The squad has no Phillies but includes a pair of players from the 1980 World Champions, Bake McBride and Greg Gross as well as Barry Foote.
Sources and Links
Baseball-Ref
Showing posts with label 1975 Topps. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1975 Topps. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
1975 Topps Rookie Cup All-Star Team
This is an index to postings related to the 1975 Topps All-Star Rookie Team which honors the 1974 Rookie Cup Team.
Monday, May 2, 2016
1976 ASG +40: Bake McBride 1975 Topps #174 rCup
The Phillies are on a hot streak as the head out to St Louis to face the always tough Cardinals.
It is hard to imagine but in 1976 the Cardinals only had one All-Star Representative.
That representative was Bake McBride.
1975 Topps #174 Bake McBride
It was the only time that McBride made the All-Star team, unfortunately He was dealing with a knee injury and didn't get to play.
Only Cardinal doesn't even get into the game, Twitter would be ablaze if this happened today.
aWARds - 1974 RoY
As you can see Bake McBride picked up a Rookie Cup in 1975T, He did even better than that as he was also named Rookie of the Year. McBride beat out his Future 1980 World Series Teammate Greg Gross for the award. From an aWARds perspective Gross (+4.7 WAR) would have been a slightly better pick then McBride (+4.3).
Their traditional stats are comparable with McBride putting up a a slash line of .309/.369/.394 while Gross posted .314/.393/.377. The light hitting Gross drove in 36 runs without a dinger, while McBride plated 56 on a Half Dozen Home Runs. McBride also stole 30 bags, significantly better than Gross' twelve.
The only other NL player to get a vote for 1974 Rookie of the Year was Bill Madlock who probalby had a better career than either McBride or Gross.
Flip
1975 Topps #174 Bake McBride (b-side)
When his 1975T Card was issued Bake McBride had 30 career steals, yet a Topps writer felt compelled to compare him to Lou Brock.
Sources and Links
1976 ASG +40
It is hard to imagine but in 1976 the Cardinals only had one All-Star Representative.
That representative was Bake McBride.
It was the only time that McBride made the All-Star team, unfortunately He was dealing with a knee injury and didn't get to play.
Only Cardinal doesn't even get into the game, Twitter would be ablaze if this happened today.
aWARds - 1974 RoY
As you can see Bake McBride picked up a Rookie Cup in 1975T, He did even better than that as he was also named Rookie of the Year. McBride beat out his Future 1980 World Series Teammate Greg Gross for the award. From an aWARds perspective Gross (+4.7 WAR) would have been a slightly better pick then McBride (+4.3).
Their traditional stats are comparable with McBride putting up a a slash line of .309/.369/.394 while Gross posted .314/.393/.377. The light hitting Gross drove in 36 runs without a dinger, while McBride plated 56 on a Half Dozen Home Runs. McBride also stole 30 bags, significantly better than Gross' twelve.
The only other NL player to get a vote for 1974 Rookie of the Year was Bill Madlock who probalby had a better career than either McBride or Gross.
Flip
When his 1975T Card was issued Bake McBride had 30 career steals, yet a Topps writer felt compelled to compare him to Lou Brock.
Sources and Links
1976 ASG +40
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Purple
Inspired by Night Owl Cards Prince Memorial last week we have a few Phillies Purple Cards.
1975 Topps # 574 Tony Taylor
In deference to NOC we open with a 1975T card that has a Purple top. The Phillies had purple cards in Flagship even in years when it was not one of the base colors.
Several times over the years Purple has served as a secondary color for Phillies cards. The 1990T Bob Dernier is a favorite - Green and Purple are particularly good complimentary colors.
Purple Chrome
Purple Parallels have shown up the last couple of years commonly found in Toys R Us sets, but I think the 2013 Heritage may have been regular retail.
Fleer stole the 1954T design for this set. Lots of Purple on the Ron Gant card.
Continuing with Fleer with a minimalist retro inspired design from 2006. Kind of like the look of this set.
The Purple continues through to the b-side.
HoF Mike Schmidt go the Purple Honors on his 1988 Score card.
Once again the Purple continues through to the back, although more subtle then on the Rollins 06 Fleer Tradition Card.
Finally from 1982T, in addition to the titles the signature hockey sticks are also in Princely Purple.
Finally we close with Prince Himself
Purple Rain 45 RPM on Purple Vinyl
And the packaging...
I supposed colored vinyl is the Parallel of Records.
Sources and Links
Prince Memorial / Prince R&R HoF Index
In deference to NOC we open with a 1975T card that has a Purple top. The Phillies had purple cards in Flagship even in years when it was not one of the base colors.
Several times over the years Purple has served as a secondary color for Phillies cards. The 1990T Bob Dernier is a favorite - Green and Purple are particularly good complimentary colors.
Purple Chrome
Purple Parallels have shown up the last couple of years commonly found in Toys R Us sets, but I think the 2013 Heritage may have been regular retail.
Finally from 1982T, in addition to the titles the signature hockey sticks are also in Princely Purple.
Finally we close with Prince Himself
And the packaging...
I supposed colored vinyl is the Parallel of Records.
