A week after the baseball world mourned the loss of Tom Seaver, another all-time great passed away. Hall of Fame outfielder Lou Brock passed away September 6th at the age of 81.
1977 Topps #355
I was surprised to find out this was the only card I owned of him from his playing days. 1977 was a memorable year for Brock, who officially became the all-time steals leader on August 29th of that year.
1985 Topps Wolworth
All-Time Record Holders #5
Among oddball sets, this Wolworth offering is among my favorites. One of the less known records Brock owns: the Major League record of 12 consecutive seasons with 50+ stolen bases (1965-76). If Rickey couldn't break that one, I don't think anyone will!
1991 Upper Deck #636
Of course, Rickey eventually broke Lou's Major League record for stolen bases. Brock is still the National League stolen base king however. Brock's career had been over for some time when I got interested in baseball, so I didn't learn how great he really was until Henderson started getting closer to the record. I love this card - from the painted crowd in the background, to the team color specific bow ties - this card was just straight up classy!
2016 Topps Archives #282
Like I said, I didn't have any cards from his young days, so this Archives card will have to do. It's cards like this that make me enjoy the Archive brand so much!
2016 Topps Update
- 3,000 Hits Club #3000H-17
Lou became the 14th player in history to collect 3,000 hits in 1979 when he stroked a single against the team that traded him, the Cubs. That would turn out to be his final season, and he retired winning one last award - the 1979 NL Comeback Player Of The Year!
Rest In Peace, Mr. Brock! You will be missed!
Love the Rickey and Lou card! They were pretty solid sellers with kids back in the day at the LCS I worked at.
ReplyDeleteInteresting factoid: I learned that Brock and Seaver were each other's most faced opponents. How's that for a coincidence?
ReplyDeleteWe've lost some big names in baseball this year. I don't collect either Seaver or Brock but do have a complete Woolworth set. I have a love/hate relationship with it. Some days I like the design, on others - yech. It's the player assortment I guess, that appeals most to me.
ReplyDeleteI never noticed the bow ties on that card. Very cool.
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised that nothing was mentioned if you look closely at the Brock & Henderson card back the card is #'d 636 if you flip the 6's you get 939 not many catch that easter egg.
ReplyDeleteI've got to figure out a way to get you a '76 Brock.
ReplyDeleteThat Upper Deck card is a classic!
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