Hall of Fame Top 10: Carlos Beltran

 

 

On July 26th, the Hall of Fame will officially recognize 3 new members. As I have done in years past, I will be honoring these great ball players in my own way throughout the month. Today we look at the career of Carlos Beltran, one of the best switch hitters in baseball history. In tribute to his extraordinary career, I humbly present my 5 favorite cards of his that I own: 

 

2008 Upper Deck

#733 Carlos Beltran (SH)

 

Stepping away from collecting in the late 90's and throughout the 2000's means certain players aren't well represented in my collection. Before joining the Mets in 2005, Beltran had established himself as a star player in Kansas City, winning the 1999 Rookie of the Year Award and routinely putting up seasons of 100 runs and 100 runs batted in. A mid-season trade to the Astros in 2004 turned into one of the greatest rentals ever, as Beltran tied the postseason record with 8 home runs, including 4 straight in the NLCS.

 

 

2008 Upper Deck First Edition

- StarQuest Green Common

#SQ-36 Carlos Beltran

 

Beltran continued to establish himself as an all-time great in New York, making 5 more All-Star teams and winning 3 straight Gold Gloves. He matched the Mets' franchise record for most home runs in a season (41), as well as set the mark for runs in a single year (127).

 

 

2016 Topps #567 Carlos Beltran

 

After a short stint in San Francisco, Beltran continued to perform at an All-Star level with the Cardinals and Yankees. During this time he kept filling up the stat sheets, He became just the fourth player to reach 2,500 hits, 400 homers, 300 stolen bases and 1,000 walks (joining Willie Mays, Barry Bonds and Alex Rodriguez).

 

 

2016 Topps Update

#US195 Carlos Beltran

 

For the third time in his career, Beltran was traded mid-season. While with the Rangers, he crossed the 1500 run plateau, and would finish his career with very similar run (1582) and RBI (1587) totals.

 

2017 Topps #315 Carlos Beltran

Beltran stayed in the state of Texas for his final year in 2017, playing once again for the Astros. It was in his final year that he finally *cough cough* "earned" a World Series Championship. The circumstances surrounding that team, as well as Beltran's involvement, are moot at this point, as Beltran has been recognized as a Hall of Famer.

 

Welcome to the Hall, Carlos Beltran! 

Hall Of Fame Top 5: Jeff Kent

 

On July 26th, the Hall of Fame will officially recognize 3 new members. As I have done in years past, I will be honoring these great ball players in my own way throughout the month. I'm starting things off with the lone inductee nominated by the Contemporary Era Baseball Committee, Jeff Kent.  In tribute to his extraordinary career, I humbly present my 5 favorite cards of his that I own:

 

1993 Leaf #185 Jeff Kent

Kent initially came up with the Blue Jays, but was traded to the Mets in 1992 for David Cone. It was in New York that he started to establish himself as an offensive player, twice hitting 20 home runs in a season. (Something he would do 12 times over his career).

 

1993 Topps #703 Jeff Kent (ASR) 

Thirty-seven players named to the Topps All-Star Rookie Team have been inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Ironically, Kent's Hall classmates Andruw Jones and Carlos Beltran also have earned this distinction.

 

 

1994 Collector's Choice #159 Jeff Kent 

Although he hit well for a under-performing Mets team, he was not a good fielder, leading NL second baseman in errors in back-to-back years, and 4 times overall. His offensive production more than made up for his defensive shortcomings.

 

2001 Upper Deck Victory #407 Jeff Kent 

 

After a short stint in Cleveland, Kent joined Barry Bonds and the Giants. It was here that he solidified himself as one of baseball's greats, winning the MVP in 2000 and making 3 out of his 5 All-Star appearances. It was also here that Kent's reputation as someone generally disliked by teammates, fans, and media was put on full display, culminating with a very famous dugout fight with teammate Bonds.