Sources and Links
Prince Memorial / Prince R&R HoF Index
Monday, February 1, 2016
Swag from Night Owl Cards
Recently I received a nice package of cards from Night Owl Cards, Here are some of the Highlights:
1972 Topps #453 Barry Lersch
1970 Topps #324 Tony Taylor
NOC was able to knock a couple of cards off my vintage checker. I don't really have a current list posted but I do have a checklist that I do take to shows. Both of these early 70s cards are in great condition and are welcome additions to the collection.
Night Owl recently his best vintage discover of 2015 was the Bat Rack photos scattered throughout 1970 Topps. The Tony Taylor card is one of four cards that NOC featured in this post - you have to scroll down pretty far to get to the relevant text, but as always the remainder of the column is pretty interesting.
2011 Topps #219 Carlos Ruiz (Cognac Parallel)
There was a team bag full of cards which consisted of many recent Phillies, however so many players have been traded recently many of those players are no longer with the club. Among the players remaining on the current roster Chooch and Ryan Howard were the biggest names.
In 2011 Topps celebrated their Diamond Anniversary (60th) and had a couple of Diamond Parallels. The Cognacs are a variation on the Diamonds, they sort of look like they took a Diamond card and dipped it in Coca Cola.
2010 Topps #MTOG Tales of the Game Roy Halladay
This card notes a series where the Phillies at Blue Jays series was moved to Philadelphia. Roy Halladay pitched game 1 of the series. I love cards that can be tied to specific games and we may take a longer look at this one in the future.
Chase
2009 UD O-Pee-Chee #OPC-10 Chase Utley
Yes I have a Chase Utley Player Collection. I have no formal "Have/Need" list for the collection - I am guessing it is less than a hundred cards. This UD 1975 Topps knock off is a fine addition to the collection.
2015 Topps Stadium Club #99 Chase Utley
The more I see of 2015 Stadium Club the more I am impressed. Love this shot and glad to add it to the Phungo Collection.
Sources and Links
Night Owl Cards
Baseball-ref
1970 Topps #324 Tony Taylor
NOC was able to knock a couple of cards off my vintage checker. I don't really have a current list posted but I do have a checklist that I do take to shows. Both of these early 70s cards are in great condition and are welcome additions to the collection.
Night Owl recently his best vintage discover of 2015 was the Bat Rack photos scattered throughout 1970 Topps. The Tony Taylor card is one of four cards that NOC featured in this post - you have to scroll down pretty far to get to the relevant text, but as always the remainder of the column is pretty interesting.
There was a team bag full of cards which consisted of many recent Phillies, however so many players have been traded recently many of those players are no longer with the club. Among the players remaining on the current roster Chooch and Ryan Howard were the biggest names.
In 2011 Topps celebrated their Diamond Anniversary (60th) and had a couple of Diamond Parallels. The Cognacs are a variation on the Diamonds, they sort of look like they took a Diamond card and dipped it in Coca Cola.
This card notes a series where the Phillies at Blue Jays series was moved to Philadelphia. Roy Halladay pitched game 1 of the series. I love cards that can be tied to specific games and we may take a longer look at this one in the future.
Chase
Yes I have a Chase Utley Player Collection. I have no formal "Have/Need" list for the collection - I am guessing it is less than a hundred cards. This UD 1975 Topps knock off is a fine addition to the collection.
The more I see of 2015 Stadium Club the more I am impressed. Love this shot and glad to add it to the Phungo Collection.
Sources and Links
Night Owl Cards
Baseball-ref
Saturday, August 22, 2015
ANNIVERSARY: 40 Years ago Davey Lopes Steals 38 consecutive Bases
Forty Years Ago Davey Lopes was in the middles of Consecutive Successful Bases Stolen Streak that Reached a total of 38.
1976 topps #4 Dave Lopes Most Consecutice Successful Stolen Base Attempts
Lopes first tied and than broke the record or 31 (previously held by Hall of Famer Max Carey) on a pair of steals during a Dodgers 2-0 Victory against the Mets on August 9th. The latter of the two stolen bases was a steal of third which led to a run as Lopes scored later via a Wild Pitch. Both Stolen Bases were recorded off the battery of Jerry Koosman and Jerry Grote.
1976 topps #4 Dave Lopes Most Consecutice Successful Stolen Base Attempts (b-side - click to make more readable)
The flip side of the 1975T Lopes Record Breaker has a nice detailed listing of the stolen bases during Lopes' streak, although there is a discrepancy between Topps and Baseball-ref. According to Topps the Record Breaking Steal (The latter of the two August 9th Steals versus the Mets/Koosman) the base listed is 2nd - Baseball-ref had the base as 3rd, after advancing on a sacrifice bunt by Lee Lacy.
The Catcher that finally gunned down Davey Lopes was Future Hall of Famer Gary Carter in the 12th inning of a 14 inning 5-3 Expos Victory over the Dodgers. Of course this came after Lopes had already stolen 3 bases off of Carter (who was a Rookie at the time) earlier in the game. The Pitcher on the mound when Lopes was caught was Dale Murray, the tag was applied by current Phillies Manager Pete Mackanin.
