The Card Chop

Cards You're Not Likely to See: The Entrepreneurial Spirit-Walter White

2012-01-28T10:00:00.005-07:00

After discovering he was suffering terminal lung cancer, and desperate to provide for his family once he's gone, high school teacher Walter White used his expertise in Chemistry to concoct the purest form of meth to be found. Walt displays the attributes which encapsulates the American Entrepreneurial Spirit: risk-taking, innovative, leader, strong determination, and adaptability.

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I recently read a bio on Bryan Cranston, the actor who plays Walter White on Breaking Bad, and discovered that he is an avid Dodger fan. He also happens to be a memorabilia collector. You can read an excellent article on his collecting obsession here.

Food-Issue Friday: 1993 Hostess Cecil Fielder

2012-01-27T22:21:00.001-07:00

Some call it karma; I prefer to call it the law of reaping and sowing. If you feed a fat kid some of these (not the cardboard, the treat they came with):

you may end up with a cholesterol problem. Or financial problems. Considering that the featured card today dates back almost twenty years, the cholesterol problem is nothing new in this sport. Heck, the Babe was fat long before the Princess' daddy was even born.

Perhaps Hostess should have continued to include cardboard with their treats. Of course, if they had, some group fighting childhood obesity would have blamed the company for luring young, hungry kids with the collectible. Just ask Joe Camel.

Jason Heyward Topps Factory Set Card

2012-01-27T04:00:00.005-07:00

"Through the mansions of fear, through the mansions of pain, I see my daddy walking through them factory gates in the rain. Factory takes his hearing, factory gives him life. The working, the working, just the working life."~ Bruce Springsteen's "The Factory"

2010 Topps Factory #RC1

When I hear the word "factory", my first thoughts are manufacturing and production. It's blue-collar. It's union workers. It's what many believe has made our country so great. It's also much like baseball: something that at one time seemed to have cried out, "America!"- only to see the number of its workers decline at a rate that parallels the loss of interest in our national pastime. At least the number of jobs in baseball doesn't change. Unless it's September 1st.

While searching eBay recently, I came across this "Factory Set Limited Edition" card of JHey from the 2010 Topps set. Having not yet seen it, I was pleasantly surprised and decided it was a "must have" for my collection. Yeah, I know, it's yet another gimmick to get the collector to purchase the factory set. We already have the rainbow variety parallels, the Chrome cards that feature a different photo than the base, the Opening Day knock-offs, pie-in-the-face, team set issues, and countless others. Doesn't matter. As a consumer I am given a choice, and I more often than not will chose a piece of cardboard that is manufactured here in the States.

As we head into the 2012 season, a key to the Braves success will be dependent upon how #22 performs. The Braves had an anemic offense last season, so it's imperative that Heyward regain the stroke that gave the team and us fans hope for the future during his rookie season. Can he produce like he did during his rookie season, or, like the American Factory worker, will he be expendable?

Cards You're Not Likely to See: Breaking Bad Relic

2012-01-25T22:21:00.001-07:00

"I guess it got the best of you...and it's always on your mind. One day your soul you cannot find, and then you want to break the rules. I see a part of you has died. And you live your life in lies. With more surprise out of the blue,blue." ~ King's X, "Blue"

If you have never tuned into AMC's award winning drama "Breaking Bad", you've really missed out. I began watching the series a couple of months ago on Netflix and have come to the realization that it's more addicting than the meth that protagonist-turned-antagonist Walter White, along with his partner Jesse Pinkman, can cook up. Superb writing, acting, and cinematography all contribute to what makes this such a good show. While not for the faint of heart, the violence and the manufacturing, distribution, and use of the drug is not glorified. The writers do a great job in showing the consequences of ideas and of actions. In portraying the everyday joe Walt White as teacher-turned meth manufacturer, we see that this could be anyone. Even oneself. How far are you willing to go to protect your loved ones; do you have a line that's drawn?

An interesting side note concerning the King's X lyrics: as far as I know, this song has never been used on the show-but I found the lyrics to fit quite well with the whole theme.

**Please note- this custom card is in no way an endorsement of any illicit drugs or the drug culture. It is strictly what the title says: a card you will not likely see.

2012 Topps Super, Super, Super (we're really serious) Short-Print Prince Fielder

2012-01-24T21:44:00.000-07:00

We're pleased to announce a super, duper short printed card (Card # 00 in set) It is a 1 of 1 card, meaning....If you're a set collector, you're screwed!

American Pie: Newt and Shrute

2012-01-23T21:07:00.000-07:00

Yankee Face Dances

2012-01-22T23:55:00.001-07:00

Sticking with The Who theme that I began yesterday, I decided to re-create the 1981 Face Dances album cover. While I began with the idea of using players from various teams-with Don Mossi (in Townsend's place) as my first subject- I decided to do a Yankee collage. I don't know if there's a baseball team that more closely resembles The Who. Brash, angry, excess- just a few adjectives that describes each. Passing on Mossi, I chose Yogi for obvious reasons: the nose and ears. Yogi's nose isn't as noticeable as Pete Townsend's, but it does cry out 'here I am.' Billy Martin as Daltrey fit because of their small stature, fiery tempers (Roger liked to throw down with his 'mates, much like Martin), and being the front man with their respective groups. I chose Reggie because his signing wasn't a popular choice with Martin, much like Daltrey opposed the band adding Kenny Jones as Keith Moon's replacement. Jones, by the way, had been a member of a group of all-stars (Faces) at one time. Of course Reggie was a part of the Oakland A's dynasty which featured many all-stars of their own. The Jones picture with the "3" (second to left on bottom row) was perfect for the '78 World Series Highlights card which honored Reggie's 3 home-runs in game six. A Yankee tribute wouldn't be complete without Mickey Mantle, who-like John Entwistle- has influenced countless athletes and musicians. Both were also known to live a fast and hard lifestyle, which contributed to each of their early deaths.