 

2007 Topps #102 Jeff Kent  

After a brief stop in Houston, where he topped Ryne Sandberg's mark for most home runs by a second baseman, Kent finished his career by spending 4 years with the Dodgers. He made his final All-Star game start in 2005, becoming the first player to start an All-Star game for both the the Dodgers and their historic rival Giants. He finished his career after the 2008 season. In addition to his home run record, he also has the second highest slugging percentage at the position, and his ranked third in extra base hits and RBI.

 

Congrats on your accomplishment Jeff Kent. Welcome to the Hall! 

Top 5 Hall Of Fame Tribute: Bobby Cox

Earlier this month, we said goodbye to another Hall of Fame manager, as the unforgettable Bobby Cox passed away at the age of 84. In appreciation of his career, I present my tribute of the top 5 cards of his from my collection.

 

1978 Topps #93 Bobby Cox (MGR)

It is fortunate for Cox that his MLB managerial career started when he was hired to manage the Braves in 1978. The 1978 Topps set is known for having the greatest manager cards ever produced. Who doesn't love that flashback stamp from their playing days? It's interesting that his player photo is a minor league card from his time with the Richmond Braves. Cox actually played two seasons with the Yankees, starting in 1968 (Mantle's last year by the way!)

 

1981 Fleer

#247 Bob Cox (MGR)

 

The 1981 season would be the last for his first stint with the Braves. In those four years his team never finished higher than 4th place. He was replaced by Joe Torre, who would likewise be inducted to the Hall with Cox in 2014.

 

1986 Topps

#471 Bobby Cox (MGR, CL) 

The Blue Jays were quick to scoop him up and make them their next manager. In his four years with Toronto, Cox would take the team from last place in 1982 to AL East Champions in 1985. After that season, Cox would return to Atlanta as their General Manager, laying the foundation for a dynasty.

 

1990 Topps Traded

#23T Bobby Cox (MGR) 

 

Although Cox never held a front office job before, he was crucial in turning the Braves into a powerhouse. He is responsible for the trade that brought John Smoltz to Atlanta, as well as selecting Chipper Jones with the #1 pick in the 1990 draft. Shortly after that draft, he returned to the dugout midway through the season, ceding the GM role to John Schuerholz.

 

1991 Topps

#759 Bobby Cox (MGR, TL)

 

His second stint as the Braves' manager was historically better than his first go-around. In 1991 the Braves won their division for the first of what would ultimately be 14 consecutive division titles. In those 14 years they captured the NL pennant 5 times, and in 1995 Cox led the team to a World Series Championship.

 

Cox would end his career with 2,504 managerial wins, good for 4th place all-time. The Expansion Era Committee unanimously voted him to the Hall of Fame in 2014.

 

RIP Mr. Cox. You will be missed. 

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.  

The Greatest Red Sox To Have Played With Clayton Kershaw

2025 Topps Now
#734 Clayton Kershaw

 

While doing my last post, I did some research and discovered that Dodger great Clayton Kershaw played with exactly 50 players who had donned the Boston uniform at some point in their career. It was too much research for just a fun bit of trivia, so I decided to maximize the results of my efforts.

 

After his Dodgers won the World Series, Kershaw retired on top and started the clock for his certain Hall of Fame induction. In honor of this great player, I thought it would be fun to list the 10 greatest former Red Sox who had the honor of playing with "Kid K" over the course of his 18 years in Los Angeles. The players chosen have the greatest combined WAR from their time in both Boston and LA.

 

1. Mookie Betts (75.2 combined WAR)

2019 Topps Big League
#200 Mookie Betts

 

Who else would you expect to head this list but another future Hall of Famer?  Betts has played an even 6 years for both ballclubs, and still has a higher WAR as a member of the Red Sox (42.4) than he does with the Dodgers (32.7). 

 

2. Nomar Garciaparra (42.9 combined WAR)

2002 Stadium Club
#24 Nomar Garciaparra

Nomah! Garciaparra was on a Hall of Fame path himself until injuries hit him and made him an average player for the back half of his career. Although he bounced back for one more All-Star season as a Dodger in 2006, he three year tenure there only accounts for 1.7 WAR. The rest (41.2) is all Boston.

