Andre Dawson 2006 Fleer Greats Of The Game – Bat Relic Card

Andre Dawson 2006 Fleer Greats Of The Game – Bat Relic Card

I have 2 of these base cards – 1 in my Greats of the Game Cubs set and 1 in my Andre Dawson player collection.

When I found this relic card on Ebay with the low price tag of just $1.99, I pounced on it.  And now, it is finally at home in my collection. 

I love the card, I love the theme, and now I need to get myself the one featuring a piece of a game-used jersey.

I may have to do a little research to see what some completed sales are priced at, but it would be a ton of fun to not just have the completed base card set, but to also have the completed bat relic set and the game-used jersey card set too. 

Very Cool!!!

Let me think about it…

‘Same Card, Different Paths’ – Card #34

‘Same Card, Different Paths’ – Card #34

1974 Topps - Card #600 – AKA – ‘The Bill Madlock Rookie Card’

Ron Cash – A utility player, Ron Cash’s major league career lasted just 2 seasons.  And while spending time at first base, third base, and in the outfield, Cash was never able to solidify his status as an everyday player.  Having competed in just 34 games, Cash compiled a solid .297 batting average alongside 30 hits, 11 RBI, and 14 runs scored.

Jim Cox – A second baseman with a solid glove, Cox played 4 seasons in the big leagues.  Appearing in 110 games and collecting 307 at-bats, Cox managed to collect just 66 hits, 3 home runs, 3 RBI, while scoring 33 runs.  His low .215 batting average and inability to get on base at a consistent level is what led to his downfall.

Bill Madlock - One of the most consistent and undervalued hitters of the 1970′s and 1980′s, Bill Madlock was solid at the plate.  His lifetime batting average of .305 is impressive and it also includes six seasons of hitting .325 or more.  Madlock won 4 batting titles during his career and amassed 2,008 hits.  He was a 4-time All-star and finished in the Top 18 for the MVP six times.

Reggie Sanders – While playing in just the 1974 baseball season, Sanders’ career was a short one – just 24 games.  He had 105 plate appearances and managed 27 hits, 3 home runs, 10 RBI, and 20 strikeouts.  While playing first base in all 24 games, Sanders committed 3 errors and retired with a .987 fielding percentage.

1992 Donruss Greg Maddux

1992 Donruss Greg Maddux

At a boxing or UFC or WWE wrestling match you hear the crowd chant ‘Boring, Boring, Boring’ where there is a lull in the action.

I feel like doing that when I see this Greg Maddux card from the 1992 base set.

Truly boring, this card offers nothing special to the collector.  No new graphics.  No new font styles.  No new pictures of one of the best pitchers in the sport.  Instead they seemed to regress with this card design.  A very lazy top and bottom header style.  Drab and dull font and text sizes.  And a picture of Maddux that we have all seen a million times before.

Am I happy to add this card to my Greg Maddux collection?  Of course.  Will it crack into my ‘Fab 5′ when my collection is complete?  Not in this lifetime!!!!

Dan Uggla Will Be Wearing A Marlins Uniform in 2010 – YES!!!!

I am thrilled to learn that my favorite second baseman will play at least one more season for the ‘home’ team this year.

Hearing the news on Monday afternoon that the Marlins re-signed Dan Uggla to a 1-year contract solidifies the Marlins’ offense and ensures that players like Hanley Ramirez, Cody Ross, and Jorge Cantu will continue to get opportunities to shine in 2010.

The best home run hitting second baseman in the game today, Uggla has crushed 121 homers while driving in 360 RBI in his first 4 years in the majors.

I look for 2010 to be another power-full year for the slugger, and I hope to see that he is rewarded with a long-term contract offer after this upcoming season is complete.

Congratulations on the contract Dan.  Now get ready to ‘Go Get ‘Em!!!!’

Go FISH!!!

9 More TTM Requests In The Mail…

I’m gearing up for Spring Training.  You know, just working out all the TTM kinks since I took it easy during the offseason…

I put 9 letters in the mail on the way to work this morning.  And I am very serious about adding some bulk and quality to my autograph collection this year.  I have some lofty goals, but I feel that if I put in the effort I will be rewarded.

For this round, I sent to retired players.  A few All-stars, some World Series champions, and all players I enjoyed watching during their careers!!

The guys:  Tom Brunansky, Mike Mussina, John Tudor, Lonnie Smith, Steve Sax, Darren Daulton, Dan Plesac, Gary Gaetti, and member of the 2010 Hall of Fame class, Mr. Whitey Herzog.

Wish me luck.  I am hoping for some quick returns so I can get a head of steam behind me as we head into Spring Training!!!

30 Days Until Pitchers And Catchers Report!!!

We’re just 30 days out from the start of the 2010 Spring Training season.

From all the offseason activity that has happened so far and that will continue to happen over the next few months, the 2010 season is shaping up.  And it should be very exciting!!!

In one month’s time, pitchers and catchers will begin meeting with their coaches as they begin to prepare for the start of Spring practice.  Hours and hours of time will be put into getting physically fit and mentally ready for the start of the regular season in April.  Jobs will be won, and jobs will be lost.  And as always, the cream will rise to the top as each and every team decides on who will make their opening day rosters.

Spring is around the corner and I cannot wait!!!

Andre Dawson 2002 Donruss Originals – Power Alley

Andre Dawson 2002 Donruss Originals – Power Alley

Serial numbered as 81/1500, this 2002 release by Donruss looks great!!

They even used my least favorite border color of Green and it worked out well.

Starting with an awesome action photo of ‘The Hawk’, the card’s centerpiece shines.  The bold Green and Yellow coloring used throughout adds nice design elements to the card while not being a distraction to the photo.  And the White accents peppered on the card help tie everything together nicely.

This 2002 release has quickly become one of my favorite post-2000 cards of Andre Dawson!!

1980 Topps – ’1979 Highlights’ – Card #5

I was able to pick up this subset for a very low price.  It’s a 6-card set and it highlights some amazing accomplishments that occurred during the 1979 baseball season.

1980 Topps – ’1979 Highlights’ – Card #5

Headline – “Garry Templeton Becomes 1st With 100 Hits From Each Side Of Plate”

Text on the back – St. Louis, September 28, 1979 – When Cardinals’ Garry Templeton surprised Mets with bunt single tonight, it marked hit 100th hit from right side of the plate.  He thus becomes the first switch-hitter in big league history with 100 hits from each side.

1989 Score Darryl Strawberry

1989 Score Darryl Strawberry

This card offers some of my favorite elements when it comes to design – making this an instant classic for me!!

This list goes like this(in random order):

1. full body action photo – from the top of the bat to the shoes on his feet
2. a plain, but not boring design
3. a baseball-themed graphic containing the team name and player position

The 1989 Score design is not going to win any awards for originality or style, but simply stated it is a clean baseball card.  No wild graphics.  No un-readable fonts.  No outrageous borders…  The card focuses on ‘Straw’ and that works for this collector.

This card is right up my alley, and I am proud to add it to my Darryl Strawberry collection!!

Did You Know…

In 1974, Mike Marshall became the first relief pitcher to win the Cy Young Award.

 

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

My take – While probably not the most impactful reliever, Marshall appeared in 106 games in 1974.  How many of today’s relief pitchers would cry if they had to work that hard??