Who Are You? or, Cards You Probably Won't See Pt.1

2012-01-21T22:51:00.002-07:00

"Who are You. Who who who who."~ The Who

This generation- they've fooled us again! Who's Next?

Baseball, Puerto Rican style

2012-01-19T21:48:00.000-07:00

Monday's New York Times ran a piece on the state of baseball in the U.S. commonwealth of Puerto Rico. It's a rather sad state, given the island's great baseball heritage. I was too young to remember seeing Clemente before he died, so if pressed I would have to say my favorite player from the island is Robbie Alomar. So I ask, who's your favorite player from Puero Rico?

Clerical Nicknames

2012-01-18T23:15:00.002-07:00

"Gather around the preacher man, gather round here...put your dreams in your pocket boy"- Kansas' "The Preacher"

Preacher Roe
"I had an uncle who came back from the first World War who hadn't even seen me. He said, 'what's your name, young man?' And for some reason I said, 'Preacher'...My mother said maybe it was because I liked the preacher we had at our church so well."
Former Cardinal, Pirate, and Dodger great Elwin Charles Roe came from baseball lineage: his father (Charles) was a semi-pro baseball player, who gave up the game to pursue a calling as a country doctor. While in college, the younger Roe (at the urging of his father) would turn down offers to go pro in order to try finishing his degree. He eventually left school, being only one semester short of his degree, in order to sign and play with the St. Louis Cardinal organization.

Tyler Pastornicky

Acquired in the Yunel Escobar/Alex Gonzalez trade in 2010, the "Rev" (or "Pastor", as some call him) has surprised many with his ascension through the Braves system-having played 128 games for their AA team in Mississippi and only 27 games at AAA Gwinnett. This Elijah-like whirlwind has taken him not to heaven, but to The Ted to begin the 2012 season, as it seems the Braves are confident the 22 year old rookie is an able replacement for the departed Alex Gonzalez. Like Roe, the Rev also comes from a baseball background: father Cliff had a two week stint in Kansas City in June of '83, filling in for injured third baseman George Brett (who reminds me the most of Tyler's soon to be teammate, Chipper Jones). The elder Pastornicky's tenure would be short lived, however, as he only went 4-32 during his brief trial. Hopefully, the Rev will stay in Atlanta longer than the old man did in KC.

Custom Cards: 1992 Leaf Tim Hudson

2012-01-18T05:00:00.010-07:00

The Braves called Boston their home at the time the Leaf Candy Company issued their first baseball cards. The year was 1948, our country was three years removed from World War II, and the Braves were still five years from moving to the city of Milwaukee. Along with the Bowman Gum Company's issue, the '48 Leafs were the first major mainstream sets issued during the decade (paper shortages during the War had caused the production of the treasures to cease). While the '48 Bowman cards were done in black-and-white, the Leaf cards were in color (stunningly, I might add!) and are known to have centering problems. It was also the only year that the candy company would produce the collectible until 1960, when its return was once again a one-and-done. So given the time period of Leaf''s first issue coinciding with the team still being located in Boston, I chose this photo of Huddy wearing the throwback uni.

Custom Cards: 1992 Score Dan Uggla

2012-01-15T19:13:00.000-07:00

Trying to come up with an idea for the '92 Score cards wasn't a pleasant experience. While not the ugglaiest (sorry) set ever produced, it certainly isn't in my top 100 for nicest designs. However, after finding this photo of Uggla, I thought, "the search is done." Besides being an awesome photo of the Braves' second baseman, who is known for his bat and not his glove, the colors of the scoreboard blend in well with the green bars both above and below it. Uggla's 2011 season was defined by a) his horrible start and b) his 33 game hitting streak-which ended against the Cubs on a sure bloop single that Darwin Barney somehow caught with a similar diving grab.

Adios Pineda- Hola! Montero

2012-01-14T21:43:00.000-07:00

I wonder if Topps will blow it again this year and include Michael Pineda as a Mariner? They used him as their cover boy on 2011 Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects, but left him off their checklist.

I still can't understand why Seattle traded the kid. There's much debate on whether Montero will be a big league catcher, or if he's a bat without a position. If he can hold his own as a catcher (like a Mike Piazza), then the trade should be about even. However, if he's nothing more than a DH, then I don't like it at all. You just don't trade a guy with the stuff of an ace for something other than a premium position player. Pineada hit the wall in the second half of his rookie season, but was very impressive until that point. He should be a high-strikeout, inning-eating workhorse.

Teddy Come Back!

2012-01-14T05:00:00.003-07:00

"...trying to forget you is just a waste of time...Baby come back, any kind of fool can see, there was something in everything about you. Baby come back, you can blame it all on me. I was wrong and I just can't live without you." ~ Player's 1977 #1 Hit, "Baby Come Back"

On this date, January 14, 1976, National League owners approved the sale of the Atlanta Braves to media mogul Ted Turner for $11 million. As much as I dislike the man, I really miss the days of an owner who actually gave a rip about the team. Turner was good for Atlanta, and Atlanta was probably good for Ted. The Braves need an owner like a Ted Turner- someone who knows something about the game, someone who actually attends the games, and who can identify and name someone on his roster. Most importantly, they need someone who is committed to winning- to bringing a World Championship back to Atlanta, and isn't afraid to open up his wallet so that his GM can get the team what they need. Many of us fans were hoping that someone would be Mark Cuban, who has expressed interest in purchasing a MLB team, but Cuban is interested in purchasing a franchise in need of much help, and doesn't see the Braves as such a team. As per the terms of the agreement when Liberty purchased the franchise, they are now free to put the team up for sale since the collective bargaining agreement expired on December 11th. The conglomerate has not given any indication that it is looking at putting the team up for sale, but those of us who are fans can only hope that it does go up on the trading block.