 

3. Manny Ramierez (39.5 combined WAR)

2008 Topps
#26 Manny Ramirez (PSH, ALDS)

 

When the Red Sox (33.2 WAR) traded Manny to the Dodgers (6.3 WAR) in 2008, Kershaw had just 10 MLB starts under his belt. He got a first-hand look at "Manny-wood"!

 

4. Justin Turner (36.7 combined WAR)

2017 Topps Archives
#182 Justin Turner

 

Turner becomes the first player here with more WAR as a Dodger (34.6) than as a Red Sox (2.1). The 2x All-Star had a brief 1 year layover in Boston in 2023.

 

5. Derek Lowe (32.6 combined WAR) 

1999 Fleer Tradition
#499 Derek Lowe

 

The first pitcher to make the list is Lowe. Despite spending twice as many years in Boston (19.4 WAR)  than L.A. (13.2 WAR), Lowe WAR splits between the two teams are pretty close. He was a workhorse for both teams, making over 30 starts each year from 2002 - 2011. 

 

6. Josh Beckett (24.6 combined WAR) 

2008 Upper Deck
#744 Josh Beckett (SH)

 

In 2012, Frank McCourt sold the Dodgers to a group that includes sports legends Magic Johnson and Billy Jean King. To show they were serious contenders, they made a massive trade with Boston to acquire 3 of their largest contracted players, including Beckett. Beckett was a World Series hero with the Red Sox (22.3 WAR), but his career eventually fizzed out as a Dodger (2.3 WAR).

 

7. Adrian Gonzalez (24.3 combined WAR)

2016 Stadium Club
#134 Adrian Gonzalez

 

Along with Beckett, Gonzalez came over in that same trade. He was an offensive powerhouse in less than 2 seasons with Boston (9.9 WAR), and continued to be a solid middle of the order bat afterwards in LA (14.4 WAR)

 

8. Kenley Jansen (20.8 combined WAR)

2017 Topps - MLB Awards
#RLY-2 Kenley Jansen

 

Jansen is 2 saves away from tying Lee Smith for 3rd place all-time in saves, and 24 saves short of becoming the 3rd member of the 500 save club. He's the Dodgers (18.7 WAR) all-time saves leader, and had a solid 2 year run with the Red Sox (2.1 WAR).

 

9. Enrique Hernandez (16.4 combined WAR)

2020 Topps
#135 Enrique Hernandez

 

Hernendez is regularly kissed by the cardboard gods, having great actions shots for both the Dodgers (11.1 WAR) and Red Sox (5.3 WAR).

 

10. J.D. Martinez (15.7 combined WAR)

2021 Topps - 1952 Topps Redux
#T52-12 J.D. Martinez

 

Martinez was one of the best free agent signings the Red Sox ever made. During his 5 years there (13.7 WAR), he made every single All-Star team. When he joined the Dodgers (2.0 WAR) the following season, he made the All-Star team for them as well.

 

Other notables: Hanley Ramirez (11.6), Walker Buehler (11.3), David Price (11.1), Alex Verdugo (11.1), Brad Penny (10.7), Rich Hill (10.1) 

 

Congrats on a great career Clayton Kershaw! You played with some great Red Sox during your time on the field! 

Top 5 Tribute: Mike Greenwell

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.

Top 5 Hall Of Fame Tribute: Ryne Sandberg

As a cancer survivor, it always makes me a little more introspective whenever I hear of someone else dying from it. Just a day after the Hall of Fame welcomed 5 new members, it lost one when Cubs great Ryne Sandberg passed away after a battle with prostate cancer. As I usually do, here are 5 of my favorite Ryne Sandberg cards from my collection.

 

1987 Fleer

#639 Former MVP's

(Parker/Sandberg) (SSS)

 

To be honest, I wouldn't count this as a favorite of mine, but I had to include it since we lost both of these great men recently. I was all prepared to write how these two were division rivals during the late 80's, but I had completely forgotten that at the time Cincinati was in the NL West back when their were only 2 divisions in each league. That seem so weird to me now...