40 Years Ago Today
On August 22nd 1975 Lopes recorded steal #35 in a 3-1 Loss to the Expos. It was a steal of 3rd base off of Pitcher Dan Warthen and Catcher Barry Foote - Two Expos who were traded to the Phillies in 1977 for Wayne Twitchell and Tim Blackwell.
Consecutive Stolen Base Record
Lopes held the record for close to 14 years until it was broken by Vince Coleman on June 24 1989.
Coleman extended the record to 50 prior to being caught on July 28 1989. His streak was also ended by the Expos, This time the Montreal Battery consisted of Pascual Perez and Nelson Santovenia.
Sources and Links
1976 Topps Record Breaker Index
Baseball Almanac
Cardinals Journal - John Snyder
Baseball-ref
Lopes first tied and than broke the record or 31 (previously held by Hall of Famer Max Carey) on a pair of steals during a Dodgers 2-0 Victory against the Mets on August 9th. The latter of the two stolen bases was a steal of third which led to a run as Lopes scored later via a Wild Pitch. Both Stolen Bases were recorded off the battery of Jerry Koosman and Jerry Grote.
The flip side of the 1975T Lopes Record Breaker has a nice detailed listing of the stolen bases during Lopes' streak, although there is a discrepancy between Topps and Baseball-ref. According to Topps the Record Breaking Steal (The latter of the two August 9th Steals versus the Mets/Koosman) the base listed is 2nd - Baseball-ref had the base as 3rd, after advancing on a sacrifice bunt by Lee Lacy.
The Catcher that finally gunned down Davey Lopes was Future Hall of Famer Gary Carter in the 12th inning of a 14 inning 5-3 Expos Victory over the Dodgers. Of course this came after Lopes had already stolen 3 bases off of Carter (who was a Rookie at the time) earlier in the game. The Pitcher on the mound when Lopes was caught was Dale Murray, the tag was applied by current Phillies Manager Pete Mackanin.
40 Years Ago Today
On August 22nd 1975 Lopes recorded steal #35 in a 3-1 Loss to the Expos. It was a steal of 3rd base off of Pitcher Dan Warthen and Catcher Barry Foote - Two Expos who were traded to the Phillies in 1977 for Wayne Twitchell and Tim Blackwell.
Consecutive Stolen Base Record
Lopes held the record for close to 14 years until it was broken by Vince Coleman on June 24 1989.
Coleman extended the record to 50 prior to being caught on July 28 1989. His streak was also ended by the Expos, This time the Montreal Battery consisted of Pascual Perez and Nelson Santovenia.
Sources and Links
1976 Topps Record Breaker Index
Baseball Almanac
Cardinals Journal - John Snyder
Baseball-ref
Monday, August 17, 2015
Larry Bowa Bobblehead Night Tueday August 18th
On Tuesday August 18th the Phillies are hosting Larry Bowa Bobblehead night to mark the Shortstop/Coach/Managers 50 years in Baseball
1975 Topps #420 Larry Bowa
1975 was the first of three times that Larry Bowa picked up an All-Star game flair the other years were 1979, and 1980.
The 1975 All-Star game celebrates Larry Bowa starting the previous years all-star game. An honor he earned despite his season long WAR of 1.2. National League Shortstops that had a Higher WAR than Bowa included Bill Russell, Chris Speier, Bud Harrelson, and Most Notably Dave Concepcion (5.5 WAR)
Sources and Links
Larry Bowa Index
Philadelphia Phillies
Baseball Card Database
Baseball-ref
1975 was the first of three times that Larry Bowa picked up an All-Star game flair the other years were 1979, and 1980.
The 1975 All-Star game celebrates Larry Bowa starting the previous years all-star game. An honor he earned despite his season long WAR of 1.2. National League Shortstops that had a Higher WAR than Bowa included Bill Russell, Chris Speier, Bud Harrelson, and Most Notably Dave Concepcion (5.5 WAR)
Sources and Links
Larry Bowa Index
Philadelphia Phillies
Baseball Card Database
Baseball-ref
Sunday, July 19, 2015
Sunday Night Baseball: Red Sox @ Angels 1975 Topps #7 No-Hitter Highlights
Sunday Night Baseball is in LA for the Red Sox and Angels which gives an opportunity to dig a bit deeper into our Year of the No-Hitter series.
1975 Topps #7 1974 Highlights No-Hitters - Busby Bosman & Ryan
Two of the Ten pitchers who were involved in Year of the No-Hitter had thrown previous no-hitters. Mike Witt who finished Mark Langston's No-Hitter tossed a perfect game in 1984, the other of course was was Nolan Ryan.
The No-Hitter referred to by the 1975 Topps Card above is Ryan's Third. Ryan and the Angels defeated the Twins 4-0. The Twins lineup that Ryan faced that day included Future Hall of Famer Rod Carew (Who was the focus of our previous Angels SNB posting) and pinch hitter Harmon Killebrew. Ryan had the opportunity to finish the No-Hitter when he faced the Killer with 2 outs in the ninth, but ended up walking the slugger before getting Eric Soderholm for the final out.