Latest Addition to My Smoltzie Wantlist

2012-01-12T21:47:00.001-07:00

So, I figure I'll try to be a "Super Collector." Does anyone have 7.2 m-i-l-l-i-o-n dollars to throw my way? Yahoo sports has an article on Smoltzie putting his mansion on the market. Better yet, you can check out my future digs here.

2011 Highlights: 10,000th Win

2012-01-10T22:25:00.000-07:00

Atlanta, GA, July 15, 2011

The Atlanta Braves defeated the Washington Nationals this evening, and in doing so became only the third Major League Baseball team to reach the 10,000 victory mark. Only the Giants (10,489) and Cubs (10,277) franchises have more wins.

What Was Missing from the 2011 Braves Team?

2012-01-10T10:00:00.001-07:00

"Eddie did not start many fights, but finished several."- Donald Davidson, Braves publicity director.

What the Braves of 2011 needed was an Eddie Mathews, who provided a spark for the 1957 team. The Braves had found themselves falling to forth place by the second week in June, playing with no real consistency. Did Mathews provide the spark with his bat? With his glove? No-he provided it with his fists, as he beat the hell out of Don Drysdale after "Big D" drilled Johnny Logan with a fastball on June 13. The brawl ignited the Braves, who scrapped it out for the next two months: first place, third place, tied for 1st, second place. So it went, until at one point they took 24 out of 29- never relinquishing first place (despite an early September swoon).

"Meet Your Pallbearers!"

2012-01-09T22:51:00.019-07:00

1959 Topps #551 Fred Haney
"Meet your pallbearers gentlemen. Don't you want to meet your pallbearers?"- Manager Fred Haney, referring to reporters and photographers who entered the team's clubhouse after the Braves' third straight loss- a loss which allowed the Cardinals to climb within 2.5 games of the Braves. Milwaukee had been 8.5 games ahead of St. Louis around Labor Day-less than two weeks prior to his statement. Sound familiar? Well, the 1957 Braves would go back on a tear, winning not only the N.L. pennant, but the World Series as well.

The New Miami Marlins

2012-01-09T21:38:00.000-07:00

I have a mansion, forgot the price. Ain't never been there, they tell me it's nice. I live in hotels, tear out the walls. I have accountants pay for it all....I go to parties sometimes until four. It's hard to leave when you can't find the door. It's tough to handle this fortune and fame-everybody's so different I haven't changed. ~ Joe Walsh "Life's Been Good"

Miami Herald columnist Dan Le Batard has an excellent piece in today's Herald on how the club has taken on the identity of the city: reckless, flashy, fast, and loose. Think night-clubs, rock-stars, million-dollar mansions, yeah-that's what he's talkin' about!

Custom Cards: 1992 Upper Deck Craig Kimbrel

2012-01-08T19:38:00.000-07:00

While it's not considered one of the top sets of the past thirty years, the 1992 Upper Deck set still holds a special place in my collection. Why it does, I can't say for sure; perhaps it's because I re-entered the hobby during the 1991 baseball season, so the excitement of the Braves' worst-to-first finish carried over into the '92 release calendar. The clean design that the company was known for, as well as solid player selection, could also be a factor. Another draw, albeit a later release, was the company's '92 Minor League set that paralleled the major league set. It's certainly not because of scarcity.

Now that the calendar has turned to 2012, and spring training begins in a few weeks, I want to begin doing some custom cards that flash back to 1992. Batting First....

1992 Upper Deck Craig Kimbrel

This photo would have felt right at home in the '92 set. Who doesn't remember the awesome card of Ken Griffey Jr. from this set? It featured the Kid's sweet swing in multiple-exposure. Of course, there was also the "Prime Time's Two" insert card of Deion Sanders-which featured the two-sport star in both uniforms, once again using multiple-exposure photography.

Pink

2012-01-08T06:00:00.015-07:00

"...oh by the way, which one's Pink?"~ Pink Floyd's "Have a Cigar"

Ball players today just don't have the great nicknames of years past: Cool Papa, Cap, Chief, Whitey, even one like Pinky. Do you really think that a ball player today would want to have that moniker? What's your favorite ballplayer nickname?

Merrill 'Pinky' May

Michael 'Pinky' Higgins

William 'Pinky' Hargrave (whose brother also had an emasculating nickname- former major league catcher "Bubbles" Hargrave.)

No Wax, but a Book

2012-01-07T21:29:00.001-07:00

My wife and I celebrated our sixteenth wedding anniversary yesterday with dinner, a movie (War Horse, which I highly recommend!), and an overnight stay at a hotel. Before coming home today, we made our first ever trip to a Powell's Sweet Shoppe, followed by a trip to a local mall. For those of you who have never been to a Powell's, it a candy store that sells just about every kind of sweet imaginable. They even had gag-gift items, as well as various lunch boxes. Many of the items I remembered from my childhood, but the one thing missing was baseball cards. I thought perhaps they might have some junk wax, but it wasn't meant to be...

