Nolan Ryan 2000 Topps ’50 Years Of Topps’

Nolan Ryan 2000 Topps ’50 Years Of Topps’

Wow, just look at a relatively ‘young’ Nolan Ryan on this replica of his 1980 baseball card from Topps.

It’s amazing to think that in 1980, Ryan was playing in his 22nd big league season.  And he went on for another decade – WHEW!!!  Now that is dedication!!!

I like the 1980 Topps set - and as you have seen several times on this blog, sometimes the colors Topps chose for their banners worked, and sometimes they did not.

Here is the card:

So, what is your opinion on this one – Pink & Turquoise?  For the California Angels?  Sure, those colors may remind you a bit more of California than they do South Dakota, but on a baseball card of Nolan Ryan?

I don’t think so…

Joe Morgan 2002 Topps T206

Joe Morgan 2002 Topps T206

As you all know, I love me some Joe Morgan.  One of the most versatile infielders in the history of the sport, Morgan was able to do it all - both at the plate, in the field, and on the bases.

I guess that is why I don’t really care for cards like this one:

I mean, Joe was such an outstanding player – surely the artist that painted this portrait has seen better images of Joe to use for inspiration, right?

Give me Joe fielding a grounder.  Give me Joe sliding into home plate.  Give me Joe smacking another double down the right-field line.

Seriously!

Bo Jackson 1991 Donruss Highlights

Bo Jackson 1991 Donruss Highlights

This card from the 1991 Donruss Highlights series pays homage to Bo Jackson connecting for four home runs in four consecutive at-bats.

And while Bo was certainly not the first or last player to accomplish this feat, his came through a different route.  He hit 3 consecutive homers in a single game and then found himself on the Disabled List.  Upon returning to the line-up after missing 15 days, Bo homered again.

4 consecutive at-bats = 16 days.  LOL!!!

Nonetheless, a very cool card for my collection that honors Bo.  I just with the photographer captured the contact of his swing and not the follow-through…

My First Time – Andruw Jones – August 15, 1996

My First Time – Andruw Jones – August 15, 1996

The Setting – Veteran’s Stadium. Philadelphia, PA.

From Jones – ‘I had to get right in there that first day and face Curt Schilling.  He threw me nothing but fastballs, with so much gas on them.  It was unbelievable.  I struck out twice and popped out.  I know I got a hit, but first came the strikeouts.’

The Box Score – Braves 8, Phillies 5.  Jones went 1-for-5 with a run scored and an RBI.

Happy Birthday Vida Blue!!!

Happy Birthday Vida Blue!!!

Pitching legend Vida Blue turns 62 years old today.

Not only did Vida Blue win the Cy Young in his first full-time season as a starter, he also was the league’s MVP.  Beat that!!!

Blue had a monster year in 1971 for the Oakland A’s.  He went 24-8 with 24 complete games and 8 shutouts.  Add that impressive record to his 1.82 ERA with 301 strikeout and you have one of the most impressive seasons by a pitcher during the decade of the 1970′s.

Vida Blue finished his career with a 209-161 record and 1,185 strikeouts.  He finished in the Top 7 for the Cy Young award 5 times and was a 6-time All-star.  Blue was part of the legendary Oakland A’s teams that won 3 consecutive World Series titles in 1972, 1973, and 1974.  Blue pitched in 8 games in the Fall Classic and went 3-0, a perfect record on baseball’s biggest stage!!

Happy Birthday Mr. Blue!!!

Emilio Bonifacio Extends His Consecutive Games Hit Streak To 25 Games!!!

Emilio Bonifacio Extends His Consecutive Games Hit Streak To 25 Games!!!

By connecting for a single in the top of the eighth inning Wednesday night, Marlins’ utility player, and current everyday third baseman, collected a hit, extending his streak to 25 straight games.

Since becoming a more regular player, Bonifacio’s confidence at the plate is apparent in each game that he starts.  His ability to make contact, get on base, and score runs is a huge reason as to why the team has been able to rebound after having a horrible June.

And the best thing about tonight’s hit?  It helped secure another Marlins’ victory!!!

Congratulations Emilio.  And ‘Go FISH’!!!

David Ortiz Collects RBI #1,000 Of His Big League Career!!!

David Ortiz Collects RBI #1,000 Of His Big League Career!!!

While connecting for a Grand Slam while the Red Sox battled with the Kansas City Royals, David Ortiz drove in the 1000th run of his amazing career.

Congratulations Papi!!!