1975 Topps #7 1974 Highlights No-Hitters - Busby Bosman & Ryan (b-side)
The newspaper style text on the back of the card gives short descriptions of the No-Hitters. Steve Busby beat the Brewers 2-0. Milwaukee's Shortstop that day was rookie Robin Yount who was playing in his 56th career game.
Dick Bosman shutdown Reggie Jackson and the Oakland A's 4-0 in the middle of their three-peat World Series Run. Today is the Anniversary of Bosman's No-Hitter which occurred 41 years ago.
2007 09 23 Dick Bosman Throws out first pitch at RFK Stadium
Dick Bosman threw out the final first pitch at RFK Stadium. The Phillies lost to the Nationals 5-3 that day. Chuck Cordero struck out Jayson Werth for the final out.
Peanut Gallery
Night Owl covered this No-Hitter card on his 1975 Topps Blog.
Sources and Links
1990 Year of the No-Hitter
Nolan Ryan HoF Index
Washington Nationals
baseball almanac
Baseball-ref
Two of the Ten pitchers who were involved in Year of the No-Hitter had thrown previous no-hitters. Mike Witt who finished Mark Langston's No-Hitter tossed a perfect game in 1984, the other of course was was Nolan Ryan.
The No-Hitter referred to by the 1975 Topps Card above is Ryan's Third. Ryan and the Angels defeated the Twins 4-0. The Twins lineup that Ryan faced that day included Future Hall of Famer Rod Carew (Who was the focus of our previous Angels SNB posting) and pinch hitter Harmon Killebrew. Ryan had the opportunity to finish the No-Hitter when he faced the Killer with 2 outs in the ninth, but ended up walking the slugger before getting Eric Soderholm for the final out.
The newspaper style text on the back of the card gives short descriptions of the No-Hitters. Steve Busby beat the Brewers 2-0. Milwaukee's Shortstop that day was rookie Robin Yount who was playing in his 56th career game.
Dick Bosman shutdown Reggie Jackson and the Oakland A's 4-0 in the middle of their three-peat World Series Run. Today is the Anniversary of Bosman's No-Hitter which occurred 41 years ago.
Dick Bosman threw out the final first pitch at RFK Stadium. The Phillies lost to the Nationals 5-3 that day. Chuck Cordero struck out Jayson Werth for the final out.
Peanut Gallery
Night Owl covered this No-Hitter card on his 1975 Topps Blog.
Sources and Links
1990 Year of the No-Hitter
Nolan Ryan HoF Index
Washington Nationals
baseball almanac
Baseball-ref
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Sunday Night Baseball - Yankees @ Red Sox: Carlton Fisk
With the Yankees @ Fenway for SNB we take a look at Red Sox Hall of Fame Catcher Carlton Fisk
1975 Topps #80 Carlton Fisk (mini)
Carlton Fisk played 11 of his 24 seasons with the Red Sox. He was a member of their 1975 squad that took the Reds to seven games in that years very exciting series. His Home Run in game 6 of that series is when of the most discussed in the history of the game.
"Pudge" was not a one hit wonder,
The unanimous selection for AL Rookie of the Year in 1972 was an 11 time all-star, he cranked out 376 Home Runs (3rd among Catchers behind Johnny Bench and Mike Piazza) on his way to winning 3 Silver Slugger Awards and a Gold Glove.
He returned to the Postseason one other time with the 1983 White Sox with whom he spent the second half of his career. He was inducted in the Hall in 1990 on his second ballot.
1975 Topps #351 Bob Boone
1975 Topps #80 Carlton Fisk (mini)
Carlton Fisk played baseball at one of the games most grueling positions until past age 45. He hung around long enough to break Bob Boone's record for career games caught. The record game occurred on June 22 1993. It was Carlton Fisk's last career game. He went 0-2 with a sacrifice. The last man to pitch to Fisk was Alex Ferrnandez.
1975 Topps
There are many reasons that 1975 Topps is one of the classics, The design is colorful and instantly recognizable. One of my favorite details is the All-Star flair. Unlike the Rookie Cup which often remains unchanged for years Topps comes up with a new All-Star logo most releases.
Most years it is some sort of added icon. In 1975 it is a Star where the player position is located. Off the top of my head this is the only year that the AS Logo flat out replaces a design element.
I have presented FIsk here with the Previous Catching Games Record Holder, Bob Boone. I paired the two cards mostly to display the size difference for the mini, but we also get to see both record holders along with the AS flair compared to the vanilla Baseball Position log.
Both Fisk and Boone have been surpassed in the games caught ladder by Ivan Rodriguez (HoF Eligible 2017)
Check My Math
If my count is correct this is the 3rd time the Yankees have been on Sunday Night Baseball, while the World Champion San Francisco Giants have yet to be featured.
Phungo Carlton Fisk HoF Index
1982 Fleer #632 Carlton Battery
2008 Donruss Threads Century Collection Materials #CCM-37 Carlton Fisk (92/100)
Sources and Links
baseball-ref
SABR bio by Brian Stevens
Carlton Fisk played 11 of his 24 seasons with the Red Sox. He was a member of their 1975 squad that took the Reds to seven games in that years very exciting series. His Home Run in game 6 of that series is when of the most discussed in the history of the game.