 

1990 Fleer

#625 Ryne Sandberg (POD)

 

How many players can say they have a game named after them? Sandberg became a household name on June 23, 1984 when he launched a game-tying home run in the 9th inning against fellow Hall of Famer Bruce Sutter, then tied the game again in the 10th with yet another home run against Sutter! The "Ryne Sandberg Game" was the pinnacle of an MVP season for Ryno.

 

1990 Upper Deck

#324 Ryne Sandberg

 One of the best defensive second basemen of all time, his 9 Gold Gloves are second only to Roberto Alomar. All those Gold Gloves came consecutively from 1983 to 1991. Looking through my collection, I was surprised to find not many of his cards showcased his defensive mastery. This card is far and away one of his best!

 

1991 Score

#815 Ryne Sandberg (MOY)

 

It's hard to believe that actually retired twice in his career. The first time was in 1994, but he back and played in 1996 and 1997 before retiring for good. When he did retire, he held the record for most home runs by a second baseman as well as the highest fielding percentage at that position. An MVP Award, 9 Gold Gloves, 7 Silver Sluggers, and a 10-time All-Star, Sandberg is also one of just 5 players to have both a 50 steal season and a 40 home run season.

 

1992 Score

#442 Ryne Sandberg (DT) 

It's mind-boggling that despite all these accolades, it took Sandberg 3 tries before getting elected to the Hall of Fame! Even when he did in 2005, it was with just 76.2% of the votes. Ryne Sandberg is one of the greatest 2nd Baseman of all-time, and excelled like no one else at his position in hitting, running, and fielding!

 

Rest In Peace, Mr. Sandberg! Your legacy will never be forgotten! 

Top 5 Hall Of Fame: Dick Allen

 

On July 27th, the Hall of Fame will officially recognize 5 new members. As I have done in years past, I will be honoring these great ball players in my own way throughout the week. Today's inductee is one of the greatest of the 60's and 70's, Dick Allen. In tribute to his extraordinary career, I humbly present my 5 favorite cards of his that I own:

 

1970 Topps #40 Rich Allen

I'm going to apologize in advance. I officially own exactly 5 Dick Allen cards, and this photo appears on 3 of them. Allen's baseball career occurred mostly before I was born, so it wasn't until much later in life that his story became known to me. The racism he had to endure is mind-boggling. Despite all of it, he became an offensive force on the field at a time when pitchers largely dominated. He was a 3 time All-Star with the Phillies in the 60's, winning the Rookie of The Year Award with a historic season in 1964. Despite being the team's best hitter, his relationship with the baseball community in Philly soured quickly. Fans inexplicably threw so many objects at him that he began wearing his batting helmet on the field. Eventually, Allen had enough and demanded a trade, which the team obliged when they sent him to St. Louis. He made his 4th All-Star team in his lone year with the Cardinals.

 

1972 Topps #240 Rich Allen

Despite the All-Star season, the Cardinals traded him to the Dodgers. The Dodgers then traded him after one year to the White Sox. Allen flourished in Chicago, and easily won the AL MVP Award in 1972. In his 3 years in Chicago, he made the All-Star team and earned MVP votes every single year.

 

1975 Topps

 #210 1972 MVPs (Allen/Bench) (MVP)

 

That 1972 season was more than just an MVP season for the White Sox. The team was mediocre and attendance was dwindling. There was talk of the team being relocated. Allen's monster season carried the team to a 2nd place finish. As arguably the best player in baseball, Allen was often credited for revitalizing baseball on the south side of Chicago. Attendance spiked during his years there, with over a million fans each year. 

 

1975 Topps

#307 1974 Home Run Leaders (Allen/Schmidt) (LL)

 

Ironically, by the time this card hit the shelves, these two would be teammates. In 1974 Allen was having another great year, but he was playing in a lot of pain. So much so that he announced his retirement in September of that year. He never filled out the official paperwork though, so the White Sox put him on the disqualified list instead and sold his contract to the Atlanta Braves. Allen refused to play in the South, and the Braves eventually sent him back to Philadelphia. The Phillies were able to convince him to play again, and he spent 2 years there before finishing up his career with a single season in Oakland.

