The Pafko Effect
The first card in a set typically gets more than a fair share of attention. Perhaps no other card #1 exhibits this better than that of Andy Pafko in the ’52 Topps checklist.
Set Collecting
Two Refractors of a 2x Philly/Yankee/Giant
I get a duplicate for the first time in my set collecting project. The subject pictured on the extra card played twice for multiple teams.
Want to Start an Argument About the Hall of Fame? Mention George Kell
Nothing starts a good nerd fight like a discussion of who should or should not be in the Hall. Among vintage collectors, George Kell provides an excellent jumping off point for such a discussion. Elected to the Hall by the Veterans Committee in 1983, his selection remains controversial.
Set Completed: 1994 Leaf Gold Stars
It’s amazing how quickly a set can be assembled of cards that were once considered extremely scarce. These were my introduction to limited production runs.
1993 Finest Refractors: It’s All Mental for Control Artist Bob Tewksbury
A pinpoint precision pitcher. Mental consultant. Caricature artist. Bob Tewksbury is into a lot of things.
Old Man Warren Spahn
I caught a glimpse of an older fellow who was renowned for his longevity on the pitching mound.
A Lou Whitaker Post That Only Mentions Alan Trammell Twice
Lou Whitaker is most often remembered as the statistical twin of Hall of Fame double play partner Alan Trammell. Though the two are rarely mentioned without the other, it is a game in which they were separated that most sticks in my mind.
George Spencer Was Easy to Hit, Unless You Were Joe DiMaggio
A so-so pitcher for the Giants turns out to have some terrific highlights sprinkled across his athletic career.
A Randy Myers Level of Collecting Intensity
It is only fitting that the most intense player portrayed in ’93 Finest is the one who’s cards were the most hoarded by the most intense collector of the set.
The Only Guy Jackie Robinson Tried to Hurt
Davey Williams was a very good and fast defensive player, ranging far from second base to make plays. He holds the distinction of being one of only a handful of players to turn a triple play, shutting down a Brooklyn Dodgers rally in 1955. Unfortunately for Williams, it is another incident involving the storied 1955 Dodgers that he gets remembered for.