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In Search of: The ‘Perfect’ Baseball Card

cards hed


By Phil Hecken

[Editor’s note: Today we have a great guest entry by Ray Hund who has written about his quest to find the “perfect” baseball card. Enjoy. As a post-script, I’ll be asking you guys if you have one — this could possibly be a recurring feature if there is interest — PH]

The Perfect Baseball Card
By Ray Hund

This may sound far-fetched, but I believe that one baseball card comes as close to perfection as any piece of printed cardboard is likely to ever get.

To make this even more implausible, I’m not necessarily considering condition as part of the criteria. Obviously, a clean, crisp, centered card is better than a creased, off-center, scuffed card — but not always. My 1955 Topps Ernie Banks has been ripped in half, taped back together, and had one corner burnt to a crisp — but to me it’s just gorgeous. There’s a poignant, coming-of-age story behind that undying card.

So if I’m not looking at condition as a way of obtaining cardboard perfection, what am I looking for, then?

First, let’s make it easier by setting up some boundaries. Narrowing down the time period is a good place to start. Between 1957 and 1973, the Topps Trading Card Company issued baseball cards nationally, one series at a time. 1957 is the first year they cut their cards 21/2 X 31/2 inches, which is now considered the standard size. Then, in 1973, Topps decided to release the entire set all at once, thus ending the intrigue of the sometimes rarer high-number cards of the last few series — rare because these boxes of cards didn’t always make it to the local ma & pa corner store so late in the season for a variety of reasons. My ma & pa store was Senne’s, and my high numbers are few and far between.

So the lone perfect card, as I’m defining it, exists somewhere in this time frame, because it’s a regular issue, standard size, high number card.

Here’s my complete criteria for the perfect baseball card:

• 1. Player had great regular season stats the year the card was issued

• 2. And made a World Series appearance with a notable performance

• 3. Card features an excellent view of the team’s uniform. The uniform on the card must accurately reflect the uniform the team wore during the season

• 4. No background imperfections — like other players lingering about, batting cage netting, palm trees, or other distractions

• 5. Card is a high number — it appeared in one of the last two series

• 6. The photo represented on the Topps card is a one-time photo, unlike some photos of players which were used multiple years

• 7. The Topps card design for that year is generally accepted as being one of their better efforts.

• 8. The photo captures something of the essence of the player

First, let’s look at a card that misses the mark, but could have been great.

Frank Robinson Card

In 1966, Frank Robinson was traded by the Cincinnati Reds to the Baltimore Orioles. He responds by winning the triple crown and MVP. The Orioles, in turn, win the pennant and the World Series. All Robinson needed to do to meet my criteria was have a nice, clean photo wearing an Orioles uniform, and be a high number card with something of his essence lingering in there somewhere. Unfortunately, this is where it all falls apart for his 1966 card. Back then, Topps, as a precaution, took many head shot photos of players not wearing baseball caps — just in case they were traded at the last minute. This practice allowed them to put the player on the correct team on the card without having to worry so much about depicting the wrong uniform, which still happened at times. Because he had just been traded, Robinson — in perhaps his greatest year as a pro — gets issued a truly unremarkable, cap-less, head shot on a card with a bland design, thus failing to meet all the above criteria.

Some of you are no doubt questioning the whole essence thing by now. What do I mean, exactly, when I say essence?

Here’s another example that might help answer that question.

Bob Gibson Card

In 1967, the Topps Bob Gibson card comes close to meeting all the above criteria, but misses because it’s a low number card (210) and because Gibson is (don’t laugh)…almost smiling. Yep, that’s right — it misses the mark because it doesn’t reflect the essence of Bob Gibson. Intimidation. Had his face featured a scowl — perhaps like the one Frank Robinson’s working on in his1966 card — it would be the perfect card for me. I mean, look at the background. It’s not spring training. It’s an actual ball park — nothing unnecessary or distracting going on back there. Perfect. And ’67 is a popular Topps design, although the facsimile autographs muss things up for me on occasion. Fortunately, Gibson’s autograph is thoughtfully placed and doesn’t obstruct the view of anything — like the uniform. Great look at the uniform. And he’s not misrepresented in a blue cap like Ray Washburn of the same year. Really, a half smile and low number keep it from perfection.

Run through the years 1957-1973 and you will see for yourself how difficult it is to find a Topps card that meets my, albeit, eccentric criteria.

In fact, there’s only one.