 

2021 Topps Archives #222 Dick Allen

I spoke previously of Dave Parker's long road to the Hall of Fame, but Allen's was much longer. From 1983 to 1997, he failed to get elected on the traditional BBWAA ballots, never reaching higher than 18.9% of the ballots. Despite his accomplishments, many writers pointed to his low career totals, as well as his often perceived strenuous relationships with teammates, franchises, and fans. Unfortunately, much of that was racially based, and he was never given his due. It took 7 Veteran's Committee ballots before Allen got elected, and unfortunately this honored happened after Allen's death in 2020. Like Parker, we won't get to hear Allen's thoughts at Cooperstown. One could only imagine what he would have said.

 

Congrats on your well deserved election to the Hall of Fame, Mr. Allen! 

Top 5 Hall Of Fame: CC Sabathia

On July 27th, the Hall of Fame will officially recognize 5 new members. As I have done in years past, I will be honoring these great ball players in my own way throughout the week. Today's inductee is one of the greatest left handed pitchers to ever step on a mound, Carsten Charles Sabathia. In tribute to his extraordinary career, I humbly present my 5 favorite cards of his that I own:

 

2011 Topps - Diamond Duos (Series 1)

#DD-CS Steve Carlton/CC Sabathia

 

In the history of the game, there have been only 4 left handed pitchers to amass over 3,000 strikeouts. Two of them are on this card. (The other two: Randy Johnson and the newest member of the 3K Club Clayton Kershaw.)

 

2015 Topps #468 CC Sabathia

It's not easy for a Red Sox fan like myself to heap praise on a Yankee player, but when a player overcomes major obstacles in his life you can't help but root for the guy. One of those obstacles came to the forefront in 2015, when Sabathia left the team just before the playoffs to check himself into rehab for alcohol addiction. It takes a big man (not a jab there) to admit he needs help, and to open himself up like he did for an article in The Player's Tribune.

 

2016 Topps Heritage #415 CC Sabathia

 

Since all the cards I own of his are from his New York days, it's weird to talk about him and not bring up the beginning half of his career. As I mentioned yesterday, Sabathia was the Rookie of the Year runner up in 2001 after a 17 win season for Cleveland. For eight years he was a rock solid ace for the Indians, making 3 All-Star games and winning a Cy Young Award in 2007. In 2008, he was traded to the Brewers and became arguably one of the best trade deadline acquisitions in history.  With Milwaukee, he went 11-2 with a 1.65 ERA. Despite only making 17 starts, he led the entire National League in complete games (7) and shutouts (3)! That finish helped him earn the largest free agent contract for a pitcher when he signed with the Yankees for $161 million over 7 years.

 

2019 Topps #486 CC Sabathia

 

Sabathia retired after the 2019 season. His last appearance on the mound was memorable: In Game 4 of the ALCS against the Astros, CC appeared as a reliever in the 8th inning. He got the first 2 outs, but as he was pitching to George Springer, he felt discomfort and took himself out of the game in the middle of the at-bat. Sabathia told the media afterwards his exit from the game in his last season was "...kind of fitting. I threw until I couldn't anymore."

 

2021 Topps Archives - Movie Poster Cards

#MPC-14 Black Aces

(Blue/Stewart/Willis/Sabathia/Gooden/Gibson/Jenkins) 

 

I'll admit, watching Sabathia pitch, I didn't see a Hall of Fame player. It wasn't until after he retired and I got a chance to look at his career stats that I saw where he stood among the giants. The 3,000 strikeouts obviously stood out, but the factoid that truly amazed me was that he is one of only six players all-time with 3,000 strikeouts, 250 wins and a win percentage over .600! The two other Hall of Famers on this card (Bob Gibson and Ferguson Jenkins) can't make that claim, neither can the previously mentioned Steve Carlton. 

 

Congrats to you, Mr. Sabathia! Welcome to the Hall of Fame!