One thing I did find during our trip to the mall was a heavily discounted book. If there's anything that rivals my interest in cardboard, it's books. In fact, when I began collecting again, I had to (gasp) get rid of some of my books in order to have some space for my sets, binders, and storage boxes. The book that I picked up is a biography of Reggie Jackson by baseball journalist Dayn Perry. I've never been much of a fan of Mr. October, but I do enjoy baseball history-and Jackson was one of, if not the, biggest stars during my childhood. What caught my attention was actually the book cover- it reminded me of a cross between the 1967 and 1969 Topps baseball cards. I'm currently reading Steven Travers' biography of Tom Seaver, and have some other stuff on deck, but I thought for $3 I can afford to sit on this one.

Let's Go Debts

2012-01-06T06:57:00.000-07:00

The political cartoon is about three years old, but the story remains the same.

Reggie!!

2012-01-05T23:54:00.000-07:00

"When you unwrap it, it tells you how good it is."- Jim 'Catfish' Hunter, on the Reggie! Bar

1977 Topps #10
During his 1973 MVP season in Oakland , Reggie Jackson boldly stated that he would have a candy bar named after him, should he ever play in New York City. Oakland eventually traded the star to Baltimore prior to the 1976 season, where the slugger would spend only one season. Jackson then signed with the Yankees in November of 1976, where he would not only build upon his Hall of Fame credentials-but it was also the place where he would cement his place in Cooperstown. Of course we all know of the three home-runs (on three consecutive pitches!) in game 6 of the 1977 World Series, which gave the Yankees the title and elevated Jackson into the Yankees Pantheon. But how many people remember the next time Reggie and the Yankees played at home? That would be April 13, 1978, when Reggie hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the first, giving the Yankees all the runs they would need that day. Upon returning to his place in right field the next inning, Jackson was showered with the candy bar.

Money

2012-01-04T22:36:00.001-07:00

I'll buy you a diamond ring my friend
If it makes you feel alright
I'll get you anything my friend
If it makes you feel alright
'cause I don't care too much for money
Money can't buy me love "Can't Buy Me Love"- The Beatles

I'm in the high-fidelity
First class traveling set
and I think I need a Lear jet "Money"- Pink Floyd

Don't let, don't let, don't let money fool you

Money can fool people sometimes
People-don't let money, don't let money change you,
it will keep on changing, changing up your mind.- "For the Love of Money"- The O'Jays

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. 1Timothy 6:10 (ESV)

"It's gotten to the point where fans don't come to see the game anymore. They come to see MONEY get a hit, or MONEY steal a base."- Lou Brock
In regards to Lou Brock's comment...somehow I don't think that Dennis Rodman would concur.

2011 in Review: Sports Trend of the Year

2012-01-03T04:00:00.002-07:00

Seems like everyone was doing it.

Double Vision

2012-01-02T21:34:00.000-07:00

fill my eyes with that double vision
no disguise for that double vision
ooh-when it gets through to me, it's always new to me
my double vision gets the best of me.
- from Foreigner's 1978 Double Vision

2007 Topps #576 & 588

I discovered these two cards while going through some of my cards on New Year's Eve. Was I intoxicated and seeing double? No. While I do believe in moderation, I had no alcohol on New Years Eve. It must have been an oversight on Topps part.

2011 Highlights: Chipper's 2500th Hit

2012-01-01T21:51:00.000-07:00

Atlanta, GA, April 8, 2011

On the thirty-eighth anniversary of Hank Aaron's 715th home run, Chipper Jones collected his 2500th career hit during the Braves' 2011 home opener. The hit, his second on the evening, came on a sixth-inning single off of Philadelphia's Antonio Bastardo. In doing so, the Braves' third baseman became the 9th switch-hitter to reach the milestone.

Looking Back/Looking Forward

2011-12-31T22:00:00.000-07:00

I have never really said it much before, but I am glad to see this year come to a close. During the past twelve months we experienced the deaths of my dad's wife and of my beloved grandmother, as well as the historic collapse the Braves experienced in September. We saw our oldest son graduate high school, our middle child begin drivers training, and our daughter-well, there's always something when you have a little girl in the house! I did get to see the Braves live for the first time since '93, as we vacationed in Seattle this past June-that was without a doubt one of the highlights of 2011. As far as the collection goes, I knocked out quite a few dozen off of my Braves' Topps team sets, as well as add to my Chipper and Maddux PC's. The 1977 Topps set has been a fun project, and I am perhaps 20 cards from completing it. I had my sights set on acquiring more vintage cards of Hall of Famers, but I picked up far fewer than I had expected to.

As the calendar is about to turn to 2012, I thought it would be fun to look back at a few of my favorites from the past year. Please feel free to comment on what your fave's were!!
**Note: I will try to limit the choices to that which was released during 2011.

Favorite Card Designs- (tie) Topps Kimball Champions & Allen & Ginter's Minis

As I have stated before, I'm not a real fan of the Allen & Ginter standard-sized cards; but I love the minis, and the Kimball Champion minis inserted into this years Topps were absolutely beautiful. If I were to work on any other set(s) besides the 2011 base Topps set, one of these two would be my choice.

Favorite Movie-The King's Speech
Yes, it was released in the U.S. during 2010, but I didn't see it until this year. With superb acting, cinematography, screenplay, and the musical score, what's not to like about it?