"Pudge" was not a one hit wonder,
The unanimous selection for AL Rookie of the Year in 1972 was an 11 time all-star, he cranked out 376 Home Runs (3rd among Catchers behind Johnny Bench and Mike Piazza) on his way to winning 3 Silver Slugger Awards and a Gold Glove.
He returned to the Postseason one other time with the 1983 White Sox with whom he spent the second half of his career. He was inducted in the Hall in 1990 on his second ballot.
1975 Topps #80 Carlton Fisk (mini)
Carlton Fisk played baseball at one of the games most grueling positions until past age 45. He hung around long enough to break Bob Boone's record for career games caught. The record game occurred on June 22 1993. It was Carlton Fisk's last career game. He went 0-2 with a sacrifice. The last man to pitch to Fisk was Alex Ferrnandez.
1975 Topps
There are many reasons that 1975 Topps is one of the classics, The design is colorful and instantly recognizable. One of my favorite details is the All-Star flair. Unlike the Rookie Cup which often remains unchanged for years Topps comes up with a new All-Star logo most releases.
Most years it is some sort of added icon. In 1975 it is a Star where the player position is located. Off the top of my head this is the only year that the AS Logo flat out replaces a design element.
I have presented FIsk here with the Previous Catching Games Record Holder, Bob Boone. I paired the two cards mostly to display the size difference for the mini, but we also get to see both record holders along with the AS flair compared to the vanilla Baseball Position log.
Both Fisk and Boone have been surpassed in the games caught ladder by Ivan Rodriguez (HoF Eligible 2017)
Check My Math
If my count is correct this is the 3rd time the Yankees have been on Sunday Night Baseball, while the World Champion San Francisco Giants have yet to be featured.
Phungo Carlton Fisk HoF Index
1982 Fleer #632 Carlton Battery
2008 Donruss Threads Century Collection Materials #CCM-37 Carlton Fisk (92/100)
Sources and Links
baseball-ref
SABR bio by Brian Stevens
Monday, January 26, 2015
Ernie Banks 1931-2015
Late Friday Night we got the news that Ernie Banks passed away a week shy of his 84th birthday.
2008 07 13 - Ernie Banks
I never got a chance to see Ernie Banks play, He retired when I was four, but I did get to see him at the 2008 Futures Game in New York.
It isn't the same as seeing the man play but there is something cool about seeing a legend take the field honored by an ovation and waving his cap. That is what Ernie Banks did that day, he was the honorary captain for the National League. This pix was taken before I really started using the zoom a lot and working on camera angles. That didn't stop me from putting Banks on a Phungo Card
1959 NL MVP
1975 Topps #197 1959 MVPs Fox & Banks
In 1959 Ernie Banks won his 2nd consecutive MVP award. The season was honored as part of the 1975 Topps MVP subset. The flip of the 1975T card snapshots sums up a few Banks accomplishments in the 1959 season.
1975 Topps #197 (b-side edit)
Modern analytics agree with the MVP votes of 1959 voters. Banks had a 10.2 WAR in 1959, it was the highest of his career and led the National League.
The 1975T Selfie is of a card originally from 1959
1959 Topps #350 Ernie Banks
This is a nice base card of Banks, most of the 1959T cards are straight up head shots. I like seeing the glove in the shot and it appears that Mr Cub was captured at his playing home, Wrigley Field. Once again we flip the card and see that Banks 1959 card summarizes the accomplishments that earned hims the 1958 MVP.
1959 Topps #350 Ernie Banks (b-side)
Ernie Banks Tributes
Dick Allen
Wrigley Wax (397 Banks Cards!)
Waiting til Next Year (tribute including Wrigley Field Sign)
The Phillies Room (2008 Topps Heritage Then Now w/ Ryan Howard)
Night Owl Cards (1971 Topps)
20th Century Topps (1971T, 1960T, 1955T)
The Five Tool Collector (1959 Topps 3 Cards - includes 1959T #350 above)
Drews Cards (Banks Personal Appearance)
Chronicles of Fuji (various autos)
The Lost Collector (Hillshire Farms Auto)
Card Buzz (1954T reprint TTM auto)
Cardboard Connection (several modern retro cards)
Heartbreaking Cards of Staggering Genius (2009 Sighting)
Cardboard Icons (1954 Topps RC)
bdj610 (2011 Topps Variation)
Cardboard Connection (14 Cards showing Banks love of the game)
Rectangle Men (1998 Cubs Convention)
Mint Condition (1954T Reprint)
Life and Baseball Cards (Sketch Card Originals)
Cards that Never Were (Fleer custom)
Lifetime Topps Project (Topps Archives 1972T)
Starting Nine (various retros)
My life in the Sports Card Hobby (photos)
Other Voices - Cards from this post that are examined at other sites
1959 Topps one f/g card at a time
1975 Topps (Night Owl Cards)
Sources and Links
Phungo Ernie Banks Hall of Fame Index
Baseball-ref
I never got a chance to see Ernie Banks play, He retired when I was four, but I did get to see him at the 2008 Futures Game in New York.
