2012 Topps ‘Career Day’ Subset – Card #16 – Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies

2012 Topps ‘Career Day’ Subset – Card #16 – Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies

I am working on this set because I find it to be the most appealing of the subsets issued by Topps in 2012.

The cards feature bold colors, great images, and a unique horizontal design.

I especially like the ‘Career Day’ theme as it pays homage to some of the greatest individual performances of baseball’s elite players.

Card #16 – Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies

The Career Day – September 3, 2006.  On this day in 2006, Ryan Howard dominated the Atlanta Braves in not one, but two games.  Facing the Braves in a double-header, Howard connected for three home runs in Game 1, his only 3-HR game of his career.  In the 2-game stint, Howard went 6-for-8 with 4 RBI.  The Phillies won Game One 8-7 and lost Game Two by a score of 3-1.

Progress – 16/25

Brooks Robinson 2002 Topps American Pie – ‘American Sluggers’

Brooks Robinson 2002 Topps American Pie – ‘American Sluggers’

I’ve never really cared for the Topps American Pie sets.  I find them a bit hokey…

Still, every once in a while I will find one that looks great.

So, if you look beyond the stars and stripes that make up the border of this card, you will see a great photo of Orioles’ legend Brooks Robinson.

Have a peek:

I am having a hard time figuring out what is going on in the background of this card, but it looks like it could be a tropical storm!!

The color image on top of a Black and White background works really well for this card.  It allows for all of the Orange accents that are part of Robinson’s uniform stand out nicely.

1972 HEADLINE: Cardinals Deal Steve Carlton To The Philadelphia Phillies

1972 HEADLINE: Cardinals Deal Steve Carlton To The Philadelphia Phillies

On this day in 1972, the St. Louis Cardinals traded Steve Carlton to the Philadelphia Phillies for Rick Wise. 

Carlton spent the first seven seasons of his major league career with the Cardinals and at the age of 26 was just starting to establish himself as a strong talent in the National League.

When joining the Phillies, he would elevate his game to another level and become an elite pitcher in the sport.

Carlton would go on to pitch 15 seasons for the Phillies.

Happy Birthday Ron Santo!!!

Happy Birthday Ron Santo!!!

Today we celebrate the life of Ron Santo who would have turned 73 years old today.  It’s still very saddening that Santo is no longer with us – but the greatness that he left with the Cubs organization, the city of Chicago, and to the world of diabetes education and treatment will live on forever.

One of Chicago’s favorite sons, Ron Santo enjoyed suiting up for the Cubs for 14 years as a player and then for close to 20 years as a radio and television broadcaster.

A popular player on the field, Santo was an All-star 9 times during his 15-year career.  And today he is as popular as he was during the 1960’s and 1970’s. 

Happy Birthday Mr. Santo!!!

UPDATE: 3 SPOTS REMAIN – Who Wants To Play Fantasy Baseball With ’30-Year Old Cardboard’????

Who Wants To Play Fantasy Baseball With ’30-Year Old Cardboard’????

I am a big fan of fantasy baseball.  And while I don’t get too consumed with the ultra-competitive leagues that are out there, I find the idea of selecting my own roster and managing my players to be a fun one.

My platform of choice?  Yahoo Fantasy Baseball.

Last year I created a league, for the great readers of this blog to join, with the Yahoo Fantasy Baseball website and I am ready to do it again as we prepare for the 2013 baseball season to begin.

I’ve already spoken with my buddy Ryan who won last year’s championship and he is very confident that he can do it again!!

Anyone think that they can take him down?  Want to give it a shot??

If so, please let me know by leaving a comment on this post.  My preferred style of play is rotisserie, and I use the auto-draft versus live draft feature for selection of my players.

Each league consists of twelve teams, so I am looking for eleven people to join me.  Ryan has already confirmed that he wants to defend his crown so I am now seeking ten more players to help me form the league.  As soon as people start showing interest, I will email out the league name and password in a first come, first served basis.  I will cap the entries at ten, and if more people want to play I will either create a waiting list or if the demand warrants, I’ll create another league.

Welcome to ‘League 30-YOC’!!!

Now who is ready to ‘Play Ball’???