Favorite Album and Song- Gillian Welch's The Harrow and The Harvest / "Scarlet Town", from same album
There's nothing more American than baseball, and no one is better in the Americana music genre than Gillian Welch. Released eight years since her last studio album, The Harrow and The Harvest once again contains the dark themes found on Welch's other works, as well as the hope for redemption in the middle of brokenness. Welch and partner David Rawlings are top-notch musicians and storytellers, whose music isn't easy to classify. If her name isn't familiar, but you have seen the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou? then you will have heard her voice, as she contributed vocals to the songs I'll Fly Away and Didn't Leave Nobody But the Baby (as well as serving as an associate producer for the soundtrack).

Favorite Book- Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

This book was actually released towards the end of 2010, but again, I didn't get to it until this spring. It is the true story of Olympic runner and WWII POW Louis Zamperini, whose will should have been crushed a hundred times over with what he experienced between 1943-1945. Despite beatings, starvation, and imprisonment, Zamperini, by the grace of God, made it back home-only to discover his struggles were not over with. Hillenbrand, the author of Seabiscuit, is a masterful writer, and I will be looking to read her future works.

Looking ahead for 2012, I would like to continue adding to the Maddux and Chipper collections- and possibly adding one or two other players to my collection, blog more consistently, and continue working on my Topps Braves collection (which I am missing about 300 cards from '52-'03). One thing I might try is to keep track of the cards I am able to mark off my list-it might be fun to see how far I've come by the end of the year.

I hope your New Year is a safe and happy one, and that the coming year is a successful one for your collecting endeavors (not to mention family, work, etc- you know, the ones that really matter!)

Van Horner

2011-12-28T07:00:00.003-07:00

Beginning with an opening track that featured car horns (recorded and played at a slower speed) and a bass line that made your windows vibrate, Van Halen exploded onto the music scene in 1978 with its debut album simply entitled Van Halen. The band, which in three years of playing the L.A. club scene had become somewhat of a local legend, would see that legend grow even more as guitar virtuoso Eddie Van Halen would quickly redefine the instrument- influencing thousands of aspiring musicians/guitarists. And while not gifted with much of a voice, Diamond David Lee Roth became known more for his vaudeville-type antics on stage and his sexual escapades off stage than for his musical talents. The first of six studio albums (in six years!!) featuring Roth wasn't their best, in my opinion (that would be Fair Warning), but it is definitely a 'classic.' Nineteen Eighty-Six's "5150" was the first to feature Sammy Hagar; it also marked, again-in my opinion, the end of the band's career...until now. Yes, that's right- if you haven't heard, the boys are back with an upcoming tour and album. I didn't catch them on their 2007/2008 reunion tour, but I will be interested to see if they've got anything left in the tank. It's been a long time since an album (esp. with Roth!), and I'm really hoping that their upcoming release contains the same fire and "brown sound" that accompanied their first four albums.

Though I prefer the original line-up, I did get an opportunity to meet the Van Hagar lineup (thanks to winning a contest at the local music shop) on October 19, 1986 during their 5150 tour, which for a guitar-playing teen was a dream come true!

Former Brave Bob Horner had a meteoric rise much like Van Halen's, as well as a career that somewhat parallels that of the band. Horner was the 1978 Golden Spikes Award Winner (the first to win the award), which is given to the top collegiate baseball player each year, and MVP of the 1977 College World Series. Taken by the Braves with the first overall pick in the June 1978 amateur draft, Horner went straight to the majors upon signing his professional contract-and never appeared in the minor leagues. During his rookie season, Horner hit 23 home runs (which led all N.L. third basemen) and won the N.L. Rookie of the Year Award. The slugging third baseman would go on to be a productive hitter, when he was healthy. Various injuries plagued Horner throughout his career, limiting him to only 960 games while in a Braves uniform (from '78 to '86)-and only twice did he even appear in 140 games during a season. When collusion took place prior to the 1987 season, Horner was forced to go to Japan, where he played for one season. It was a move that reminds me of that of Van Halen once Diamond Dave was fired and Hagar was hired: it just wasn't the majors, baby.

Christmas Cards

2011-12-26T20:28:00.000-07:00

In what I'm hoping will be an annual tradition (2 years running now), my beloved wife surprised me with a couple of vintage Topps cards. The good folks at DeansCards.com supplied the goods, once again.

1959 Topps #212 Fence Busters /Aaron-Mathews

"I didn't remember Aaron at first, and there was no reason I should have. Regulars don't pay much attention to rookies, and he wasn't even on our roster." ~ Eddie Mathews on rookie Henry Aaron during Spring Training 1954.

1962 Topps #588 Birdie Tebbetts George Robert Tebbetts- nicknamed "Birdie" due to his high-pitched voice and being very talkative. A catcher during his major league playing career, Tebbetts was an exceptional defender, being named to the All-Star team four times.

December 2011 Card Show #3

2011-12-21T21:29:00.000-07:00

1954 Topps #68 Sammy Calderone/ 1953 Topps #197 Del Crandall

It ain't easy playing second fiddle to a man who is an eight-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner, as was Crandall. Having been traded from the New York Giants to the Milwaukee Braves (along with Bobby Thomson) in February of 1954, Sam Calderone found himself in that very position. As a Giant, he had appeared in 69 games over two seasons (1950 & 1953-missing the '51 and '52 seasons while serving in the military),while logging in only 141 at-bats. His stay with the Braves would be for only one season, as he would spend the next four seasons in the minors, never returning to the Majors.
Two of Calderone's career highlights: (defensive)- he started both games of an Opening Day doubleheader for the Portland Beavers, catching all 26 innings (the first game went 9 innings, the second went 17 innings). (Offensively)- His only major league home run came during the second game of a double header on August 17, 1950. Oh, yeah, it just so happened to be an inside-the-park home run, and it came two innings before Dodger great Pee Wee Reese hit his inside-the-park homer.

