Tony Perez 1975 Topps

Tony Perez 1975 Topps

Tony Perez was one of the most important and steady parts of ‘The Big Red Machine’.

Playing in Cincinnati for 16 of his 23 big league years, Perez was and still is regarded as one of the team’s greatest players of all-time.

A skilled defender, Perez was primarily used as a first baseman, although he did log over 700 games at third base as well. 

A career .279 hitter, Perez collected 2,732 hits.  He eclipsed the 130 hits plateau 14 times, 10 of which were while playing for the Reds.  Perez has 379 career home runs and has driven in 1,652 runners.  While not a huge threat as a base runner, Perez did steal 49 bases while also scoring 1,272 runs.

Tony Perez is a 7-time All-star.  He finished in the Top 20 for the MVP award 6 times.  Perez was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2000.

Perez starred for both Reds teams that went on to win the 1975 and 1976 World Series championships!!!

Did You Know…

Albert Pujols is the only player to begin his career with more than three consecutive seasons of 30 home runs and 100 RBI.  In 2001, he hit 37 and 130, in 2002 he went 34 and 127, and in 2003 he hit 43 and 124.

**factoid courtesy of ‘Big League Trivia’

My take – The fact that  he has accomplished that feat in each of his first 10 major league seasons is even more remarkable!!

Happy Birthday Bo Jackson!!!

Bo Jackson turns 48 years old today.

Vincent Edward Jackson was one of the most exciting players to debut in major league baseball during the 1980’s.  A 2-sport athlete that built a strong following at the University of Auburn, Jackson was a star before he made his professional debut.

And although his career was cut short due to a football injury sustained while playing in the NFL, Bo Jackson offered us some incredible highlights while in the big leagues.  An All-star during the 1989 season, Bo was wildly popular for his ability to crush home runs(141 in 8 seasons), chase down everything in the outfield, and his breaking of bats.

Happy Birthday Bo!!!  And thanks for the memories that will last a lifetime!!!

Happy Anniversary Billy Williams!!

On this day in 1961, Billy Williams was awarded with the Rookie of the Year award in the National League.

In that ’61 campaign, Williams starred in 146 games for the Chicago Cubs.  And once he earned that starting job in left field, he kept it for fourteen years!!!

During his ROY season, Williams hit .278 while collecting 147 hits.  In a display of his all-around offensive skills, ‘Sweet Swinging Billy Williams’ connected for 20 doubles and 25 home runs.  He also scored 75 runs while driving in 86.  And amazingly, as a 23-year old rookie, he only struck out 70 times in 584 plate appearances.

Happy Anniversary Mr. Williams!!!

Paul Molitor ‘Fab 5′ – Card #4 – 1990 Donruss ‘Baseballs Best’

Paul Molitor ‘Fab 5′ – Card #4 – 1990 Donruss ‘Baseballs Best’

The Baseball’s Best sets that Donruss released between the 1988, 89, and 90 baseball seasons were very nice additional sets for the team and player collectors to go after.  The 1989 issue was pretty bland in comparison to the 1988 and 1990 releases.

This card, from the 1990 issue, certainly is bold.  But just like the one issued in 1988, the strong colors work well with certain team color schemes.  And this bright Blue doesn’t look bad at all when put with Molitor’s Brewers uniform.

Ozzie Smith 1988 Topps All-Star

Ozzie Smith 1988 Topps All-Star

Ozzie Smith was an All-Star 15 times during his major league career.

And here are just some of the reasons that he was awarded with a roster spot on the National League’s team in 1998…

The numbers: 155 hits, 80 runs scored, 57 stolen bases, 51 RBI, 27 doubles, and 3 home runs!!

Atta Boy, Ozzie!!!

1989 Topps Record Breakers – Card #7 – Kevin McReynolds

1989 Topps Record Breakers – Card #7 – Kevin McReynolds

Headline – Kevin Steals 21 Without Being Caught!

The Story – St. Louis, MO.  October 2, 1988:  Mets’ Kevin McReynolds has set a major league record of 21 stolen bases with no caught stealing in 1988.  The former mark of 15 steals in as many tries was established by A’s Jimmy Sexton during 1982 campaign.

1976 Headline: Reggie Jackson Is Coming To The Bronx!!!

1976 Headline: Reggie Jackson Is Coming To The Bronx!!!

On this day in 1976, Reggie Jackson signed a free agent contract with the New York Yankees.

I only wish that I could have been around to witness this as I am sure that the city of New York and Yankees fans across the country were celebrating this incredible occasion.

By this time in his career, Reggie had established himself as a power hitting slugger that was able to dominate the game offensively.  His knack for driving in runs in timely situations earned him a lot of respect from fans, foes, and teammates.

But with this signing, I am not sure that anyone knew what was to come!!!

How about 144 home runs, 461 RBI, a .281 batting average, 380 runs scored, 5 All-star appearances, and 2 World Series championships!!!

I’d say that the Yankees got a bargain.  Agreed???

Happy Birthday Mariano Rivera!!!

Mariano Rivera turns 41-years old today!!

Quite possibly the greatest closer of all-time, and certainly the best closer in post season history, Rivera has many reasons to celebrate today!!

Among them would be that he is one of the most highly regarded relief pitchers in World Series history.  His efforts during the post season have helped the new York Yankees nab 5 World Series titles during his reign as the team’s closer.

As we all prepare for the 2011 season, one has to wonder how much longer ‘Mo’ will want to play.  A few more years?  1 more year?  Who knows…  What I do know and get reminded of consistently is that the role of a closer is only valuable to a club when the player is able to dominate each and every situation he faces.  And that is what makes Mariano Rivera a solid and key contributor to his team’s victories.

Happy Birthday Mr. Rivera!!!  600 saves is right around the corner…

Paul Molitor ‘Fab 5′ – Card #5 – 1989 Donruss

Paul Molitor ‘Fab 5’ – Card #5 – 1989 Donruss

You know that song ‘Freeze Frame’?  Yeah the one that they often play at ball games when they show people in the stands on the video screens…  You know the one….

Anyway, when I see a card that perfectly captures a player in action like this 1989 Donruss card of Paul Molitor I want to shout ‘Freeze Frame’.

I don’t know why – maybe because the action taking place in the picture on this card is perfectly frozen, but the words ‘Freeze Frame’ just seem to do a great picture like this one justice.

Not blurry, solid lines, and sharp color are all quality elements to this baseball card’s design.