Roberto Clemente Card

The 1971 Topps Roberto Clemente card — #630.

Keeping it simple, he batted .341 that year, with 13 homers and 86 RBI’s. He was the World Series MVP. Although Clemente’s star shined in the 1960 World Series, he is often forgotten in that one because of the dramatic walk off series winning home run by Bill Mazeroski, And the 1960 Topps set was not designed to be uniform friendly with its horizontal design. In the 1971 World Series, Clemente finally got his due. He just dominated. And what a great card.

The ’71 cards show the Pittsburgh Pirates wearing their new knit uniforms on cardboard for the first time. They were the first team in the major leagues to sport them. These uniforms actually debuted the previous year at the inauguration of their new ballpark, Three Rivers Stadium. And Clemente wears it well.

He is perfectly framed. The background free of obstructions. The card’s black border and yellow letters for the team name, while not intended, are the team colors. The facsimile autograph is harmlessly positioned. Best of all, though, is his expression. To me, the ’71 card captures the essence of his public persona — intensity.

When I was a kid growing up in the Chicago area, we went to Wrigley Field to see the Cubs play the knit Pirates (the Cubs were still wearing flannel at the time). It was our first time sitting in the right field bleachers because we wanted to see Clemente up close. We were surprised when some of the “Bleacher Bums” started to harass him, and shocked when they began insulting him by calling him derogatory names. To my amazement, he never flinched. In fact, he backed up to the ivy on a deep fly ball and gracefully made an extremely difficult catch look easy, right in front of his tormentors. Then, after making the catch, as he nonchalantly strolled away from the wall, he turned his head and glanced back in our direction, giving us a look. It was the only time he made eye contact with us that day. The look was neither threatening or forgiving. It was just…intense. For reference, it’s on the ’71 card.

• • • • •

Phil here. Thanks, Ray! What a great idea (and stories)! I’d have to think long and hard on what I’d consider my “perfect” baseball card — I might not use all your guidelines, but I think they’re an excellent start.

What about you readers? What say you? Do you have a “perfect” card? Could you come up with one?

Think about it, and please shoot me an e-mail (Phil.Hecken@gmail.com) if you have a “perfect” card (and hopefully an image) with a brief writeup — you don’t need to get as in-depth as Ray, but certainly feel free to elaborate like he has. I’d like to run some of these as sub-ledes (or perhaps a feature piece with several) in the future, if there is interest.

Don’t let me down. Feel free to name you perfect card down below, and please give Ray a nice thanks for a great article!

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And Now It’s Time For A Poll

Folks, please take 10 seconds to vote in this (completely unscientific) poll. I’d love to have the Uni Watcher point of view on this too:

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And now a few words from Paul…

Contest reminder: In case you missed it during the past week, Paul is running a new ESPN design challenge to redesign the Raiders for their move to Las Vegas. Full details here.

• • • • •

T-Shirt reminder: Paul here. In case you missed it over the past week, our latest limited-edition T-shirt in the Uni Watch Artist’s Series is by the great Larry Torrez (aka Eltee of DC). In the spirit of his Meatscots caricature series, he’s imagined a fictitious Japanese baseball team called the Kyoto Yakitori, whose mascot is a baseball-playing samurai with a sword that serves as a baseball bat and as a yakitori chicken kebab skewer (click to enlarge):

It’s available in three different black short-sleeve options (two of which come in sizes up to 5XL) and one long-sleeve option (up to 5XL), plus I’ve made the design available as a sticker.

Some of you have also asked why I’m okay with this design if I have issues with Native American-based sports designs. That’s a perfectly valid question, and I’ve created a separate page to address it. Look here.

The shirt is available here through next Thursday, April 6. My thanks, as always, for your consideration.

• • • • •

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Uni Watch News Ticker
(Post April Fools Day, so…some items *may* not be *legit*…just sayin’)
By Phil

