Bob Casale 1952-2014: Founding member of Devo

Yesterday Gerald Casale of Devo announced through the bands website that his brother Bob had died of Heart Failure.

1993 Collect-A-Card American Bandstand #98 Devo

For a variety of reasons, I will always look upon Devo fondly. There music may have been a bit kitsch, but I think they went beyond novelty. If it wasn't for the video age, I suppose I may never have heard of Devo, but I won't hold that against them. I am glad they found there way onto the pop culture map and I am glad that I heard more from them than "Whip It" and the funny hats.

1993 Collect-A-Card American Bandstand #98 Devo (b-side)

This card is from the 1993 American Bandstand set which was compoased of cards of Dick Clark, Show features, People/couples from the show, and of course bands that were on the program. I picked up the 100 card set a while ago, and was amused that Devo was among the bands that had performed. As you can see on the B-side there is a nice capsule bio, mentioning several of their hits and also naming the five members of the band.

Phillies Connection
He wasn't a Phiillie anymore but last year Shane Victorino was part of an ESPN photo shoot that recreated the album cover from the Devo Album "Freedom of Choice"

MLB as Devo: Justin Upton, Evan Longoria, Brandon Phillips, Giancarlo Stanton, Shane Victorino(Swiped from ESPN)

1977 Topps featured in MLB fantasy preview - First Phils cards for Michael Young and Ben Revere

Each of the last couple of years MLB.com has put together a fantasy guide.  For the players cover photo in the feature a baseball card has been produced in one of the past Topps designs.  This year they have chosen 1977 Topps.

Faux 1977 Topps Michael Young

Looks like somebody took a short cut on the position, the flag on the original 1977 Topps cards had the position written out rather then abbreviated. Back in 1977 the Player name was green for the Phils and cards also contained a facsimile autograph.

Faux 1977 Topps Ben Revere 

The Phillies other significant offensive acquisition this winter was Ben Revere who is also not featured in 2013 S1 Topps, so this is sort of his first Phils card as well.

Other uniform changers around the division:
 

Faux 1977 Topps Justin Upton

Just picked up by the Braves in the last couple of weeks.

Faux 1977 Topps Rafael Soriano

The Nats who had a pretty sharp bullpen in 2012 added Soriano for 2013.  With guys like the Uptons and Soriano entering the division it is shaping up to be another competitive canpaign in the NL East.
 
If you want to see more faux 1977 Topps check out the MLB.com player preview. 

Previous Previews featured on Phungo
2012 (1986 Topps)

2011 (1983 Topps)

2010 (1987 Topps)