Baseball Cards

I was able to add a pair of autographs to my Mets collection last night at the Newark Bears home opener. Newark’s new manager for 2013 is Garry Templeton, who finished his major league playing career with the 1991 New York Mets. He was much better known as a St. Louis Cardinal (where he was a two-time All-Star) and a San Diego Padre (where he played  for 10 seasons and made his final All-Star appearance in 1985.) The Rockland Boulders’ new pitching coach is Bobby M. Jones, the left-handed reliever who played for the New York Mets in 2000 and 2002. Jones also appeared in three early-season games for the 2004 Boston Red Sox, but spent most of his major league playing career with the Colorado Rockies. (Photo credit: Paul Hadsall) The Bears lost the game 3-1, with their batters striking out 16 times. It seemed like the team was practicing the same hitting batting philosophy as the Mets do these days – run up the opponents’ pitch count in expectation of it leading to better scoring chances. It doesn’t work very well if the hitters on your team don’t have good enough pitch recognition skills to figure out which ones they can do something with and which pitches they should take.  It’s a really bad idea in the Can-Am League when you can’t even count on the umpires to have a consistent strike zone from pitch to pitch. (Photo credit: Paul Hadsall) There was a nice crowd for the game – announced at 1,559 – but there were problems with lines at the concession stands that were bad enough that the team handed out free tickets to the June 3rd game to fans who requested them as they were leaving the stadium. One note for those who enjoy participating in on-field contests between innings- my friends did the sumo wrestling one, only to find out that there are no prizes this year. In the past, contest winners got vouchers for tickets to a future Bears game. Newark Bears catcher Elvin Millan (28) shakes hands with former Negro League player Bob Scott after Scott threw out the ceremonial first pitch on Opening Day. (Photo credit: Paul Hadsall) Newark Bears manager Garry Templeton (left) high fives player J.J. Sherrill as pitching coach Ralph Citarella (right) looks on. (Photo credit: Paul Hadsall) Filed under: Autographs, Baseball, new york mets, Newark Bears Tagged: Autographs, Baseball, Bobby M. Jones, Can-Am League, Garry Templeton, Mets, new york mets, Newark Bears, Rockland Boulders

Today is Reggie Jackson's 67th birthday. He is one of the few major leaguers whose birthday I can rattle off instantly, mostly because he shares it with my brother.It may seem like I mention Jackson too much on this blog for someone who was such a sworn enemy of Mr. October during my early rooting days. But as I've discussed before, for me, Jackson WAS the '70s. More than peace signs or Saturday Night Fever or Shake Your Groove Thing or gas lines or the Electric Company or Star Wars or Ziggy Stardust.Reggie Jackson = the '70s.Jackson represents a time when you could be your own man in a public forum. Sure, he said a lot of stupid stuff and he was an egomaniac whiner. But I admire that he said what was on his mind. In a current athletic atmosphere where every player has his own PR rep, everyone is trained not to say anything, and the few people who do speak candidly get fined or ridiculed until they shut up, Jackson is my hero in this area.Jackson stirred the drink and thank goodness. In many ways, he did it first, and I am very happy I was there to experience it, even if I was one of the ones berating him for saying something at the time.I also think that the fact that he also failed in such a public way -- Game 2 of the 1978 World Series, all of those many, many strikeouts -- drew my admiration. Jackson was/is very human. Everyone knew that. He was a good story. I love a good story.Over the years, I've shown a lot of Jackson cards on this blog. I wanted to show some other random ones from my collection in honor of his birthday. But I didn't want to show a bunch that have been talked about by me or others already.So, yes, isn't the 1976 Topps Jackson bad-ass? Isn't the 1988 Score Orioles Jackson crazy? Isn't the 1971 Topps Jackson so unmustachioed? But let's travel some slightly new territory.A few other very common, but less featured Reggies:1972 Topps In Action: Not the greatest quality photo, but you have to wonder where Jackson is looking in the stands. Who has drawn the attention of the man who draws all the attention?Also, I love that this card rhymes. Reggie Jackson. In Action. It's practically the cover of a comic book.1981 Fleer Mr. Baseball: Mr. Baseball? Mr. Baseball? Who called Reggie Jackson Mr. Baseball?This was our thought when we pulled this card out of those red Fleer packs in 1981. This was several years before Tom Selleck became Mr. Baseball, and I believe that Johnny Carson called Bob Uecker Mr. Baseball when Uecker appeared on the Tonight Show. But Reggie? Never.Nice try, Fleer. But it's "Mr. October."1983 Topps Super Veteran: Back in '83, I wasn't a fan of the Super Veteran cards. As a teenager, I didn't really care what the players looked like in their younger days. Black and white? Who wanted old crap like that?Now, of course, I appreciate cards like this immensely. I study the two photos, presented wonderfully side-by-side, and examine the batting poses. Older Reggie bringing the bat back more than younger Reggie, etc. Good stuff.1974 Topps All-Star Right Fielders: Out of the nine All-Star cards in the '74 set, this is the only one in which both players own a mustache. Right on.Reggie tormented the Dodgers in the World Series both here ...And here.1974 Topps '73 World Series Game 6: So it helps to be reminded that he tormented other teams in the World Series as well. In this game in 1973 against the Mets, Jackson doubled twice, singled and played a part in all three Oakland runs.1988 Score and 2004 Topps All-Time Fan Favorites: I didn't follow Jackson's career until 1976. I only knew him as a bearded, mustachioed, shades-wearing slugger. To see him like he's presented on these two cards was very bizarre to me for a long time.I've grown accustomed to it, but that's not Reggie to me.1983 Topps All-Star: As you might know, I'm not super fond of the separate card for the All-Stars, but I liked these cards quite a bit with the monstrous STAR. Oh, and Reggie is telling you he has balls.1984 Topps: Reggie Nig