Baseball News: “The Nats should take the suffering out of replay by playing Fugazi’s Waiting Room,” says William Yurasko. “Let’s make Nationals Park sound more like DC!” … Former #Expos and current broadcaster Derek Aucoin has a pretty cool lining in his jacket (from James Beattie and also Ted Arnold). … The latest team to introduce matte batting helmets: the Texas Rangers (from Bob Harry). Those also have the raised/3-D logos (h/t TJE). I love it (from Brad Holmes). … Sensitive Cubs fans have an answer for feisty Sox fans (from Gruncle Pooch). *ahem* The Saint Paul Saints will go by 50 different names this season (from St. Paul Saints). … Great Hollywood Stars program cover from years back (obviously deflecting some criticism of the team wearing, um shorts). As always, from Bruce Menard. … Also from Bruce, the Boston Red Sox once painted the Fenway Park “Green Monster” red in an effort to break “The Curse of the Bambino.” I’m pretty sure at least one of those is real. … Fletcher Keel thinks these Reds “Futures” uniforms are pretty cool. … Yesterday, Bryce Harper was described as looking like Captain America (from J Werth’s Beard). And he “has the cleats to match”. … This isn’t exactly “new” news, but during yesterday’s Pirates/Blue Jays game, in back to back at bats, two Pirates sported two different sock styles (grabs by Marty Yaskowich), who says, “Never seen back to back to players in an MLB game, both sport the stirrups but different designs… is this a Pittsburgh thing or a spring training thing?” No. It’s a Stance thing. … Add the Seattle Mariners to the list of teams sporting matte helmets (h/t many tweeters). Also sent to me from the Mariners. According to Kevin Martinez, the Mariners Marketing VP, those will be worn both home and road. The Sunday helmets (fauxback in royal and gold) will remain shiny. … In addition to their matte/raised decal helmets, the Rangers also have new batting practice tops/pullovers. Number on the sleeve. No name on the back (h/t TJE). … The Miami Hurricanes wore some new “mesh” unis last night (from Adam Apatoff). … Check out the custom cleats Kevin Pillar will be rocking on opening day (from Megan Brown). … Yesterday, LSU softball wore special teal helmets for Strikeout Ovarian Cancer (from Clay Bess). … Even though the answer is revealed (or rather, the question), I’m sure most Uni Watchers could get the Jeopardy Sports app Final Jeopardy answer (from Ted). … Literally, a swinging friar: “I thought you would enjoy this shot from a baseball practice at Brophy Prep in Phoenix,” writes Andy Moeschberger. “The caption on facebook said: ‘Some days your players take their theology assignments very seriously’.” … Early Brewers prototype? “Reading this story from the Baseball Hall of Fame I saw what appears to be a prototype Milwaukee Brewers jersey I’d never seen before, have you?” says Casey Common. “Caption says it belonged to Steve Hovley and the tag says ‘1969’ — number placement is the same as the Pilots so they apparently replaced the Pilots logo with the block M.”

NFL News: From the “remember what day yesterday was” files…the Packers proposed a slight change to their road unis. … “In honor of the 24th anniversary of the Patriots switching from “=’Pat Patriot’ to the current ‘Flying Elvis’, Boston’s top radio show, Felger and Mazz, did something rare on Friday: put aside their bitching (kinda) and had a spirited NFL uniform debate. Pretty enjoyable segment from a great program,” says Michael Gagnon. “Side note: ask anyone under 35, Flying Elvis > Pat Patriot any day. One is synonymous with greatness, the latter; futility.” … *Ahem* The CFL announced Las Vegas Posse throwback jersey night for 2017. *more here*. … Not sure if we’ve had this particular one before, but here are all 32 NFL helmets transformed into Star Wars hats (from B. Darby). … Browns fans (and their trucks) are apparently all over the country. That was spotted in New Jersey (from Matthew). … Some of you (*coughTheJeffcough*) may like color vs. color in the NFL, but it looks like shit in the Indoor Football League (from Ryan Wozniak).

Hockey News: The AHL Syracuse Crunch wore “Slapshot” Johnstown Chiefs jerseys the other night. Submitter Rob Yasinsac writes, “Since Syracuse was actually represented in the movie, they should have gone with Syracuse Bulldogs jerseys!” … “Not only is Elias Lindholm wearing an NFL-branded undershirt, but it uses the NFL logo that was replaced in 2007,” notes Cory Lavalette”. … The Boston Bruins had abanner giveaway yesterday. It shows David Krejci in the current sweater, but his pants have the pre-2007 logo (good spot by Char Broil 4-Lyfe!”). … Penn St Goalie Peyton Jones uses a modified football receiver glove under his goalie glove for extra padding (nice spot from The Goal Net). … Also from TGN, the former Chicago Blackhawks emergency back up from Temple had to suit up for the Philadelphia Flyers last night. The Blackhawks helmet was gift. … That previous bit was precipitated by this frightening scene where Michal Neuvirth collapsed, which meant replaced he in goal by Anthony Stolarz, who was called up from Lehigh Valley of the AHL earlier in the day when starting goalie Steve Mason was ill (thanks to Sarah Becchio).

