Darryl Strawberry 2008 Topps 50th Anniversary ‘All Rookie Team’

Darryl Strawberry 2008 Topps 50th Anniversary ‘All Rookie Team’

What a great looking set, and a spectacular card of ‘Straw’.

The coloring of the card is perfect, and I really like how Topps brought back some of their original design elements when celebrating their 50th anniversary of their ‘All Rookie Team’. 

From the bold Green background, to the oval design that contains the player’s info, to that beautiful trophy.  All of it screams vintage, and that makes this collector very happy!

Here’s the card:

I think it’s time that I consider putting this entire set together..  Time to do a little homework…

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1988 Fleer Superstar Specials – Card #630 – Mike Greenwell, Ellis Burks, Todd Benzinger

1988 Fleer Superstar Specials – Card #630 – Mike Greenwell, Ellis Burks, Todd Benzinger

“Changing The Guard In Boston”

While Boston Red Sox fans lamented the poor performance of their defending AL Champions, they were encouraged by the solid and spirited play of some of their new players.  In a year that produced a bumper crop of American League rookie sensations, the Red Sox were proud to call three of them their own.

Mike Greenwell played in 125 games, alternating between left field, right field, and designated hitter.  He batted an impressive .328.  Even more impressive were his production numbers.  He had 31 doubles, 19 home runs, and 89 RBI’s, eight of them being game-winners.

Ellis Burks played in 133 games and added spark both at the plate and in the field.  He provided an excellent balance of power and speed.  He smacked 20 home runs, ripped 30 doubles, scored 94 runs and stole 27 bases.  He appears to be the Red Sox’ center fielder of the future.

Todd Benzinger, a switch-hitter, appeared in 73 games and he added punch to the Boston lineup.  He had eight home runs, 43 RBI’s, and 11 doubles.

Happy Birthday Kirby Puckett!!!

Happy Birthday Kirby Puckett!!!

Today is Kirby Puckett’s Birthday.

I miss Kirby Puckett.  I mean it; I really miss him.  Of all of the baseball stars to join the league in the mid 1980’s, I don’t know if anyone got more enjoyment out of playing a kid’s game than Puckett.  He played the game with heart and determination which made it very enjoyable to watch him take the field.

Unfortunately, we only got to watch Kirby play for 12 seasons.  First, due to Glaucoma, Kirby was forced to retire after the 1995 season as he lost vision in one of his eyes.  And just a few years later, Puckett passed away due to complications brought on by a stroke.  Puckett was the first player that I cheered for as a kid that passed away at an age when he could have still been a star in the game.  Sadly, this is life and you can never predict when these things will happen.  Besides leaving behind a family and team that loved(and still loves) him, Kirby was embraced by the city of Minneapolis and is still a cherished celebrity there today.

We miss you ‘Puck’!!

Gary Carter ‘Fab Five’ – Card #5 – 1981 Donruss

Gary Carter ‘Fab Five’ – Card #5 – 1981 Donruss

Now that my Gary Carter collection is complete, it is time to show of my favorite five cards from the set.

Card #5 is from the 1981 Donruss set.

While the card lacks any real originality, it does capture a great action photo of Carter as he tears into a pitch.  And based on the part of his swing that was captured by the photographer along with his head position, it looks like Mr. Carter has made some serious contact with the offering.

This card’s image is perfect, and is a great example of the time period that it was taken in.  First off, we have those incredible Expos Powder-Blue uniforms.  Following that up is their unmistakable batting helmet that I love.  And lastly, we have Carter’s hair stuffed under his helmet – a testament to the era when players were allowed to be and appear as individuals….