Top 3 Tribute: Pete Rose

Right before the playoff began, the baseball community learned of the passing of the legendary Pete Rose. The good and bad of his career is well known, but his legacy is worth remembering. Rather than do my traditional list of favorite cards in my collection, I though it would be appropriate to pay my respects with a few of his "record breaking" achievements.

 

1978 Topps #5 Pete Rose (RB)

It's hard to believe that 8 seasons before he became the all-time hit king, he became the lifetime hit leader among switch hitters. He bested the career mark of Hall of Famer Frankie Frisch, who held that record for 40 years.

 

1985 Topps #6 Pete Rose (RB) 

For most players, reaching 3,000 career hits would be a dream career. Rose reached that mark just with the number of singles he hit! The only other person with that many singles was the guy whose record he broke, Ty Cobb.

 

1986 Topps #206 Pete Rose (RB)

 

Speaking of Cobb, we of course know that Rose eventually would overtake Cobb to be the all-time hit leader in MLB history. The two remain the only players to surpass 4,000 hits. (I wonder if we'll ever see that again?)

I've always believed that a lifetime baseball ban should end when the lifetime portion has concluded. It makes no sense to me that someone like Shoeless Joe Jackson, who died 73 years ago, is still being punished. To what end? I feel the same way about Rose now. To coin a gambling term, he's square with the house. His punishment served it's purpose. He can no longer benefit directly from the fame his career has brought him. It's time to give the man his due and recognize him as one of baseball's elite.

 

Rest in Peace Charlie Hustle.

RIP Tim Wakefield

This one hurts. This one hurts because it he was one of the players on that magical 2004 team that broke the curse. This one hurts because he was only 57, and just starting to carve out that second career as an insightful broadcaster. This one hurts because he wasn't a superstar, rather an every day joe who worked hard and dedicated his life to his craft. This one hurts because cancer sucks, and the fact his wife is fighting her own cancer battle is more than any one family deserves to be put through. This one hurts because he genuinely cared about everyone - his family, his friends, teammates, fans, his community. This one just hurts.

In honor of Tim Wakefield, I present a Top 3 Tribute of 3 favorite cards in my collection:

1997 Donruss #219

 

One of the last great knuckleballers, he turned his career around after making the switch from a poor hitting infielder. You got to love any card that clearly shows the grip used to throw such an unpredictable pitch.

1999 Stadium Club #231

 

Wake could have been remembered in the same poor light that Bill Buckner was unfairly cast in. That Aaron Boone home run could have been an anchor on his career. Red Sox Nation embraced him, and he came back to become a World Champion in both 2004 and 2007.

2021 Topps Chrome Platinum Anniversary

 

Imagine being such a beloved member of the Red Sox that the ownership essentially gave him a perpetual player option towards the end of his career. If he wanted to pitch the next season, it was entirely his call. It wasn't just for what he did on the field, but also what he did off of it. The 2010 Roberto Clemente Award winner worked tirelessly to make the world a better place.

RIP Tim Wakefield. You will be missed dearly. Thanks for the memories.

RIP Rick Jeanneret

 

I wasn't planning on doing a post today, but last night it was announced that legendary voice of the Buffalo Sabres, Rick Jeanneret, passed away at the age of 81. 

Growing up in Western NY, he was one of the unmistakable voices of my childhood. On the TV, on the radio, anytime the Sabres were playing, you would hear Rick. 

Jeanneret didn't have many sports cards (only 1 according to TCDB), so I can't really do a Top 3 tribute. To be honest, in this case an audio tribute would be more appropriate anyway. In his honor, I'd like to share my Top 3 favorite Rick Jeanneret calls: 

 

3. La La La La La LaFontaine!

2. May Day!

1. Top Shelf Where Mama Hides The Cookies!

Thank you, RJ, for being the voice of a fandom. Rest In Peace.

The Brock Star Has Left The Building!

Brock Holt retired from baseball last month. The name may not ring a bell to many of you, maybe it's familiar enough where you know you've heard it, you just don't know from where. 

He wasn't a superstar. He's not a future Hall of Famer, and probably wouldn't make anyone's list on the "Hall of Very Good". Heck, it'd be a small miracle if his name even appeared on the ballot in 5 year's time. He's the kind of player that the final stats would say makes him one of the thousands who were good enough to play the game for awhile, have a few moments of fame, maybe a "Web Gem" or two.

Brock Holt, however, was a fan favorite. Once you earn that title with a team's fan base, you never lose it. Among Red Sox fans, he was an outgoing, likable character who played hard every day and did whatever was asked of him. He was every bit as an important piece of that 2018 Championship as the bigger names like Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, or Chris Sale.

Oh, and he had some fantastic cardboard! Allow me to demonstrate with a small but no less enthusiastic Top 3 tribute featuring the best Brock Holt cards in my collection:

 
 

2016 Topps #280

Brock Holt joined the Red Sox in December 2012 after a trade with Pittsburgh. He was a lotto ticket throw-in to go with Boston's primary target, Joel Hanrahan. After getting some low ballot Rookie of the Year votes in 2014, he became an important member on a woeful 2015 team. His ability to play all over the field made him a surprise choice as Boston's lone All-Star representative that year.

