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.
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.
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.
How did I miss such an exciting career when it was happening before my eyes?
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.
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.
Probably the most Minnesota player ever, Kent Hrbek provided a potent punch in the Twins’ lineups of the ’80s and early ’90s. Also, he absolutely hated stirrup socks.
I’m chasing perhaps the greatest set of the last 50 years.