1969 Carlton Fisk

2011-12-20T22:11:00.001-07:00

"In '69 I was twenty-one and I called the road my own"- Running on Empty (Jackson Browne)

Carlton Fisk made his major league debut on September 18, 1969 at the age of twenty-one, just two years after being the fourth overall pick in the January phase of the amateur draft. Pudge wouldn't make his cardboard debut until 1972, when he appeared on a Topps card with two other Red Sox rookies (Mike Garman and Cecil Cooper). So in honor of #27 (or, 72-depending on which team you're a fan of), I've done a 'pre-rookie' card.

December 2011 Card Show #2

2011-12-19T20:39:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest surprises during the Braves' 2011 was the emergence of Cristhian Martinez as a dependable long-relief guy. In his forty-six appearances, Cristhian went 2+ innings twenty times- which was huge, given that manager Fredi Gonzalez overworked the O'Ventbrel. Perhaps his most memorable moment this past season was the six-innings he provided during the June 26th marathon against the Pirates- a 19-inning affair that Atlanta won. In that game, Martinez only allowed two hits, while striking out six. Martinez entered the game with runners on base in sixteen of those appearances, and for the season allowed seven of his 27 inherited runners to score. Not only was he fairly effective in preventing inherited runners from scoring, but he was also prevented hitters from getting on base: his K/BB rate was around 3, his WHIP at 0.966, and had a line of .197/.255/.331

2011 Bowman Platinum Cristhian Martinez #BAR-CM
I have had my eyes on some Martinez auto/relic cards on the 'bay for some time, but hadn't pulled the trigger yet. Thankfully, I found one at this past weekend's card show, picking it up for a meager $4.

Hey Kiddies, Eat Your Baseball Cards

2011-12-18T22:19:00.000-07:00

The first eight cards in the 1977 Topps baseball set were ones which featured League Leaders, and so for the first card in this year's set to feature a single player, Topps chose Doug Rader of the Padres.

Wild. Eccentric. Flake. Intelligent. Those are just some of the words used to describe Rader. The Red Rooster, as he was nick named, was a third baseman known for his great defense and his mercurial temper. Peter Gammons wrote a great piece for SI back in '89 that paints a much better picture of the guy than I ever could. You can read it here.

Perhaps my favorite Rader story: when asked by former pitcher Jim Bouton if he had any advice for Little Leaguers, the unpredictable Rader said, "Sure, they should chew the gum that comes with baseball cards, and then they should eat the cards. Bubble-gum cards are very good in a Little Leaguer's diet."

``Just any bubble-gum cards?`` Bouton wondered.

``No,`` Rader replied. ``They should only eat the cards of the good ballplayers. Say you got a kid who`s 5-foot-1. Let him eat a Willie McCovey card. Willie`s 6-4. The kid may grow. You never can tell.``

December 2011 Card Show #1

2011-12-17T23:07:00.006-07:00

Being the week before Christmas must mean that it's time for our quarterly card show. That's right, instead of shopping for gifts for my wife, I spent the morning shopping for myself. Thankfully, I took care of my Christmas shopping already so I needn't feel guilty. On to some of the purchases...

1969 Topps Deckle Edge #17 Felipe Alou
This is only the second Deckle Edge I have ever owned. As a kid, my aunt gave me one of Rod Carew; I no longer have it, but you can't forget the scallop-like sides of the cards. I think my wife and daughter have a pair of scissors for doing scrap booking that will give you the same effect. Perhaps I should try it out on a cheap common card. Anyways, this card is from my birth year, so I'm not old enough to remember Felipe as a player. Always respected the man as a manager, and his kid was one of my favorite players while he was active.

1963 Post Cereal #157 Tony Cloninger
What seemed to be a common practice in my childhood (as well as before and after), this 'value added' feature isn't so common anymore. I can't recall the last time I saw a cereal product, cheese, pizza, etc. offer a trading card either inside of the box or as part of the box-as these Post Cereal cards were. It's too bad. You want to introduce kids to cards? Do this again, and forget about the stupid Topps Attax- type of garbage. You hear me, Topps? If you can't do it right, then maybe someone else should.

2558 Plus 1

2011-12-16T20:37:00.003-07:00

So, the career leader in walks has added to his total, huh? It must be tough having to be confined to 30 days of house arrest-especially when you live in a mansion the size of a small country.

1977 Topps #8 Leading Fireman

2011-12-15T21:48:00.004-07:00

Beginning in the year 1960, The Sporting News magazine awarded its annual TSN Fireman of the Year award to the top closer in each league. And while it was the first award to officially recognize relievers as a specific class of players, the voting was based solely upon subjective criteria-unlike its counterpart, MLB's Rolaids Relief Award, which was based upon a points system. The Fireman of the Year Award was a tradition that continued for 41 years, until the name was changed to Reliever of the Year, which allowed all relievers to be eligible. I personally think they should have stuck with the original name. Looking at the Reliever of the Year winners from 2001-2011, I do not see any one that wasn't a closer the year in which he won.

After having his best major league season in 1976, in which he went 11-5 with a 2.06 ERA and 26 saves, Eastwick began the 1977 season in Cincinnati-appearing in 23 games. Eastwick, however, became embroiled in a contract dispute with the front office and was traded in June to St. Louis. Rawly struggled in his only season in St. Louis, and spent the next season in New York (Yankees) and Philadelphia.