 

2017 Topps #581

 Holt continued to play all over the field over 7 seasons in Boston, mostly at 2nd base, 3rd base, and outfield. Over the course of his career, he played every position except catcher (Yep, he even pitched a few times!)

 

2019 Topps Big League #331 

Holt's biggest moment came in Game 3 of the 2018 ALDS against the Yankees. Brock became the first person in Major League history to hit for the cycle in the postseason. His 9th inning homer capped off a night where he went 4-6 with 3 runs scored and 5 RBI.

 

Thanks for the memories Brock!

Top 3: Sparky Lyle

Daniel over at It's Like Having My Own Card Shop has been running a contest this month. It's centered around former pitcher Sparky Lyle, and his rookie card is the main prize. In order to increase my chances of winning, I've included Sparky in all my posts this week, capping off with this post highlighting the top 3 Sparky Lyle cards I have in my collection. Sadly, I own no cards of his time with the Red Sox (which is one reason why I'm trying to win his rookie card!), so I have to feature a couple other teams he's more well known for. Here they are in chronological order:

1978 Topps #2

 

I miss Record Breaker cards. Lyle would finish his career with 899 games, all in relief. The record is now held by John Franco, who blew this record out of the water by pitching in 1,119 games with no starts.

 

1981 Topps #719

 

Sparky Lyle does not get enough credit for his glorious mustache. It's arguably the best cookie-duster short of Rollie Fingers.

1982 Topps #285

 

1982 Would be Lyle's last year in the majors. Not many people remember (myself included) that he finished up his career with a 11 game stint with the Chicago White Sox.

There's still time to enter Daniel's contest! Each day you comment is a chance to win!

Top 3 Tribute: Jerry Remy

I wanted to take a moment to honor a Red Sox icon. Remy passed away last week after a long battle with cancer. As a former player and broadcaster, he was beloved by Red Sox fans, even being "elected" as the President of Red Sox Nation. Personally, I was able to listen to him call games through by MLB subscription, and he was a joy to listen to. He was often insightful, witty, and unlike a lot of broadcasters he actually added to the overall enjoyment of the game. I present to you my 3 favorite Jerry Remy cards that I own:

1978 Topps #478

 

Even though he's depicted as an Angel on this card, the 1978 season was his first as a member of the Red Sox. He endeared himself to the Fenway Faithful immediately, making the All-Star team for the only time in his career.

1981 Topps #549

 

Last year, or maybe the year before, I remember watching a game on TV and listening to Jerry and his broadcast partner Dave O'Brien talk about this card and how funny it was. Remy obviously was not expecting to have his picture taken here!

1985 Topps #761

 

The "RemDawg" retired in 1986 after missing the 1985 season due to injury, essentially making this his sunset card. Afterwards, he went on to become an award winning broadcaster and member of the Red Sox Hall of Fame.

I also highly recommend his book Watching Baseball: Discovering The Game Within The Game. It's a very insightful book and you'll enjoy it if you enjoy the nuances of the game as it's being played.

 

RIP Jerry Remy - you will be missed!

Top 3 Tribute: John McNamara

Earlier this week, longtime Major League manager John McNamara passed away. Although he managed for almost 20 years, he'll best be remembered for leading the Boston Red Sox to the 1986 World Series. In tribute, I present 3 favorite cards from my collection:

1986 Topps

#771 John McNamara (MGR)

As I was looking at the cards I had of McNamara, one thing stood out to me. After 1986, it doesn't appear he smiles on his cards. He seems to have an annoyed, "WTF" look about him. I've read that he lost a lot of joy managing after all the backlash he got for leaving Bill Buckner in that fateful Game 6 of the World Series. I don't know if that's true, but his smile here reflects a man about to have a great year!

1987 Topps

#306 Red Sox Leaders (TC)

McNamara managed for at least a portion of 19 seasons, and in that time he managed some truly legendary players, like Tom Seaver here.

I want to take this opportunity to talk about another player he managed. Most of the articles I've read about McNamara's passing make sure to mention that part of his career legacy will always be tarnished by that decision to play Bill Buckner. There's another story not usually mentioned that should be a larger part of what he should be remembered for.

John McNamara was a minor league manager in the 60's for the team in the racially divided city of Birmingham. While there, he manage a young African American ballplayer named Reggie Jackson. McNamara's integrity never wavered. From the SABR Bio Project:

"When we'd be on a road trip and we'd stop at a diner for hamburgers or something to eat, McNamara wouldn't compromise. It was simple for him: if they wouldn't serve me they weren't going to serve anybody. He'd just take the whole team out of the restaurant, we'd get into the bus and we'd keep driving."  - Reggie Jackson

1988 Topps - Glossy All-Stars

#1 John McNamara (MGR)

By virtue of his 1986 AL Pennant, McNamara got to manage one of the greatest All-Star games the following season. Pitching ruled the day as both teams put up zeroes for an amazing 12 innings. McNamara AL squad fell in the 13th, thanks to a 2-run triple by the game's MVP, Tim Raines. McNamara managed 9 eventual Hall of Famers in that game.

