know, with the playoffs comes recognition and respect. And it’s about time that the baseball world recognized and respected Mr. Roy Halladay!!!
Happy Birthday Roy!!!