Bill Campbell appeared in a league high 78 games for Minnesota during the 1976 season. While he only had 20 saves that year, he did put up 17 wins for the Twins (not to mention a league high .773 winning percentage). Then, prior to the 1977 season, Soup signed with the Red Sox as a free agent-where he actually had a better season than the one he had for the Twins. Campbell would win his second straight (and final) Fireman of the Year Award in 1977, while earning his only All Star appearance.

New York City/1989 Topps Mets Leaders

2011-12-15T05:00:00.004-07:00

I saw a rainbow stretched across the ocean

Crashed the Big Apple

So I took a bite, found a taste I like

but she bit me back.

I jumped across the ocean

Found a Big Apple

So I took a bite, she teased me with a taste

Laid my soul to waste

Stabbed me in the back.

Pressure never stops

Pressure never drops....

....Hell's Kitchen is a DMZ, I ain't never comin' back...

"New York City" from The Cult's 1989 Sonic Temple album

and so went the career of Darryl Strawberry.

One of the more well known feuds between teammates took place during the New York Mets' 1989 photo day. Team captain Keith Hernandez and slugger Darryl Strawberry had been at odds for some time, but the final straw (pun intended) came when writer Bob Klapisch, in a moment of spite, informed Straw that Hernandez had, in 1988, tried to persuade reporters that teammate Kevin McReynolds deserved the MVP. That same evening, the two teammates nearly came to blows at a Port St. Lucie bar. The next day, which was team photo day, a photographer tried to position the two next to one another-only to have a fight break out in which the two threw hooks that may not have been as strong as the hook in The Cult's "New York City", but hooks none the less. How appropriate it was then that Topps captured the two on its 1989 Mets' "Leaders" card (along with the aforementioned Kevin McReynolds).

1977 Topps #6 ML Strikeout Leaders Ryan/Seaver

2011-12-06T22:07:00.000-07:00

It's interesting that these two friends and former Mets teammates are featured together on a 1977 card-which happened to be the year that Seaver forced his way out of New York after a Daily News article by columnist Dick Young claimed, among other things, that Tom and his wife Nancy were jealous of Ryan making more money than Tom Terrific. It was a column which Seaver claimed "was the straw that broke the back." Prior to the publication of the article, Seaver had agreed to a contract extension and had told Mets GM Joe McDonald, who was in discussions with Cincinnati about a trade for the ace, not to continue any further in trade talks. Needless to say, after being informed of the article, Tom was enraged and demanded to be shipped out of town. Traded to Cincinnati for four young players, Seaver would start 20 games for the Reds in '77-going 14-3 with 14 complete games, 4 shutouts, a 2.34 ERA, and 124 Ks in 165.1 IP.

The Ryan Express won his fifth strikeout title in '77, finishing with 341 Ks in 299 IP and completing 22 of his 37 starts. Ryan finish with double digits in strikeouts twenty times during the season, including tying his career-high of 19 on June 8 against the Blue Jays.

Southbound

2011-11-27T22:40:00.000-07:00

"Well I'm southbound, Lord, I'm comin' home to you. Well I'm southbound baby, Lord, I'm comin' home to you..." 'Southbound' - The Allman Brothers Band

In August of 1973, the Allman Brothers released the album Brothers and Sisters, which was the first album they recorded completely after the 1971 death of guitarist and leader Duane Allman (1972's Eat A Peach included songs with Allman, recorded before his death). The album would hit number 1 in the U.S. in September, and spent the next five weeks atop the U.S. albums chart. The band's two biggest hits, Jessica and Ramblin' Man (which peaked at #2 on the singles chart), were included on the release-as was the song Soundbound- a fast and lively uptempo song with its guitars and piano churning out bluesy licks.

Acquired off waivers on August 7th of 1973, just two days after brother Phil pitched a no-hitter verses the Padres, Joe Niekro found himself southbound. Having spent three seasons in Detroit, where he worked as both a starter and reliever, Joe had actually spent the first four-plus months of the '73 season in AAA Toledo, pitching in 26 games before the wire claim. Once in Atlanta, Joe was re-acquainted with the knuckleball that his father taught he and his brother-and his career would never be the same. While he would not use the knuckleball as his primary pitch, it did allow him to mix it in with his fastball, change-up, and slider-and he would go on to win 221 games over the course of his 22 year career.

Barry Bonds is...Simon the Magician

2011-11-26T20:11:00.004-07:00

Simon Magus sought to purchase the power of the Holy Spirit in order to draw paying "customers" to see him display his "magic". Sound familiar?

Acts 8:9-22 (ESV)

9 But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. 10 They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” 11 And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.

14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then, they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”20 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.

Palmer & Jones: Junk, Hair, and the Cy Young Award

2011-11-22T22:35:00.001-07:00

1977 Topps #5

This card features two pitchers who, despite being the Cy Young Award winners while leading their respective leagues in wins during the 1976 season, are perhaps best known for something other than their on the field performance.

Palmer, whose career was a model of consistency, was known for pitching Jockey underware. Unlike Palmer, Jones' junk was on display out on the field-not a poster. Ask most collectors what they remember about Jones, however, and you will probably hear a reference to his 'fro. While we only get a sneak peak of it here, Jones' regular card in the '77 set shows it in its full glory. Palmer, on the other hand, looks every bit the "pretty boy" with his feathered hair. Palmer would later pitch Brylcream. Figures.

