Willie McCovey 2013 Topps Gypsy Queen – Base – Mehhhh….

Willie McCovey 2013 Topps Gypsy Queen – Base

Well, I have found my first card from the new 2013 Topps Gypsy Queen that does not thrill me.

Unfortunately, it features one of my favorite legends – Mr. Willie McCovey.

Have a look:

I like the setting of the card.  And I really like that vintage Giants uniform that McCovey is wearing too.

It’s the image that does this player and set no justice.  Did he hit a foul ball?  Did he pop one up behind first base?  The shot used leaves a little to the imagination, which is ok, but it is not a supremely positive question that other cards conjure up…

Baseball Card Show Purchase #2 – Willie McCovey 2010 Topps Vintage Legends

Baseball Card Show Purchase #2 – Willie McCovey 2010 Topps Vintage Legends

Always seeking out legendary players for my collection, while I tear through bargain bin after bargain bin, I keep my fingers crossed that I will find a few beauties for my collection.

And I did!!

Have a look:

This card comes from the 2010 Topps Vintage Legends set.  What drew me to the card was the team headline and uniform that McCovey is sporting - the Padres.  While many, myself included, think of McCovey as a member of the San Francisco Giants, he did spend the 1974, 1975, and part of the 1976 baseball season playing for the Padres.

1980 HEADLINE: Willie McCovey Homers For The Last Time Of His Major League Career

1980 HEADLINE: Willie McCovey Homers For The Last Time Of His Major League Career

On this day in 1980, slugger Willie McCovey hit the final home run of his amazing career. Spanning 22 years, McCovey blasted 521 round-trippers during his playing days. His 521 ranks on the all-time list at 18th place in major league history.

The shot, a blast off of Expos’ hurler Scott Sanderson, came in the 4th inning of the ballgame and was the difference in the Giant’s 3-2 win that day.

Happy Anniversary Mr. McCovey!!

Willie McCovey 2012 Topps Vintage Legends!!!

Willie McCovey 2012 Topps Vintage Legends!!!

Normally I would get down on a card company for using an image like this for a set tagged as ‘Vintage Legends’.

But, I am going to let this one pass…

First, let me show you the card.  And then I will tell you why this one gets some preferential treatment.

The card:

Ok, and now on to my reasoning…  This card is celebrating legend.  And while doing so, I would prefer to see an element that made the player a part of such a special series.

But, this card does involve some legendary things..

First, you have a classic baseball card design and team logo.

Then, you have an unreal set of sideburns!!!

Do your thang, Willie!!

Willie McCovey And His Hall Of Fame Plaque

Willie McCovey And His Hall Of Fame Plaque

Willie McCovey was voted into the Baseball Hall Of Fame in 1986.  He was elected on his first ballott and received 346/425 votes cast in his first year of eligibility.

His Hall Of Fame plaque offers a pretty decent bust that bears his likeness.

The plaque reads:

“Top left handed home run hitter in NL history with 521.  Second only to Lou Gehrig with 18 Grand Slams, Led NL in homers three times and RBI twice.  NL Rookie of Year in 1959, MVP in 1969, and Comeback player of the year in ’77.  Teamed with Willie Mays for awesome 1-2 punch in Giants’ lineup.”

Willie McCovey Has Statues & Bodies Of Water That Bear His Name!!!

Willie McCovey Has Statues & Bodies Of Water That Bear His Name!!!

Everyone in baseball knows about ‘McCovey Cove’.  Heck, it’s the main reason that I want to go to San Francisco and take in a game.

Named, for Willie McCovey, I wonder how many home runs ‘Stretch’ would have hit had he played there…

One of the most unique and incredible scenes in all of baseball:

And then there is the statue of McCovey that is proudly on display for any and all visitors to the SF area to visit.

Easily one of the most picturesque statues if all of baseball, the statue is flanked by the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.

And the view is incredible!!!

Truly amazing.

I’ve got to get there!!!

It Is Not His Fault, But Willie McCovey’s 1960 Topps Rookie Card Is Far From Fantastic…

It Is Not His Fault, But Willie McCovey’s 1960 Topps Rookie Card Is Far From Fantastic…

I love vintage baseball cards.  I appreciate vintage baseball cards.

I just wish that this was a better example of a vintage baseball card that I like…

And while I would never say ‘No’ to adding a rookie card of Mr. McCovey into my collection, it would definitely not qualify as one of the better looking cards from the 60′s in my collection.

It’s not his fault though…  Topps just didn’t provide us with the best design or quality – that’s all.

The picture was obviously taken during Spring Training, and those empty bleachers don’t help the background.  As for the Green and Yellow that overwhelm the right-side of the card, it is just a bit too bold and loud for me.  The All-Star trophy helps calm it down – but just not enough to win this collector over…

Still, I wouldn’t say ‘No’ to adding one to my collection if presented with a supreme offer!!

Willie McCovey’s Classic Signature

Willie McCovey’s Classic Signature

Not very artsy, but there is a solid flow to it, Willie McCovey offers us up a very solid signature.

And while not the most clear, especially his last name, the auto is still unmistakable.

And I am really digging the ‘Mc’ as the centerpiece!!!

Man, I am so happy to finally have one of these for myself!!!

Willie McCovey Is A Valued Member Of The ’500 Home Run Club’

Willie McCovey Is A Valued Member Of The ’500 Home Run Club’

Willie McCovey was a slugger.  And while he had some outstanding success as a hitter for average, it was his ability to hit the long-ball that drove Giants’ fans crazy.

McCovey crushed 40 or more home runs twice during his career.  And he hit 30 or more dingers an additional 5 times.  In total – 521 balls flew over outfield walls due to his mighty swing.

521 home runs is good for 18th place on the all-time list.  Not too shabby…

Willie McCovey Is A 6-Time All-Star

Willie McCovey Is A 6-Time All-Star

I’m amazed at how few times some of the game’s brightest stars made the All-Star team back during the 1960′s.  I need to do a little research to see how the All-Stars were chosen back then…

McCovey made the squad six times.  Six times in a 9-year span to be exact.  And while six All-Star appearances is nothing to shake a stick at, it is far from spectacular.  But then you have to think about all of the guys that ‘Stretch’ was competing with for a spot on the NL squad.  There was Ernie Banks and Orlando Cepeda and Richie Allen – all incredible players.  And back then the teams only carried one reserve at first base so space was extremely limited…

Nonetheless, McCovey found himself in great company on those very talented rosters.  And while he probably did not make as many teams as he should have, he certainly was one of the best from his era!