Cal Ripken Jr. 1997 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice – What’s Happening In This Photo?

Cal Ripken Jr. 1997 Upper Deck Collector’s Choice

I’m having a little trouble identifying exactly what is going on in image used on this card of Cal.

Based on the direction he is running, and that he has no glove on his hand, am I wrong in my opinion that Cal may be headed around third base and headed for home?  The shot has a backdrop that could possibly be the outfield behind either third base, shortstop, or second base.  And the direction he is headed appears to be down versus up or across.

The puzzling part is that we do not see a base line, and that little patch of grass next to his right foot.

I’m puzzled.

Hmmmm…

 

What do you think?

Dustin Pedroia 2014 Bowman Platinum

Dustin Pedroia 2014 Bowman Platinum

He may weigh just 165 pounds, but Dustin Pedroia can swing the bat as hard as any middle infielder in the American League.

With the bat speed, wrist strength, and hips all going, Pedroia has incredible bat speed.  And he has put up some pretty decent home run numbers for a second baseman too.

For his career, Pedroia has connected for 106 total round-trippers.  From 2008-2012, Pedroia averaged double-digit homers with his career high of 21 coming in 2011.

His power swing is captured nicely on his new 2014 Bowman Platinum baseball card.

Enjoy.

Reggie Jackson 2002 Upper Deck Piece Of History ‘Tape Measure Heroes’

Reggie Jackson 2002 Upper Deck Piece Of History ‘Tape Measure Heroes’

Reggie could mash home runs with the best of them.  And he was not just a guy that could barely get the ball out of the park.

He was a crusher!

This card from the 2002 Upper Deck subset tagged as “Tape Measure Heroes’ is pretty neat.  The left-side border of the card features a running tape measure that fits very well with the theme of the card.

Here it is:

 

With the size of ballparks today versus how they were built when Reggie was starring with the A’s, Yankees, Orioles, and Angels, I wonder how many home runs a guy of Reggie’s size and power could deliver in today’s sport.

Something tells me that he would not be far off of his career tally of 563.

1975 Topps Set Card 280/660 – #263 – Jim Perry, Indians

1975 Topps Set Card 280/660 – #263 – Jim Perry, Indians

Progress: 280/660

Card Number: 263

Player Name: Jim Perry

Team: Cleveland Indians

Position: Pitcher

Image Style: Posed Portrait

Years In The Major Leagues: 17 seasons, 1959-75

Notes From His 1975 Season:  Jim Perry pitched in 15 games for the Oakland Athletics in 1975.  He went 3-4 on the year with 2 complete games and 1 shutout.  In 67 innings of work, Perry compiled and ERA of 4.66 as he allowed 61 hits and 43 runs during that span.  Perry struck out 33 batters and gave up 26 walks as well.

Notes From Career:  Jim Perry is a 3-time All-Star pitcher and winner of the Cy Young Award.  He has a career record of 215-174 in 447 starts.  Perry tossed 109 complete games during his career including 32 shutouts.  He has a career ERA of 3.45 as well as 2 20-win seasons to his credit.

Andre Dawson 2013 Panini America’s Pastime ‘Career Numbers’ Game-Used Blue Relic Jersey Card

Andre Dawson 2013 Panini America’s Pastime ‘Career Numbers’ Game-Used Blue Relic Jersey Card

I’d been hunting down this bad-boy for a few weeks, and I finally scored.

Have a peek:

 

I already owned the version with the White chunk of jersey.

And then I snagged the one that has a White chunk with a Cubby Blue stripe running through it.

And now, I have grabbed the All-Blue version!

This sweet card is serial numbered to just 125 copies.  Mine is stamped as #6/125.

I don’t now if other versions of the same card exist with varying pieces of jersey, but I am definitely on the watch for them.  And if one pops up, I will do my best to bring it home.

Do you know more about the other versions?  If you do, please share the info.  Thanks.