NBA News: *ahem* Looks like the Orlando Magic will introduce a new alternate uni next season. … From Tommy Turner, here’s a good article on Walt “Clyde” Frazier on his signature shoes and legendary style. … The Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson Airport is using an outdated Hawks logo on ATL grill signage (from Jorge Cruz).

College Hoops News: Whoa…check out this spectacular Oregon warm-up jacket from 1939 (that comes from Paul). … Apparently Duke is not happy with shirt company producing anti-Grayson Allen tees (so unhappy, in fact, the University sent a cease and desist letter to company cashing in on its athlete). From Brinke, via Paul. … Whoops, early on in last evening’s First Final Four Game, SCar’s PJ Dozier was already missing his Final Four patch (good grab by Ray Garofalo III”). As expected, later in the game, still more were missing (from Dave Doop). … Just in case the CBS guys calling the games didn’t know where to sit, someone put their NOBs on their chairs (from James Gilbert). … This is pretty cool — a graphic of the championship trophy and draw sheet on the bottom of the scoreboard at the NCAA Final Four (from Chris Viel). … “The Oregon Ducks sure didn’t hold back on any branding opportunities in Phoenix for the Final Four,” notes Damon Hirschensohn”. But apparently it’s no big deal. … Hmmmm, did South Carolina warm up in garnet but play in black? (from Matt Dotson). … Jimmer Vilk released his 10 & 2 yesterday, but I’m wondering if last evening’s Oregon/UNC game might have made the top 10. Great looking game (from Funhouse).

Grab Bag: “My daughter will be a freshman this fall, and initially bit on this post she received via email today,” says Brent Kivell. “Nicely done by the U.” (Note, if that link doesn’t show anything odd, click here — I tweeted UM’s joke out yesterday — also check out the comments: that seemed to fool a LOT of people). … Gilbert Baker, the guy who created the rainbow flag, has passed away (thanks, Paul). … Lotus sent an April Fools’ press release about race helmets for cats and it was awesome. … Here’s a look at the new track uniforms for Christian Academy of Indiana (from Steve Wagner). … From Brinke comes this Business Insider article, “How Nike became one of the coolest and most valuable brands in the world.” … *ahem* Steve Stern was watching golf and notes that in 1969, “the Bob Hope Desert Classic golf tournament, Feb. 5-9 in Palm Springs, (had) red sand traps on par-5 holes, white on par-4 and blue on par-3. For color TV, of course. The greens will remain green.” Steve adds, “Was watching today and for some reason thought about this, which was in 1969. I could only find one picture. I’m sure there are others.” … “Visiting the National Mustard Museum in Middleton, Wisconsin, I came across a couple of baseball/mustard items,” says R. Scott Rogers. “The first, a Cleveland Indians mustard bobblehead with a Chief Wahoo base but a cursive-I cap. The second, two mustards produced by former mostly-Brewers player “Stormin'” Gorman Thomas.”

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And that’s it for today. Big thanks to Ray Hund for a great article (and hopefully some fodder for future “perfect” baseball cards). Please send me your thoughts on this (link at the end of the lede) and hopefully this can become a future discussion piece (or sub-ledes).

Everyone have a great Sunday — for today is the penultimate best day of the year (the best being tomorrow, the “real” opening day PLUS the NCAA final). But (thanks, MLB) we get not one, not two, but THREE (Yanks/Rays, D-Bax/Giants and your SNB — Cubs/Cards) official games today. I love this time of the year. And the Masters starts Thursday. Hockey & Hoops playoffs are coming up too. And (hopefully) the weather (at least for many of us) will start turning nicer.

What a time to be alive.

You fine folks have a great week, I’ll have the winner of the Redesign The USA Uni/Jersey/Cap next weekend too. Until then…

Follow me on Twitter @PhilHecken.

Peace.

.. … ..

“So, I saw the sneakers that dissolve in 36 hours, and my first thought was ‘Cool. Untraceable shoes to wear in the commission of an horrific crime.’ I have issues.”

— Jon Rose

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Comments (38)

    Before I even got to the accompanying copy I thought – “Wow Gibson is almost smiling!” Great minds. Bet I used to own that card too. Lost to time. AND mom. . .. ;-)

    link for Coco Crisp card doesn’t work for me.

