Reggie Jackson 2005 Topps Retired Signature

Reggie Jackson 2005 Topps Retired Signature

The ‘Retired Signature’ set issued by Topps in 2005 has always been a favorite of mine.  I have a nice Andre Dawson card from this release in my collection, and an autographed one too.

As soon as I saw that Reggie was on the checklist, I went after it.

And I am very pleased with the results – this card is a beauty!!

 

Look at that young Reggie with two bats perched over his shoulder –  what a stud!

And those old two-tone Oakland Athletics uniforms from the early 1970’s are sweet too!  You can really get a sense of how in shape Reggie was in this uniform, his muscles are practically bulging out of his jersey – quite a rarity from the ‘standard’ baseball player physique during the 1970’s.

 

1975 Topps Set Card 290/660 – #56 – Rick Wise, Red Sox

1975 Topps Set Card 290/660 – #56 – Rick Wise, Red Sox

Progress: 290/660

Card Number:  56

Player Name: Rick Wise

Team:  Boston Red Sox

Position: Pitcher

Image Style: Posed Portrait

Years In The Major Leagues: 18 seasons, 1964, 1966-82

Notes From His 1975 Season:  Risk Wise started 35 games for the Red Sox in 1975.  He went 19-12 on the year with 17 complete games and 1 shutout.  He worked 255 innings during the season allowing 262 hits and 126 runs en route to a 3.95 ERA.  Wise struck out 141 batters in that time while walking 72.

Notes From Career:  Rick Wise is a 2-time All-Star pitcher that suited up for five different clubs during his 18-year big league career.  He has a lifetime record of 188-181 with 138 complete games, 30 shutouts, and a career ERA of 3.69 to his credit.  Having worked 3,127 innings during his playing days, Wise struck out 1,647 batters and walked 804.

Happy Birthday Bryce Harper!!

Happy Birthday Bryce Harper!!

Bryce Harper turns 22 years old today.

Coming off of a power-filled playoff series, Bryce Harper showed us against the Giants just how dangerous he can be with his bat.

And launching 450-ft home runs out of ballparks, is just one of his many talents.  Harper is a super-athlete that can disturb a team in many ways.  A clean line drive hitter with dynamite speed and an aggressive attitude, Harper can be the fuel for the Nationals offense for many years to come.

He is one of the most energetic and exciting young stars in the game and as his full arsenal of baseball skills continues to grow and take shape, I believe that #34 will be the kind of player that draws visiting team fans out to the ballpark.

I am hoping for a breakout season for Harper in 2015.  And I am also hoping that Matt Williams puts him in one spot in the batting order, like #2, and leaves him there so he can become more comfortable and confident with his role on the team.

Happy Birthday Bryce!

 

1983 HEADLINE: Murray’s Impressive Game Seals The Deal On 1983 World Series

1983 HEADLINE: Murray’s Impressive Game Seals The Deal On 1983 World Series

On this day in 1983, Eddie Murray sealed the Baltimore Orioles World Series championship dream with a very impressive outing.

In Game 5 of the match-up, Murray and his Orioles entered the game with a 3-1 lead over the Philadelphia Phillies.

Murray proceeded to go 3-for-4 on the night while scoring 2 runs, driving in 3, and crushing 2 monster home runs.  It was his offense that was the difference, as the O’s blanked the Phillies 5-0 en route to their World Series title.

A classic performance by one of the game’s greatest hitters!

Happy Anniversary Mr. Murray!!!

Jim Palmer’s Glorious 1966 Topps Rookie Baseball Card

Jim Palmer’s Glorious 1966 Topps Rookie Baseball Card

When I decided a few years back that I wanted to pay tribute to Jim Palmer and his Hall of Fame career, I knew that some cards would be tougher to obtain.

And while I am not so finicky that I will not accept good or very good condition baseball cards in my collection, I am patient enough to wait it out long enough to know that I have found one that will make me happy.

And you know what, it took quite some time, but I eventually brought one into my collection.

And it is superb – Have a look:

Jim Palmer’s Hall Of Fame Plaque

Jim Palmer’s Hall Of Fame Plaque

Elected to the Hall of Fame on his first ballot in 1990, Jim Palmer received 411 of the 444 votes counted.

With a pitching resume that could compare with the game’s greatest, the fact that Palmer fell short of the 300 wins mark by 32 victories did not hurt his reputation as one of the greatest pitchers from the 60’s, 70’s, and into the 80’s.

A true class act that stayed loyal to one team over the course of his career, Palmer still holds several Baltimore Oriole pitching records and remains a team favorite 25+ years since his retirement!!!

Congratulations on a fantastic career and Happy Birthday Mr. Jim Palmer!!!!