Its hard to believe that the 2013 Little League World Series is only a few months away.  Before we know it, South Williamsport will be packed with people from all over the world.  The Little League World Series will take place from 8/15/13 to 8/25/13 this year.  Little League renovated their museum and I plan to take a tour of it before everyone arrives.  I’ve heard that they’ve added many new features and have the museum divided up by innings. We all know the Little League World Series is known for its endless amounts of commemorative pins.  The above pin is just the beginning.  Trust me, there will be plenty more to come.  As you can see, it features Little League’s mascot Dugout and has the new LLWS logo for 2013.  They are currently selling for $15.00. Filed under: "Pin-Up" of the Week

1977 HEADLINE: Andre Dawson Connects For First Major League Home Run On this day in 1977, Andre Dawson of the Montreal Expos connected for the first home run of his major league career. On the road and facing the Atlanta Braves in front of a crowd of less than 10,000 fans, Dawson and the Expos played in a high scoring affair ultimately won by the Braves by a score of 10-8. In the top of the 8th inning, and trailing 9-5, Andre Dawson hit the first home run of his career off of Braves’ pitcher Buzz Capra to get the Expos a bit closer. This home run would be the first of 19 that Dawson would hit in 1977 and the first of 438 that he would hit in his career. Happy Anniversary ‘Hawk’!!!!

I purchased a UD Masterpieces card of Brandon Webb on eBay for 3 cents shipped. I have a liking for the bumpy texture on these cards. Also, there is no gloss on these cards. The cards just feel right in your hand. I didn’t realize this, but Webb actually retired earlier this year. That’s a shame because he had tons of talent. Injuries betrayed Webb throughout his career.