    On a similar note, here’s a hockey card for the rooster from Corn Flakes:
    link

    More info on the Grab Bag item about colored sand bunkers at the Bob Hope..

    Correct this text

    Patriotic Traps In Classic
    Bob Hope, who every year devotes his Christmas to the American fighting man. his extended his patriotism to the golf tournament which bears his name. For the first time in golf history, players competing in ihe 10th a-nnual Bob Hope Desert Classic February 5-9 will be playing out of red (Par 5 holes), white (par 4) and blue (par 3) sand traps–that us if they are unfortunate enough to get into ihe traps. Actually, only Ihe last nine holes of the Indian Wells Country Club will be filled with the colorful granules, but that will lie enough for the NBC television color cameras which will beam action on the last two days of the tournament to a nationwide audience. ‘‘We had to do something to compete with Doug Sanders’ attire and Amie’s Army,” Hope explained when asked why the color had been added to the $122,000 meet played over four 1 different California- courses. ‘‘Let Bing top this.” The granules will provide 1 more than color to the tournament. Some of the golfers who have tested the new granule \ made by the 3M Company feel it will improve play because of its consistency. All traps filled with the [ “Scotch-Rok” golf trap granules play the same. They do not compact after a ram storm or watering of the green. This is because the granule us completely inorganic, consisting of a crushed fused with color at high temperatures. If a ball happens to land in a trap, it tends to hit and stop on the new granules and will not bury itself as it sometimes does in sand. “Our traps are so colorful,” Hope concluded, “they make ! NBC’s peacock look anemic.”
    link

    And the next year the PGA put a stop to it

    link

    PS that samurai shirt belongs in the ‘Skins Section. How on earth do you justify that after all the quality stances you have taken against hurt feelings for stereotyping?

    I honestly kept thinking that shirt was an April Fools Joke, between the cultural stereotype and logo creep – two of the top continual complaints on this site. I even looked at the “explanation” site and it read like sarcasm of the people who think Native American imagery is just fine.

    I guess it wasn’t though. Amazing.

    Oops, I should have said Charlestown Chiefs… the movie name…of the team based on the Johnstown Jets.

    Syracuse Bulldogs were my favourite team in the movie. The goon team.

    Only trouble for the Crunch wearing Syracuse Bulldogs uniforms is that they too closely resemble the uniforms of a Lightning rival, the Philadelphia Flyers.

    link

    My favourite Slapshot team uniform was the Broome County Blades, based off the NAHL Philadelphia Firebirds uniforms. A delightful colour scheme.

    link

    The perfect baseball cards are the ones you still have.

    St. Paul 50Names: I wouldn’t be surprised if this were true, considering the Saints are the kings of self-promotion at any level in the minors. Do they have 50 home dates in their league?

    “a graphic of the championship trophy and draw sheet on the bottom of the scoreboard” is on the underside of the scoreboard.

    More info on the Grab Bag item about colored sand bunkers at the Bob Hope..

    Correct this text

    Patriotic Traps In Classic
    Bob Hope, who every year devotes his Christmas to the American fighting man. his extended his patriotism to the golf tournament which bears his name. For the first time in golf history, players competing in ihe 10th a-nnual Bob Hope Desert Classic February 5-9 will be playing out of red (Par 5 holes), white (par 4) and blue (par 3) sand traps–that us if they are unfortunate enough to get into ihe traps. Actually, only Ihe last nine holes of the Indian Wells Country Club will be filled with the colorful granules, but that will lie enough for the NBC television color cameras which will beam action on the last two days of the tournament to a nationwide audience. ‘‘We had to do something to compete with Doug Sanders’ attire and Amie’s Army,” Hope explained when asked why the color had been added to the $122,000 meet played over four 1 different California- courses. ‘‘Let Bing top this.” The granules will provide 1 more than color to the tournament. Some of the golfers who have tested the new granule \ made by the 3M Company feel it will improve play because of its consistency. All traps filled with the [ “Scotch-Rok” golf trap granules play the same. They do not compact after a ram storm or watering of the green. This is because the granule us completely inorganic, consisting of a crushed fused with color at high temperatures. If a ball happens to land in a trap, it tends to hit and stop on the new granules and will not bury itself as it sometimes does in sand. “Our traps are so colorful,” Hope concluded, “they make ! NBC’s peacock look anemic.”
    link

    And the next year the PGA put a stop to it

    link

    PS that samurai shirt belongs in the ‘Skins Section. How on earth do you justify that after all the quality stances you have taken against hurt feelings for stereotyping?