R.I.P. John McNamara

Top 3: Tony Fernandez

If you grew up watching baseball in the late 80's, you witnessed a golden era for shortstops - Ripken, Trammell, Ozzie, Larkin. Standing tall among those Hall of Famers was Toronto's Tony Fernandez, who passed away on February 15th after lengthy medical complications. In honor of his great career, I would like to present my favorite Top 3 cards of Tony Fernandez in my collection:

1988 Score #651 Super Shortstops 

When I said he stood tall with Hall of Famers, I meant it. This is just one of many examples of Tony being mention on cardboard with other greats of the game. And why not? He was a 5 time All-Star after all!

1991 Score #432 Tony Fernandez

 Born Octavio Antonio Fernandez, his calling card was his amazing defense. He won four straight Gold Glove awards between 1986-1989.

1992 Donruss #362 Tony Fernandez

Of course, you can't mention Tony Fernandez without mentioning that he was one of the 4 superstars in that epic trade with the San Diego Padres. While it seemed unfortunate for the Blue Jays' all time leader in games and hits to miss out on Toronto's first ever World Championship in 1992, he eventually found his way home and earned a ring with their historic 1993 title.

RIP Tony, you will be missed!

Top 3: Bill Buckner

Bill Buckner passed away last week at the age of 69. He was one of those players every team needs to succeed - not a superstar, but solid all-around player who plays hard every day. He is of course most remembered for one unfortunate play on the grandest of sport stages, but he was so much more than that. In honor of the former All-Star and batting champion, I present the Top 3 Bill Buckner cards in my collection:

1973 Topps #114

I'll start off with the oldest card I have, as well as one of his best. It still looks weird seeing him without that epic mustache, but this is a great card of the hitter in his younger days. I love how it looks like he's about to knock the figurine off his All-Star Rookie cup.

1987 Donruss Opening Day #183

I really wanted to showcase a card of him on the field with the Red Sox, and ironically the only one I have is from one of the first sets released after that World Series blunder. He wasn't a Gold Glove winner by any means, and he was often replaced by a better fielder in the late innings, but he played first base pretty well for a guy with balky knees. Awhile ago, there was an ESPN 30 For 30 program that featured the 1986 World Series, and Buckner's unfortunate legacy. The slow motion replay clearly shows that the ball was there, in his glove, and the webbing of the glove gave way and allowed the ball to pass. The error was caused by a faulty glove, not a faulty player. Still, he became the scapegoat, and despite fans' ignorance, he handled it with grace and humility. He never shied away from it, and for that he earns my respect. The simple fact is the Red Sox do not make that World Series without him.

1987 Topps #764

Another card from 1987, this one makes the Top 3 just for being so aesthetically pleasing. Look at how his leg and torso are almost perfectly aligned. The guy was one of Boston's top run producers, and it's easy to see how he became a fan favorite wherever he went.

R.I.P. Bill Buckner, thanks for the memories...

Top 3: Roy Halladay

Like most baseball fans, I am saddened by the news of the tragic accident that claimed the life of former pitcher Roy Halladay. With the majority of his career as a member of the Blue Jays, he was a constant thorn in the side of the Boston Red Sox. I hated when my team had to face him! He commanded respect, however, and you knew you were watching one of the greats of the game.

Here are the Top 3 Roy Halladay cards in my collection:

 2012 Panini Triple Play #62

My initial plan was to do a Top 5 of cards I own. Unfortunately, Halladay pitched when I was not actively collecting. My choices were not the best. According to the TCDB, I actually have 7 cards featuring Halladay, but 1 is a League leaders cards he shares with 3 other players, one is a 2012 Topps Golden Giveaway Code card, and 3 come from the dreaded 2012 Panini Triple Play set (2 of them being *gag* puzzle cards). That leaves 2 decent cards, plus this one. Not the best representation for a player tribute.

2017 Topps Update - Untouchables #U-5

Fortunately, I happened to pick up this card recently with a pack of 2017 Topps Update I bought. Twenty career shutouts, including two no-hitters - yeah, that's the definition of untouchable.

2014 Topps #565

2014 Topps #565 Roy Halladay (back)

The lone base card I have of "Doc". Fittingly, it's his sunset card. If Topps wants to know why incomplete career stats are a bad thing, all they have to do is look at the sunset card of an All-time great. Wow, what a career!

Hopefully by the time he is inducted into the Hall of Fame, I'll acquire some more cards and do a proper Top 5. (I keep hearing he'll be on the 2019 ballot, but don't they make exceptions when a player dies before his 5 year waiting period is up? I thought they did that with Kirby Puckett.)

R.I.P. Roy Halladay.