It isn't the same as seeing the man play but there is something cool about seeing a legend take the field honored by an ovation and waving his cap. That is what Ernie Banks did that day, he was the honorary captain for the National League. This pix was taken before I really started using the zoom a lot and working on camera angles. That didn't stop me from putting Banks on a Phungo Card
1959 NL MVP
In 1959 Ernie Banks won his 2nd consecutive MVP award. The season was honored as part of the 1975 Topps MVP subset. The flip of the 1975T card snapshots sums up a few Banks accomplishments in the 1959 season.
1975 Topps #197 (b-side edit)
Modern analytics agree with the MVP votes of 1959 voters. Banks had a 10.2 WAR in 1959, it was the highest of his career and led the National League.
The 1975T Selfie is of a card originally from 1959
This is a nice base card of Banks, most of the 1959T cards are straight up head shots. I like seeing the glove in the shot and it appears that Mr Cub was captured at his playing home, Wrigley Field. Once again we flip the card and see that Banks 1959 card summarizes the accomplishments that earned hims the 1958 MVP.
1959 Topps #350 Ernie Banks (b-side)
Ernie Banks Tributes
Dick Allen
Wrigley Wax (397 Banks Cards!)
Waiting til Next Year (tribute including Wrigley Field Sign)
The Phillies Room (2008 Topps Heritage Then Now w/ Ryan Howard)
Night Owl Cards (1971 Topps)
20th Century Topps (1971T, 1960T, 1955T)
The Five Tool Collector (1959 Topps 3 Cards - includes 1959T #350 above)
Drews Cards (Banks Personal Appearance)
Chronicles of Fuji (various autos)
The Lost Collector (Hillshire Farms Auto)
Card Buzz (1954T reprint TTM auto)
Cardboard Connection (several modern retro cards)
Heartbreaking Cards of Staggering Genius (2009 Sighting)
Cardboard Icons (1954 Topps RC)
bdj610 (2011 Topps Variation)
Cardboard Connection (14 Cards showing Banks love of the game)
Rectangle Men (1998 Cubs Convention)
Mint Condition (1954T Reprint)
Life and Baseball Cards (Sketch Card Originals)
Cards that Never Were (Fleer custom)
Lifetime Topps Project (Topps Archives 1972T)
Starting Nine (various retros)
My life in the Sports Card Hobby (photos)
Other Voices - Cards from this post that are examined at other sites
1959 Topps one f/g card at a time
1975 Topps (Night Owl Cards)
Sources and Links
Phungo Ernie Banks Hall of Fame Index
Baseball-ref
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Happy Anniversary Bob Gibson 3000 Ks: 1975 Topps #3
Busy here Phungo HQ, but I wanted to put up this quick posting.
Thursday July 17th marks the 40th anniversary of the ngiht Bob Gibson recorded his 3000th Strike out.
Topps honored the event with the #3 card of their 1975 Set,
Sources & Links
Phungo Bob Gibson HoF Index
Game Dated Cards Index
Thursday July 17th marks the 40th anniversary of the ngiht Bob Gibson recorded his 3000th Strike out.
1975 Topps #3 '74 Highlights Bob Gibson Throws 3000th Strikeout
1975 Topps #3 '74 Highlights Bob Gibson Throws 3000th Strikeout (b-side)
Sources & Links
Phungo Bob Gibson HoF Index
Game Dated Cards Index
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Happy Anniversary Hank Aaron: 1975 Topps #1
Forty years ago today on April 8 1974 Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth's career Home Run Record.
1975 Topps #1 Hank Aaron '74 Highlights
To honor the event Topps made Aaron the first card of the 1975 Set. The first 7 cards of 1975T are dedicated to highlights of the 1974 season, with a newsprint style synopsis of each event on the reverse:
1975 Topps #1 Hank Aaron '74 Highlights
For a very enjoyable trip down memory lane check out archive.org which has a couple of radio calls of Aaron's historic homer including a tremendous one by Vin Scully. The Hall of Fame broadcaster's call starts at the 52 second mark of the audio, and for me is the best of the three.
.
Topps had put together Baseball Highlight subsets previously, but I think 1975 is the first time they were dedicated to the previous season. Just a few weeks ago we talked about an Aaron card from a similar 1959 Topps subset.
Brewers
The Phillies are hosting Milwaukee this week making this a good time to feature Hank Aaron's other 1975 Topps card:
1975 Topps #660 Hank Aaron
That is one loved card right there.
After Aaron hit his record breaking Home Run he finished out the 1974 season with the Braves and was traded to the Brewers during the Off Season. The trade returned Aaron to Milwaukee where he started in Major League career before the Braves moved to Atlanta.
Phun Phact
Hank Aaron was on the first and last card of 1975 Topps, similar to Ted Williams who served as the bookends for the 1954 Set.
