1993 Finest: When the Orioles Selected Big Ben First in the Draft
His selection as the first pick in the 1989 Draft was still fresh in collectors’ minds four years later.
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Tom Henke Became A Major League Pitcher to Get Free Beer
That’s right, Tom Henke wouldn’t have become a professional ballplayer if it hadn’t been for friends promising to buy him beers if he tried out in front of major league scouts. The Texas Rangers liked what they saw in the 6’5″ bespectacled pitcher and picked him in the 1980 draft.
Iowa Cornfields Contain Very Good Baseball Players
The best fastball pitcher prior to the arrival of Nolan Ryan quite literally stepped out of a cornfield and onto the diamond.
Florida Man Turns Out to be Good at Baseball
Mike Greenwell is about the most Floridian baseball player you will ever come across. He wrestled alligators, opened a theme park, and raced in NASCAR.
Doug Jones Slowly Became Kinda Good
His fastball was more akin to other pitchers’ change-ups. He didn’t make regular appearances until he was 29 years old. He didn’t move to the bullpen for a few more seasons. Then, slowly, it all came together.
Kevin Appier: Better Than Awards Voters Realize
How did I miss such an exciting career when it was happening before my eyes?
Roberto Kelly: Forever a Prospect Throughout Career
Whether he was being called Roberto or Bobby, this player was always discussed in terms of the breakout season that was perennially just around the corner.
Pat Listach and Topps’ Imaginary All-Star Card
Topps used a large dose of artistic license when selecting players for the All-Stars subset of 1993 Finest. Rookie sensation Pat Listach never appeared in an All-Star Game was selected ahead of the likes of Ozzie Smith and Alan Trammell for the ’93 Finest All-Star checklist.
Roy Sievers: St. Louis’ Original Rally Squirrel
A family connection made obtaining a Roy Sievers card a priority.