Repack Haiku #451 (Alejandro Pena)

His first World Series, 

Lifted for a pinch-hitter:

Limping Kirk Gibson

 

1990 Donruss #664 Alejandro Pena

 

Pena won his first of three World Series rings in 1981 with the Dodgers, but didn't play during the World Series. He got his first taste of the big stage 7 years later when he came on in relief during Game 1 of the 1988 Fall Classic. Trailing to the Athletics 4-3 in the bottom of the 9th, Pena was due to hit 4th. With two out and a man on first, the manager pulled him in favor of a pinch-hitter, a hobbled Kirk Gibson. It worked out well for Pena, who earned the win and eventually his second Championship.

TCDB Trade Recap: Cards From Wintersville, OH

Another quick and easy TCDB trade, courtesy of a member named Dave. he helped me knock out a few more Red Sox from this years Series 1. Just five more to go!

 

Favorite Card: Glad to have Roman Anthony's rookie card! I have high hopes for him and feel the value of this card is just going to go up!

 

Thanks for the trade Dave! 

Playing In the Snow

By now, most of us have had there fill of snow and winter in general. We're ready for Spring, and with it the start of a new baseball season.

 

Still, there's just something about playing in the snow. When Tom (Batting Out Of Order) offered up some Uno football cards, I couldn't help but claim one card in particular:

 

Although I am a Bills fan, I'm not really a football card collector. But how could I pass up this fantastic photo of superstar quarterback Josh Allen doing what he does best and making things happen for the team. It's a beautiful shot of one of the more memorable moments from the season.

Amazing. Tom was also kind enough to send a few extra cards too: 

 

 

Three more down just seven to go to complete this Glossy All-Star insert set!

 

Thanks for the cards Tom! 

Repack Haiku #450 (Henry Rodriguez)

His home runs led fans

To throw candy bars on field

"Oh Henry" indeed!

  

1993 Stadium Club #226 Henry Rodriguez

The Expos' single season home run leader before Vladimir Guerrero came around, Rodriguez was a fan favorite. Here' a clip I found of some MLB greats enjoying Rodriguez's  appearance at the 1996 All-Star Game:

TCDB Trade Recap: Cards From Nacogdoches, TX

Kicking off March with a quick post here. I was proposed a trade on the TCDB by Wayne, who offered up three cards in exchange for just one that he needed. Sounded like a good deal to me!

 

The 2002 and 2012 Topps cards knocked off two more cards from my Missing Sox list, with the Active Leaders card being the last Red Sox card I needed from that set (not including the corrected versions or short print). The Craig Hansen was on my want list only because Johnny from Johnny's Trading Spot gifted me almost the entire team set of 2006 Fleer last Autumn.

 

Favorite Card: Nomah!

 

Thanks for the trade Wayne! 

Top 5 Hall Of Fame Tribute: Bill Mazeroski

Earlier this month, baseball and its fans lost another all-time great when Hall of Fame Pirates legend Bill Mazeroski passed away at the age of 89. In honor of his legacy, I present a Top 5 tribute of cards, consisting of the 3 cards of his I own plus 2 favored classics.

 

1957 Topps #24 Bill Mazeroski (RC)  

 

I do not own either of these first two cards. Mazeroski began his MLB career in 1956 at the age of 19 and would continue having a 17-year career. 

 

1961 Topps #312 - 1960 World Series Game #7

- Mazeroski's Homer Wins It! (WS)  

 

Although his claim to fame was his otherworldly defense, his single defining moment was his walk-off home run in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series. It's one of the greatest upsets in all of sports, as the juggernaut Yankees were playing in their 10th World Series in the past 12 years. (They actually outscored the Pirates in that series 55-27!)

 

1970 Topps #440 Bill Mazeroski  

Of course Mazeroski's Hall of Fame resume is based largely on his defense. One of the greatest fielders ever, he won 8 Gold Gloves  in a 10 year span. He led the league in putouts 5 times, assists 9 times, and double plays for 8 straight years! His 1706 double plays is still the record for 2nd basemen.

   

1971 Topps #110 Bill Mazeroski  

Maz won a second World Series with the Pirates in 1971. By then, he was relegated to part-time duty, and would eventually retire after the 1972 season at the age of 35. 

 

2016 Topps Archives #118 Bill Mazeroski 

 

The 10-time All-Star spent 15 years on the Hall of Fame ballot without getting elected, but was finally given his due by the Veterans Committee in 2001.

 

Rest in Peace, Mr. Mazeroski.  

Repack Haiku #449 (Andrew McCutchen)

One of eleven

To hit ten or more home runs

Seventeen straight years

 

2023 Topps
#490 Andrew McCutchen

 

Last season, "Cutch" became the 11th player all time  to hit at least 10 home runs in each of their first 17 seasons! The list he joined is quite impressive:

 

• Hank Aaron (23 straight seasons!)
• Eddie Murray (20)
• Carl Yastrzemski (20)
• Barry Bonds (19)
• Albert Pujols (19)
• Frank Robinson (19)
• Harold Baines (18)
• Mickey Mantle (18)
• Jeff Kent (17)
• Willie McCovey (17)