More Hank
Phungo HoF Index
Sources & Links
Topps #1 Club
Baseball Card Database
Dean's Blog
Archive.org
Baseball Hall of Fame
To honor the event Topps made Aaron the first card of the 1975 Set. The first 7 cards of 1975T are dedicated to highlights of the 1974 season, with a newsprint style synopsis of each event on the reverse:
For a very enjoyable trip down memory lane check out archive.org which has a couple of radio calls of Aaron's historic homer including a tremendous one by Vin Scully. The Hall of Fame broadcaster's call starts at the 52 second mark of the audio, and for me is the best of the three.
.
Topps had put together Baseball Highlight subsets previously, but I think 1975 is the first time they were dedicated to the previous season. Just a few weeks ago we talked about an Aaron card from a similar 1959 Topps subset.
Brewers
The Phillies are hosting Milwaukee this week making this a good time to feature Hank Aaron's other 1975 Topps card:
That is one loved card right there.
After Aaron hit his record breaking Home Run he finished out the 1974 season with the Braves and was traded to the Brewers during the Off Season. The trade returned Aaron to Milwaukee where he started in Major League career before the Braves moved to Atlanta.
Phun Phact
Hank Aaron was on the first and last card of 1975 Topps, similar to Ted Williams who served as the bookends for the 1954 Set.
More Hank
Phungo HoF Index
Sources & Links
Topps #1 Club
Baseball Card Database
Dean's Blog
Archive.org
Baseball Hall of Fame
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
2013 WS Game 1: 1975 Topps #205 MVPs Yastrzemski & Cepeda
I wanted to find a card that combined the BoSox and Cardinals and was very happy to find this beauty.
1975 Topps #205 1967 MVPs Yastrzemski & Cepeda (image swiped from baseball card database)
The 75T MVPs is one of the most fun subsets in the Topps canon. It marks both the 25th anniversary of Topps and the MVPs of each of those seasons. In 1967 the MVPs were Yaz and Orlando Cepeda pictured here on the minimalist 67T Design.
Recent MVP discussion appear to come down to discussion of various traditional stats vs the single WAR stat. Tonight I would like to examine the WAR numbers for these two future HoF players during their 67 MVP seasons - which was the only MVP for each.
Yaz
Working from Left to Right we start with Yastrzemski. He won the AL Triple Crown in 1967 and collected an astounding WAR of 12.41. The 12.41 WAR is the highest single season number for anyone in the history of the game that is not named Babe Ruth. Yes Yaz won the Triple Crown and he had the 4th highest WAR in history, but he didn't get voted MVP unanimously. Cesar Tovar received a single #1 vote for his 2.44 WAR season - I have no idea.
Orlando Cepeda
Of course in a year when Carl Yastrzemski puts together one of the greatest seasons in history and doesn't get a unanimous MVP, Orlando Cepeda collected all 20 MVP first place votes in the NL Balloting. Cepeda had a very good year, but not historic. His 6.80 WAR was 5th among vote getters - Ron Santo led the league at 9.77. Cepada led the league in RBI (111) and finished 3rd in OBP (.399)
MLB 1967
Finally it should be noted that in 1967 the Cardinals and Red Sox met in the World Series. Yaz hit 3 Homers and batted .400 in the Series. Cepeda collected 3 hits total and batted .103. But baseball is a cruel game Yaz and the Red Sox lost to the Cardinals - Bob Gibson won 3 complete games giving up 3 ER across those starts.
Other Voices
Night Owl Cards - 2010 posting from the NOC 75 Topps retrospective. Contains some interesting observation on 67T and notes that Orlando Cepeda's MVP season was his first with the Cardinals.
2013 PostSeason Cardinals
Matt Adams
Lance Lynn
Michael Wacha
2013 PostSeason Red Sox
Clay Buchholz
David Ortiz
Dustin Pedroia
Shane Victorino
Jose Iglesias (Now with Tigers)
Sources
Phungo HOF Orlando Cepeda Index
Phungo HOF Carl Yastrzemski Index
baseball Card Database
baseball-ref.com
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Sunday Night Baseball: 1975 Topps #430 Luis Tiant
The Yankees and Red Sox are at it again on National TV tonight. Yes the two teams may be featured a bit to often, but I don't think anyone can deny the match up has had a good share of drama. I watched a bit of the Saturday game found it enjoyable.
Tonight we take a look at 1970s era BoSox pitcher Luis Tiant.
1975 Topps #430 Luis Tiant
El Tiante is one of the memorable characters from my baseball fan youth. From the mound he had a distinct delivery where he turned his back to the plate during his windup. He won 3 games during the Red Sox memorable 1975 postseason - The start he didn't win was Game 6 of the World Series (the Carlton Fisk Game)
Luis Tiant falls into the borderline HoF category. Hist career pitchers WAR of 66.1 ranks 40th all-time. That puts him ahead of Bob Feller, Juan Marichal, Jim Bunning, Don Drysdale and Mariano Rivera. Critical points here are that Feller lost 3 years to military service and he and Drysdale both have World Series rings. The Marichal and Bunning comps legitimize Tiants resume a bit more.
He had a 19 year career that extended well beyond his Boston years. His 6 years with Cleveland included an impressive 1968 season (21-9, 1.60 ERA) that was overshadowed by Denny McLain's 31 wins. His Boston peak came during a 5 year period from 1972-76 when he won 96 games. In 1974 Tiant went 22-13 with a league leading 7 shutouts. He finished his 19 seasons with 229 victories and 2400+ Ks.