I ran into this great vintage photo of the 1912 Brooklyn Dodgers as they take a team photo during Spring Training. Check out a whole album of other great Baseball vintage pics here. "Don Mattingly isn’t going to use Kenley Jansen in the closer role, but it’s probably for the best," via Chad Moriyama. Basically, Mattingly’s plan is to use Kenley as an ace reliever of old, a move which is only bolstered by the fact that Kenley has a history of being able to go multiple innings. Another reason it works is because the Dodger bullpen has been hit by injuries and ineffectiveness like the rest of the team, so despite League’s struggles, he’s still projected to get late-inning outs even if he’s removed as closer. And since blowing a lead in the eighth sucks just as much as in the ninth (or more since the closer doesn’t even get used then), simply stripping League of the overhyped title accomplishes little to solve the root problem. Via Steve Dilbeck at the LA Times, "Dodgers' scouts deserve credit as Hyun-Jin Ryu pays dividends." “He knows how to pitch to win, which is so refreshing,” said catcher A.J. Ellis. “He’s not just out there throwing to throw. He dials it up when he has to. He adds and subtracts to all his pitches. “He’s a sneaky, really good athlete. He has amazing feel. He can field his position, hold runners, handle the bat. He’s a guy who just knows how to win baseball games.” "The Rise and Fall of Luis Cruz," via Stacie Wheeler at Lasorda's Lair. Via Aaron at Inside Dodger Baseball writes, "Van Slyke's big night goes to waste." "Van Slyke's emergence creates questions for Cruz," via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com. Luis Cruz and Scott Van Slyke were in the Dodgers' lineup Friday night, but their careers are suddenly headed in opposite directions. Joc Pederson may be the first callup from the minors, not Yasiel Puig, via Ken Gurnick at MLB.com. "He just does everything better than everybody else," said Corrales. "He makes adjustments at bat and in the field. He's an outstanding center fielder. He has a knack for seeing the ball off the bat: He lowers his head and he's off to get the ball. He's hitting home runs, he's hitting with men on base. There's nothing he isn't doing." * Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes * * Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook * * Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Welcome to the last (probably) weekend of matches. Match 38. To me, that was one quick season.Many highlights, some lowlights, but a great season all round.Today's guest...Thank you Amanda, you may go now....Not a lot to play for this weekend. Only one lone spot battle for Champion's League play.Let's look at the table.ClubPldPts Man Utd 3788 Man City 3778 Chelsea 3772 Arsenal 3770 Tottenham 3769 Everton 3763 Liverpool 3758 West Brom 3748 Swansea 3746 West Ham 3743 Stoke 3741 Norwich 3741 Newcastle 3741 Southampton 3740 Fulham 3740 Aston Villa 3740 Sunderland 3739 Wigan 3735 Reading 3728 QPR 3725The battle is between Arsenal and Tottenham. There can be only one. heh... Mathematically, Chelsea could be the one to miss out, but they would have to lose to Everton, while Arsenal wins AND Tottenham beats Sunderland by 17 goals.I wonder what Vegas is giving on those odds. Even IF you won that bet, you'd never collect. Vincent Savino would have you buried under a cactus somewhere near Area 51.So the eyes will be on Arsenal/Newcastle and Tottenham/Sunderland. My bet is that both clubs win and the Spurs just miss out yet again.In other matches, Sir Alex watches over his last game as Manchester United vist The Hawthorns to play West Bromwich Albion.Elsewhere we say goodbye to Wigan, Reading, and Queen's Park Rangers.Next season will see new participants Cardiff City, Hull City, and the winner of the Crystal Palace vs Watford match on the 25th.All matches are on Sunday, so please post your final results on/by Monday evening.GO United!OH! I almost forgot. There could be a tie for the final Champion's League position. Should Chelsea draw with Everton, AND Arsenal win by exactly 2 goals, Chelsea and Arsenal will have to play a playoff game to decide the position sometime this coming week at neutral ground. (Villa Park has been chosen)Example, if Chelsea and Everton draw 1-1, and Arsenal beats Sunderland 3-1, then we will have a tie because the only tie breaker used is goal differential. Not likely, but still possible.

