Giancarlo Stanton 2014 Panini Prizm – Base

Giancarlo Stanton 2014 Panini Prizm – Base

Giancarlo Stanton has been lighting it up as of lately – both at the plate and in the outfield.

I’ve read a small handful of stories that have his name being mentioned in the race for this year’s NL MVP Award.  While I love that kind of attention, I think he is still a few steps behind the elite, all-around players.  But, the promise he shows and the growth he has displayed this season certainly makes him one that may contend for many years ahead.

And to think, he is just 24 years old – WHOA!

Joe Morgan 2002 Upper Deck Heroes Of Baseball Header

Joe Morgan 2002 Upper Deck Heroes Of Baseball Header

It’s been quite a while since I have added a card from this subset to my Joe Morgan collection – all the way back to 2012, if you’d like to get technical.

It is not for lack of want, mind you, bu for lack of effort.

When I first encountered a few singles from the set, I knew that it was something that I would like to complete in time.

Since then, I have learned that there are 10 total cards in the set – Cards 1-9, and a header (checklist) card.

Well, I now have said ‘Header’.

Have a look:

 

 

All of the cards from the set have a similar design theme, and each highlights something special from Joe Morgan’s big league career.

As a Morgan fan and collector, I think that it is only fitting that I make obtaining the balance of the missing cards of this set for my collection.

Time to focus and get it done!

Let’s Shop!!

1975 Topps Set Card 232/660 – #490 – Reggie Smith, Cardinals

1975 Topps Set Card 232/660 – #490 – Reggie Smith, Cardinals

Progress: 232/660

Player Name:  Reggie Smith

Team:  St. Louis Cardinals

Position:   Outfield

Image Style:  Posed Batting

Years In The Major Leagues:  17 seasons, 1966-82

Notes From His 1975 Season:  Reggie Smith played in 135 games for the St. Louis Cardinals during the 1975 baseball season.  Smith was selected as an All-Star in that season due to his .302 batting average with 144 hits and .382 on-base percentage.  Of Smith’s 144 hits, he connected for 26 doubles, 3 triples, and 19 home runs.  He scored 67 runs for the club and drove in 76.

Notes From Career:  Reggie Smith is a 7-time All-Star with a Gold Glove to his credit.  A 17-year veteran, Smith connected for 2,020 career hits en route to a lifetime batting average of .287.  Smith played for four different major league teams during his 17-season career, making it to 4 World Series championships.  He won a World Series title as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1981.

Did You Know…

Two members of the Milwaukee Brewers stole 40 or more bases during the 1992 baseball season.  Pat Listach led the club with 51 steals and Darryl Hamilton swiped 41.

Happy Birthday Bobby Richardson!!!

Happy Birthday Bobby Richardson!!!

Bobby Richardson turns 79 years old today.

The MVP of the 1960 World Series, Richardson’s role in that championship match-up of his Yankees and the Pittsburgh Pirates was vital.  In that 7-game series, Richardson hit .367 as he collected 11 hits in 30 at-bats.  He also scored 8 runs, hit a homer, and drove in 12.  Stuff that legends are made of, right there!!!

Happy Birthday Mr. Richardson.

How Sweet Would It Be To Have A Roberto Clemente Signed Ball In The Collection????

How Sweet Would It Be To Have A Roberto Clemente Signed Ball In The Collection????

As I continue to learn more and more about the life and major league baseball career of Mr. Roberto Clemente, I am starting to understand the impact he had not only on the game, but more importantly, on the sport after he passed away.

Tragically killed in a plane crash more than 40 years ago, the Roberto Clemente signed baseball has to be a gem in any collector’s set regardless of how big or small that collection may be.

Because of his death, and the way that autographs were treated while Clemente was able to sign, there are very few clean, crisp, and mint signed Clemente baseballs out on the open market.  And because of that, it makes any piece signed by him instantly cherished.

I would love a ball for my collection, but the price tag that comes along with it is not something that I can stomach.

Instead, I will simply drool over the idea of having one…

Roberto Clemente’s Superb 1955 Topps Rookie Baseball Card

Roberto Clemente’s Superb 1955 Topps Rookie Baseball Card

For reasons unknown, this 1955 Topps Roberto Clemente rookie baseball card just not carry the same collecting weight as a Jackie Robinson or Mickey Mantle rookie card.

But it should!!

One of the most dynamic players in baseball’s grand history, Roberto Clemente is one of the sport’s most iconic and cherished names.

And of all cards issued since 1950, this one should rank very highly on all ‘Want Lists’.