1975 Topps
Between 1971 and 1973 Topps made several attempts at action shots with very mixed results. The 1972 Topps In Action "parallels" are particularly.....odd. The late Chris Stufflestreet had an entire blog dedicated to 1973 Topps photography which had a lot of great action shots and some more mediocre.
In 1974 the results were much better and by 1975 the results are pretty acceptable. The above #430 Tiant card is among the finest examples. If there is a complaint, I would say that it is that the pix is very white, Tiant's uniform blends into the crowd a bit, but that is a minor complaint.
1975 Topps commons can sometimes be found in dime boxes. This card is in very good condition, and even though Luis Tiant is in the near HoF category I don't see this card going for over a quarter.
Other Voices
1975 Topps Blog (Night Owl Cards) - #430 Luis Tiant - This is as fine a love letter as you will find to this card.
Sources
Baseball-ref.com
wikipedia.com
Tonight we take a look at 1970s era BoSox pitcher Luis Tiant.
1975 Topps #430 Luis Tiant
El Tiante is one of the memorable characters from my baseball fan youth. From the mound he had a distinct delivery where he turned his back to the plate during his windup. He won 3 games during the Red Sox memorable 1975 postseason - The start he didn't win was Game 6 of the World Series (the Carlton Fisk Game)
Luis Tiant falls into the borderline HoF category. Hist career pitchers WAR of 66.1 ranks 40th all-time. That puts him ahead of Bob Feller, Juan Marichal, Jim Bunning, Don Drysdale and Mariano Rivera. Critical points here are that Feller lost 3 years to military service and he and Drysdale both have World Series rings. The Marichal and Bunning comps legitimize Tiants resume a bit more.
He had a 19 year career that extended well beyond his Boston years. His 6 years with Cleveland included an impressive 1968 season (21-9, 1.60 ERA) that was overshadowed by Denny McLain's 31 wins. His Boston peak came during a 5 year period from 1972-76 when he won 96 games. In 1974 Tiant went 22-13 with a league leading 7 shutouts. He finished his 19 seasons with 229 victories and 2400+ Ks.
1975 Topps
Between 1971 and 1973 Topps made several attempts at action shots with very mixed results. The 1972 Topps In Action "parallels" are particularly.....odd. The late Chris Stufflestreet had an entire blog dedicated to 1973 Topps photography which had a lot of great action shots and some more mediocre.
In 1974 the results were much better and by 1975 the results are pretty acceptable. The above #430 Tiant card is among the finest examples. If there is a complaint, I would say that it is that the pix is very white, Tiant's uniform blends into the crowd a bit, but that is a minor complaint.
1975 Topps commons can sometimes be found in dime boxes. This card is in very good condition, and even though Luis Tiant is in the near HoF category I don't see this card going for over a quarter.
Other Voices
1975 Topps Blog (Night Owl Cards) - #430 Luis Tiant - This is as fine a love letter as you will find to this card.
Sources
Baseball-ref.com
wikipedia.com
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Steve Carlton to appear at Sugarhouse Casino on Phils Home Opening Day/Evening
Here is the information - No real details but it's a casino so it is probably free.
1975 Topps #185 Steve Carlton
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
1975 Topps Rocks at Rolling Stone!
Author, Music Reporter, and Baseball
Fan Dan Epstein is hosting an interesting
feature on the Rolling Stone Magazine website revolving
around Baseball's Great Questions.
Each installment features a
inquiry or subject for which several Pop/Rock musicians comment upon. The
panel of musical artist varies a bit in age, peak era, and musical
significance. but they do have some things in common they all appear to
be good baseball fans and all are male.
The column is called "High and Tight" for more background click here.
Of interest to card collectors is that each
panelist is also portrayed on a "card" inspired by the 1975 Topps design. On the heels of our visit with Night Owl Cards, I think it is very appropriate to have a post referencing 1975 Topps since NOC did such a great job chronicling the set.
Faux 1975 Topps George Thorogood.
I
am not real familiar with about half of the musicians, but there were a few
that were on my radar. None of the Musicians on the panel represent the
Phillies. I am a bit miffed that Delawarean George Thorogood is a
Mets fan.
As noted above there is a variety of musicians are part of the feature. There are a variety of subjects covered, All-Star Games, Pitch Counts, No-Hitters, Memorabilia, and Opening Day are among the items that have been discussed. Really it is pretty similar to the old Blog Bat Arounds,
Here are some of the cards for musicians that I recognize to some degree. Some younger or hipper folks may know a few of the other artists. There are about a dozen contributors.
Faux 1975 Topps Pete Yorn
Yorn covered a song for the Warren Zevon tribute album "Enjoy Every Sandwhich"
Faux 1975 Topps Steve Earle
the man who gave us Copperhead Row,
Faux 1975 Topps Steve Wynn
Wynn leads an outfit called The Baseball Project that has put together a couple of fun albums composed of nothing but baseball related songs.
To check out the complete set of 75 Topps Rockers check out High and Tight.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
a thousand words
2008 World Champions