Fleer took an interesting approach with their 1976 Team Action Stickers set.  The 66-card set features action shots only and focuses more on the play going on in the picture rather than the players.  There are two cards for each NFL team and one card for every Super Bowl.  Given that this product isn’t focused on the individual players, the cards aren’t in high demand.  Collectors want player driven cards.  Despite all of that, collectors must have been purchasing them because Fleer continued to release a Team Action set well into the 1980′s.  There really aren’t any key cards to look for, and this product is probably more valuable in set or sealed box form. Filed under: Flashback Product of the Week

Eric Burroughs took off, his speed helping him to get where he needed to go. Where Burroughs needed to go in this high school contest in 1988 was the end zone.This was the 1988 Alabama High School Association's Class 3A football playoffs. And, thanks to Burroughs and his five touchdowns, one of them for 76 yards, Burroughs' Thomasville High School moved on, according to The Tuscaloosa News.Burroughs would soon move on himself, turning pro the next year. But Burroughs would turn pro in a different sport, baseball. His pro career would eventually be credited at six seasons, with a long gap in the middle. He would also never make the majors.Burroughs' pro career began in 1989, signed by the Reds as an undrafted free agent out of Thomasville High School in Alabama.With the Reds, Burroughs started in the rookie Gulf Coast League. There, he hit .347 in 29 games, getting 10 RBIs and 7 stolen bases.For his second season, the 20-year-old Burroughs moved to rookie Billings. At Billings, Burroughs hit .300, knocking in 21 and stealing 9 over 41 games. Burroughs also signed autographs at Billings, at least one for a future magazine writer.Burroughs' Reds career ended with that second season. He is, however, credited as coming back in independent ball five years later, in 1995. That year, he played at independent Mobile and Spartanburg.He then continued playing through 1998, at independent Altoona, Catskill and Huntington, ending his career.In 2010, Burroughs was back at his old high school, watching his son win the state title, according to the Mobile Press-Register. It's the same title Burroughs' Thomasville team went on to win in 1988.(The card scan is borrowed from COMC.com. As I finished out Billings, I realized Burroughs' card was missing. Either I misplaced it, which is the most likely, or it somehow didn't come in the team set I picked up. I hope to find a replacement.) Tuscaloosa News, Nov. 26, 1988: Thomasville rushes past Lamar CountyMobile Press-Register, Dec. 4, 2010: Deshler-Thomasville game almost became track meet1990 CMC-Pro Cards Tally Players/Coaches Featured:1,136Made the Majors: 664 - 58.5%Never Made Majors: 472-41.5%-X5+ Seasons in the Majors: 28710+ Seasons in the Minors: 173

A while ago, a neighbor of mine mentioned that he decided it was finally time to sell some old baseball cards he had been holding on to. He asked if I’d be willing to look through them and see if any of them were worth anything, and how much he might be able to get. I had two immediate thoughts.1. Of course I’m willing. Any excuse to flip though baseball cards is valid in my book. 2. No. Your monster box of 1988 Topps and 1992 Fleer isn’t worth anything.So, you can imagine the range of emotions that came over me when I laid my eyes on this.Those aren’t 1988 Topps! I recognize those black borders. That Disco theme. Those are 1970’s. And 1971’s. And ‘72’s. And 73’s. CASUALLY TOSSED IN A PLASTIC BOX!Breathe! Inhale. Exhale.What could be in there? Munson? Fisk? Schmidt? Dear me, what will I do if I find a Schmidt in the bottom of that box folded in half? Part of me hoped there wouldn’t be anything decent in there. Not sure I could take it.The first thing I did was see just what I was looking at here. So, I sorted them out into the different years. Once they were all neatly stacked, this is what I had.There were actually a couple 1968’s and 1969’s in the box. (Nope, neither of them were Ryan or Jackson) A few hundred each of 1970, ’72, and 73. Then, about two or three times that many of the 1971’s. I’ve never seen that much vintage looking at me before. Pretty cool.So, what was in there? I’m not telling yet. I thought it would be more fun to give each year its moment in the sun. Today, I’ll do the ’68 and ‘69’s since there were only a couple. Thankfully, those couple included these Denny McLains, fresh off his 30+ win season. Not a bad beginning. Like all the cards, the condition is exactly what you’d expect from cards in that era that had been tossed in a box. Not as many completely destroyed cards as I feared. But, not exactly any corners I worried about cutting myself on. Still, of course, lots of fun.More to come!