Cards Through Rose Colored Glasses
The world came oh so close to getting a ’52 Topps card with an image of a pitcher wearing sunglasses.
1952 Topps Profile
The Overlap of John Hamm and St. Louis Baseball
Before St. Louis’ hometown actor played an oblivious himbo on 30 Rock, the city had its own version on the mound with the Veeck-era Browns.
Top Quintile Talent
If you find yourself in the top 1% of your profession, you are almost certainly doing well in your chosen field. Indeed, being ranked in the top 5% likely indicates a similar measure of skill. The top 10, 20, or even 50th percentile may imply some level of success. This does not quite hold true in baseball.
Jazz In the Lineup
Hi De Hi De Ho! The first written use of the word “jazz” was used in describing a baseball game. It’s probably not a coincidence that the swing bands of the 1930s had enough musicians to field a team.
Catcher. Coach. Plaintiff.
The many roles (and baseball cards) of unexpected OBP machine Wes Westrum.
An Early Morning Cab Driver Fight?
I came across an odd story involving New York Giant Hank Thompson, a baseball bat, and a cab driver who elected to travel by foot.
Paging Dr. Hardy to the Infield
John Berardino was not a doctor, but he did play one on television for more than three decades.
Going Nuclear
One does not usually associate weapons of mass destruction with the friendly neighborhood milkman. I unfortunately do.
Dick Kryhoski Saw Some Things
More than half of the ballplayers appearing in the 1952 Topps checklist were military veterans. One card mentions a specific ship, a clue that gives the reader an incredible backstory.