Signing Results: 1988 National League MVP Kirk Gibson!!!

Signing Results:  1988 National League MVP Kirk Gibson!!!

A few weeks ago I read online that Los Angeles Dodgers World Series hero Kirk Gibson was going to be appearing at a Grand Rapids Griffins minor league hockey game.  The promotion was that anyone that bought a ticket to the game was entitled to a free autograph of this former big league slugger.

I had just a few days to react, but after a few emails to the team, I was hooked up with their Sr. VP of Marketing.  And after a quick email exchange with him, we had agreed that my donation to the team’s charity would be exchanged for a Gibson autograph.

And look at what showed up in the mail the other day:

Pretty awesome, huh???

Kirk Gibson owns one of the greatest baseball memories of my lifetime.  And now I own a piece of memorabilia that I will use to honor that very special moment!!!

Thank you Mr. Gibson!!!

2 More Andre Dawson 2004 Donruss Pass The Torch Cards!!

2 More Andre Dawson 2004 Donruss Pass The Torch Cards!!!

Part of my “Andre Dawson Grab Bag #2″ purchase, I received 2 more Pass The Torch cards. 

Rounding out this insert set, I have now added the Yellow card numbered 80/100 and the Red one, numbered 136/500, that features Vlad Guerrero on the back.

I like the card.   I like the look.  And together, the 5 cards of this set that I now own look great togther.

One question - how many more versions are there???  Who knows…

1985 Topps Record Breakers – Card #2 – Steve Garvey

1985 Topps Record Breakers – Card #2 – Steve Garvey

Headline – Garvey’s Streak of Consecutive Errorless Games Sets Standard

The Story – Atlanta, Georgia, September 30, 1984:  Padres’ Steve Garvey has finished the season with streak of 188 consecutive errorless games, a new record for 1st basemen.  The former mark of 178 consecutive errorless games at 1st base had been set by Mike Hegan of the Brewers and A’s, September 24, 1970 through May 20, 1973.

My added notes – A very well rounded player, it’s nice to see such an offensively skilled guy like Garvey take pride in his defense.  Who is the best defensive 1st baseman in the game today?  How long can he go without committing a blunder??

Did You Know…

New York Yankees pitcher Whitey Ford has the most World Series wins(ten).

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

My take – With just 5-6 real contenders each year for the title, this is a record that will not last too much longer.

Happy Birthday Alan Trammell!!!

Alan Trammell turns 52 years old today.

A very accomplished and undervalued player during his career and afterwards, there is not much that Alan Trammell did not accomplish during his playing days as a member of the Detroit Tigers. 

A solid defender, Trammell was part of one of the most successful and longest running double-play tandems with Lou Whitaker.  He won 4 Gold Glove awards due to his performance at shortstop.

And way before shortstop became an offensive player’s position, Trammell put up some nice numbers.  His career batting average of .285 is coupled with 2,365 hits, 1,231 runs scored, 185 homers, and 236 stolen bases.

Trammell is a 6-time All-star, 3-time Silver Slugger winner, and was the MVP of the 1984 World Series.

Happy Birthday Mr. Trammell!!!