2012 Topps ‘Mound Dominance’ Subset – Card #MD-8 – Nolan Ryan, Houston Astros

2012 Topps ‘Mound Dominance’ Subset – Card #MD-8 – Nolan Ryan, Houston Astros

I really like the ‘Mound Dominance’ subset that Topps included in their 2012 base set.  The cards are sharp, the graphics are solid, and I am a sucker for cards that pay homage to a historic baseball event.

The ‘Mound Dominance’ set recalls 15 amazing pitching performances in major league history.

This is card#8 – Nolan Ryan, Houston Astros

The dominant day – September 26, 1981.  Ryan’s first no-hitter in the National League took a bit longer than his earlier ones, but that is because his offense was giving hm a ton of support.  And that was all Ryan needed to capture his 5th career no-hitter.  Going 9 innings while striking out 11 and walking 3, Ryan dominated an All-star filled Dodgers lineup.

Progress – 8/15

Juan Marichal 2003 Topps All-Time Fan Favorites – 1962 Topps Design

Juan Marichal 2003 Topps All-Time Fan Favorites – 1962 Topps Design

While Juan Marichal was just 24 years old as he entered the 1962 baseball season, he was performing like a veteran.

In just his third major league season, Marichal was quickly becoming the ‘Ace’ of the San Francisco Giants’ pitching staff.

His numbers from the 1962 season include: 36 starts, 18-11 record, 18 complete games, 3 shutouts, 1 save, 3.36 ERA, 262.2 innings pitched, and 153 strikeouts.

Marichal was selected to his first of nine All-Star games in 1962.

This card is sweet.  I have to guess that back n 1962, no team’s look worked better with the ’62 Topps design than the Giants.  The wood-grain border compliments the Giants uniform perfectly!

1975 Topps – 1974 World Series Game 3 Highlights Starring Rollie Fingers

1975 Topps – 1974 World Series Game 3 Highlights Starring Rollie Fingers

Rollie Fingers closed the door on the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 of the 1974 World Series.

And while he allowed one run in his 1.2 inning performance, it was enough to capture the win and give the Oakland Athletics a 3-2 victory, and a 2-1 lead in the Fall Classic of 1974.

Rollie’s stat line looked like this – 6 batters faced, 2 hits allowed, 1 run given up, and 1 strikeout.

This card, from the 1975 Topps set, does a nice job commemorating that night of October 15, 1974.

A very nice addition to my Rollie Fingers player collection!

Did You Know…

From 1903-1914, Hall of Famer Christy Mathewson won at least 20 games in each baseball season played.  His win totals per year ranged from 22-37 victories.

I Desperately Want A Hank Aaron Signed Baseball For My Collection. But…

I Desperately Want A Hank Aaron Signed Baseball For My Collection.  But…

Look, I know that I have very little chances of meeting Hank Aaron in person.  And if I did, I have read enough to know that he is not the most gracious ‘free’ signer out there.  And I completely understand that too.

So, that means that if I want to add a signed ball of Mr. Aaron to my collection, I am going to have to buy one.  And since he sits alone atop of my ‘Want List’ on my signed ball list, I shop for his autograph often.

But, his signature puzzles me terribly.  There are so many out there, and so many variations that I am not sure which one to go after.

There is the vintage auto:

And then the modern one:

And here is one from an ‘in-between’ time:

So, what I do know is that regardless of the auto that I eventually get of Hank’s, I will demand that it be accompanied with a COA from a very reputable source.  I’ll keep you posted on that journey…