Cancer sucks.
The Red Sox Nation lost a fan favorite with the recent passing of Mike Greenwell. It was only in August that Greenwell announced he was diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer. As a teen in the late eighties and early nineies, "Gator" was a personal favorite along with such young stars as Ellis Burks and Mo Vaughn. In honor of this amazing player, I humbly present my 5 favorite Mike Greenwell cards.
1991 Fleer - Pro-Visions Black #8
This is one of my all-time favorite cards. I could own a hundred copies and still be excited to get another one. The artwork is fantastic, and I love the calm, unimpressed expression on Greenwell as the "Green Monster" glares above him. Greenwell was never intimidated.
1992 Upper Deck #275
Greenwell broke his fair share of bats in his career. A career .300 hitter, he won the Silver Slugger in 1988. That season was his best, as he finished as the runner up to Jose Canseco in the AL MVP voting. Years later when Canseco's steroid usage came out, Greenwell publicly stated he felt cheated out of the award.
1995 Collector's Choice SE #193
The Red Sox have been blessed when it comes to players who played in
front of the Grenn Monster in left field. From 1939-1986, the spot was
regularly patrolled by Hall of Famers Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski,
and Jim Rice. Although Greenwell did not achieve Hall status, he
excellently continued the legacy until 1996. He was elected to the Red
Sox Hall of Fame in 2008.
1996 Fleer Boston Red Sox #7
You don't see many pictures of guys kneeling at base. Greenwell was a Red Sox lifer, playing 12 seasons. As a 22-year, he was on the roster for the 1986 World Series, getting 4 plate appearances. Towards the end of his career, he was teammates with another long-time Red Sox fan favorite who passed away too soon, Tim Wakefield.
1996 Leaf Signature Series - Autographs Bronze
I picked this card up last year on my first visit to a card and collectables shop that opened up in my area. I'm happy to have an autographed card of this 2-time All-Star.
RIP, Mr. Greenwell. You will be missed.
RIP Mike. Broken bats are great cards.
ReplyDeleteHis is one of the names that I will forever associate with my earliest days of collecting.
ReplyDeleteRIP to Mike. He was a great player.
ReplyDeleteThat Provisions is cool. Looks more like the Grinch in the back!
One of my faves as a kid. I agree he would have been MVP if Canseco hadn't cheated. Love the Green Monster card, and the Leaf Auto.
ReplyDeleteCancer really seems to be hitting Red Sox nation hard lately. RIP Greeny.
Reading about his death instantly took me back to the late 80's when I was hoarding his cards. Rest in peace Mr. Greenwell.
ReplyDelete