    For those counting, I’m under 35, and Pat Patriot > Flying Elvis. Not even close.

    Pat Patriot conveyed an enthusiastic aggression as he bent over, getting ready to snap the ball. I was not impressed when the Patriots introduced their new logo. The patriot wasn’t smiling because of what he was forced to wear, so I called it the “silly hat” logo. But I guess a few Super Bowls have brought a smile to his face by now.

    Regarding the legendary Roberto Clemente and comments from Chicago Cubs fans, that tactic wasn’t going to be successful.

    In the minor leagues, the younger Clemente was harassed in Montreal, and was able to overcome the abuse and taunts. So by the time he emerged as superstar in the 60s, comments by fans were just background noise.

    Let’s be brutally honest here. Just about everything looks like shit in the Indoor Football League.

    As long as we’re being brutally honest, color vs. color looks like shit 95% of the time, no matter the league.

    Billy Ripken “fuck face” baseball card is perfection. It exists in the very baseball-y intersection of kids having fun and people complaining about kids having fun.

    Color-wise, the Oregon-UNC game was fantastic. That Nike template is brutal, though. Looks like a track/cross country singlet, not a basketball jersey. I wonder if the players even like them. The cut is terrible.

    THREE (Yanks/Rays, D-Bax/Giants and your SNB – Cubs/Cards) official games today. I love this time of the year. And the Masters starts Thursday. Hockey & Hoops playoffs are coming up too.

    You forgot…English cricket starts this week! Listening to preseason action online right now.

    “D-Bax”…Please, Arizona, do not put that on your jerseys. “D-Backs” is bad enough. Just put “Arizona” or your logo on there.

    To me the perfect card is an action card. I’ll even accept action poses. No portraits.

    Heading downstairs to get out my old cards.

    Regarding the Nats/Fugazi thing, I’d like to see them play the Bad Brains’ “Banned in D.C.” when the umpire kicks someone out of Nats Park…

    Here’s some more stuff on the Flyers goalie situation

    link

    With 24 seconds left in the game and a 3-0 lead the Flyers tried to put him in – so that he could say he actually played in the NHL. The refs put a stop to it because he can only enter if BOTH goalies are injured.

    Jorge Alves was allowed to play for the Hurricanes when the coach put him in for the last eight seconds of a game.

    link

    Sorry I’m so late, but I think the difference is that Alves was Carolina’s second goalie to start the game, while Semborski was the Flyers’ third, and #3 can only go in if the first two are injured.

    Kudos to Dave Hakstol for trying to put Semborski in.

    Somewhat more familiar with hockey cards than baseball – not really a collector of cards.

    Vast majority of front should be an in focus non-airbrushed photo of the player. For an action photo doesn’t need to be the only player in the photo but has to be the primary one.

    Back of the card should have year by year stats of the player for more than a couple seasons (whole NHL career if possible), some biographical/trivia information and a cartoon.

    Saying that there are some interesting good looking cards that don’t meet that criteria such as some in the Upper Deck Masterpieces set:

    link
    link

    I’m also kind of a sucker for the 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee set with the stats and info inside a skate along with a cartoon:
    link

    The greatest baseball card of all time is Reggie Jackson’s 1974 card.

    link

    A beautiful action shot of Reggie in a gorgeous uniform. Also, he is coming off a World Championship season in which he was MVP both of the league and the World Series. (Though I don’t agree that this should be a criterion; the “best card” should be decided solely on the basis of aesthetics.)

    That’s one of my favorite designs.

    My others:

    1978 Topps
    link
    Simple, and the baseball in the corner is a nice touch.

    1982 Fleer
    link

    1983 Topps
    link
    An action shot AND a portrait!

    Funny – the first card that came to mind for me was 1980 Topps Rickey Henderson. It’s his rookie card, he’s at the plate cocked for a swing, and he’s wearing darned near the same uni as Reggie in 1974. I’d also say that Topps 1980 could be the offspring of Topps 1974, design-wise.

    link

    Oregon wasn’t the only team to brand their hotel street. In fact they all did

    On the matte helmet poll, I’d have voted if there were a “some of ’em are nice, but I hope it doesn’t get out of hand” option. I think the black ones in particular look good.

Comments are closed.