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.
An Attempt to Rank Pitchers
A look at the stats I use to create a framework for evaluating pitchers.
Chuck Stobbs Was Part of Interesting Stories, Even If He Didn’t Want to Tell Them
Chuck Stobbs produced average career pitching numbers across an above-average 15 seasons before retiring at only age 31. Clearly something unusual was going on when this pitcher took the mound.
Collecting Goal: A Complete Set of 1952 Topps Baseball Cards
I’m collecting several sets that I consider nearly impossible to complete. 1952 Topps is perhaps the largest and toughest of them all.
My Approach to Ranking Position Players
Explaining the process by which I rank baseball players.
You Can’t Spell ‘Hrbek’ Without “HR”
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.