Tony Gwynn 1985 Donruss Diamond Kings

Tony Gwynn 1985 Donruss Diamond Kings

Just squeaking this one through, but not really liking it too much…

Still, another card to scratch off my ‘Tony Gwynn Needs List’.

On to the next!!!

 

Did You Know….

Willie McGee was traded to the Oakland A’s in 1990, but he had already accumulated 542 plate appearances in the National League, enough for him to qualify for the National League batting crown. He left the Cardinals with a .335 batting average, which Los Angeles’ Eddie Murray (.330), the New York’s Dave Magadan (.328) were unable to catch.

Thus, Willie became the first player in Major League history to lead a lead in batting average, even though he played in the other league.

Jim Palmer ‘Fab Five’ – Card #3 – 1983 Topps

Jim Palmer ‘Fab Five’ – Card #3 – 1983 Topps

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

Card #3 – 1983 Topps

The 1983 Topps set is a ’30-YOC’ favorite.  It always has been,and it always will be.

And one of the main reasons for is the fact that the set employed some very sharp and crisp photography.

Here is the card of Palmer:

What a great photo, huh?

So crisp and clear – not very common for photos from the early 1980s, that is for sure.  I love how Topps incorporated the team colors of the Baltimore Orioles into the borders of the card.  And they flow perfectly with the piping that runs along Palmer’s uniform!!!

A ’30-YOC’ favorite – no doubt about it!!!

Happy Anniversary Billy Williams!!

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!!!

Happy Birthday Bo Jackson!!!

Happy Birthday Bo Jackson!!!

Bo Jackson turns 49 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!!!

Juan Marichal 2001 Topps Archives

Juan Marichal 2001 Topps Archives

With the 1974 Topps Jim Palmer card on my mind, I rummaged through my Topps Archives cards to see if I had any more cards that honor the 1974 Topps design.

And I found this beauty of Mr. Juan Marichal!!!

Another great effort here – just outstanding!!!  And look at that leg-kick – simply perfect!!!

Dwight Gooden 1990 Score

Dwight Gooden 1990 Score

I like the intensity of this baseball card.  From the look on Doc’s face to the strain you can visibly see in the muscles of his pitching arm.

Have a look:

Oh, and the background of Wrigley Field is not too shabby either…

 

Jim Palmer ‘Fab Five’ – Card #4 – 1974 Topps

Jim Palmer ‘Fab Five’ – Card #4 – 1974 Topps

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

Card #4 – 1974 Topps

You all know that I am a sucker for the full-body action photo when it comes to baseball cards.  So of course it is not odd that one of my favorite cards of Jim Palmer features a photo that captures that kind of imagery.

This one is very sweet.  As you can see below, the background is the solid Green outfield wall – and it makes Palmer’s image jump right off of the card.  And I also like the blurred image of the batter’s backside that goes along the right-side border of the card – it tells you that Palmer was absolutely the focus of the photographer!

Great card!!!

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!!!

Happy Birthday Mariano Rivera!!!

Mariano Rivera turns 42-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 2012 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!!!  Keep raising the bar…