A Terdo at Third is Worth Two at First Base

2011-11-19T23:15:00.000-07:00

or something like that.

As Chipper's career is racing towards the end of the finish line, there's been a lot of talk about who his replacement will be. Should the team look to eventually package prospects for a veteran or perhaps trade for a guy who is on the cusp of being a productive starter at the major league level? Would Martin Prado be the guy? Of course, there's also a great prospect in the lower minors-Edward Salcedo, who was used quite a bit at third base for Class A Rome this year. The guy who I find intriguing, however, is first baseman-turned third baseman Joey Terdoslavich. "Terdo", as he's affectionately known as, is a switch-hitter who absolutely killed the ball at high Class-A Lynchburg this season, where he had 74 XBH and a .867 OPS. Oh yes, I forgot to mention he hit 20 homers and 52 doubles-breaking the 65 year old Carolina League record for two-base hits. The Braves sent Terdo to the prospect-laden Arizona Fall League, where he has continued to see his stock climb. As of Monday, Joey had 11 XBH in 80 at-bats and a .427 OBP. Apparently playing in the spotlight doesn't affect him either: Turdo went 3-3 with a double and a three-run homer in the recent AFL Rising Stars game, which featured the "cream of the crop" in terms of prospects. If you're looking for a "J-Terd" (another great nickname!) card from Topps 2011 Pro Debut or Heritage Minor League Baseball, forget it-they didn't include him in either set. And while he entered the season as a relatively unknown prospect, I'm sure Topps won't overlook him again next year.

Michael Bourn--2012 Topps Team USA Cards

2011-11-15T22:11:00.004-07:00

I really like the design for the upcoming 2012 Topps USA Baseball cards, which Beckett previewed today. I liked it so much, in fact, that I used its design for this Michael Bourn card. It will be interesting to see what kind of production Atlanta will get from the Bourn Identity in 2012 as it will be his free-agent year.

Rookies of the Year

2011-11-14T22:19:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Jeremy Hellickson and Craig Kimbrel, this year's AL and NL Rookies of the Year, respectively.

Just a few tidbits about Braves players and ROY voting:

~Kimbrel became the fifth Atlanta Brave to win the ROY. Past winners include: Rafael Furcal (2000), David Justice (1990), Bob Horner (1978), and Earl Williams (1971).

~By finishing 1st and 2nd this year, Kimbrel and Freddie Freeman became only the second teammates to finish 1-2 in the voting. The others? Remember Jerome Walton and Dwight Smith with the '89 Cubs?

~This is the forth straight year that the Braves have placed someone in the top 3 for NL ROY. The others have been Jair Jurrjens (3rd in 2008), Tommy Hanson (3rd in 2009), Jayson Heyward (2nd in 2010).

With Julio Teheran, Randall Delgado, Arodys Vizcaino still maintaining rookie status for 2012, it will be interesting to see if Atlanta can add any more names to these lists. One darkhorse to consider: shortstop Tyler Pastornicky, who some Braves player development personnel believe is ready for the majors-according to ESPN's Jim Bowden.

1966 Topps #168 Dan Osinski

2011-11-12T20:13:00.004-07:00

Osinski, who played for six teams during eight seasons in the majors, was a hard-throwing relief pitcher whom the Braves acquired from the Angles prior to the 1965 season. During his only season in the Braves organization, Osinski pitched in a career high 61 games while recording a career high in saves (6) and posting an ERA of 2.82 (second lowest of career). As noted on the back of the card, "Dan was traded to the Red Soxs December 15, 1965." Yes, they actually printed Soxs. As an added value, Topps also threw in a different font on the date. Nice touch.

Perhaps Topps should have included this as the write-up on the back of his card: "[Dan]...forever etched his name in Angels lore one night when he picked up sportswriter Bud Tucker and dangled him by his heels out of the window of a 15th floor hotel suite. Tucker, who was famous for his one-liners, later said his only fear was that somebody would hand Osinski a drink and the pitcher would drop him reaching for it." (from Tales from the Angels Dugout by Steve Bisheff)

2011 Bowman's Chrome Future Die-Cut Arodys Vizcaino

2011-11-09T21:50:00.003-07:00

In a radio interview with ESPN radio yesterday, Braves GM Frank Wren commented that the Braves currently have eight starting pitchers on the roster: Tim Hudson, Jair Jurrjens, Tommy Hanson, Brandon Beachy, Mike Minor, Julio Teheran, Randall Delgado, and Kris Medlen. The one name not mentioned was super prospect Arodys Vizcaino, who Baseball America just rated as the number 2 prospect in the Braves system. Vizcaino moved up the ladder quite quickly in '11 after missing a chunk of 2010 with an arm injury. He began the year at High A Lynchburg, where he started 9 games before moving on to AA Mississippi. Eight starts and three relief appearances later, the kid found himself at AAA Gwinnett-where he appeared in all of six games (all in relief, as he was being prepared to help the big league club down the stretch). Summoned to Atlanta on August 10th after Scott Proctor was released, Vizcaino ended up with seventeen K's in 17.1 innings and a WHIP of 1.442-which the twenty-year old righty should improve upon with experience. With a log jam of starting pitchers ahead of him, Arod's future very well may be out of the 'pen- where he could be very dominating with his mid-high 90s fastball, sharp curveball, and solid changeup.

In picking up this card, I went a little bit out of the norm since I primarily buy base Topps products. The card itself is reminiscent of those insert cards of the 90s. Interesting fact from the back of card: Vizzy hails from the same Dominican hometown as Michael Pineda. How would you like to have been opposing those two while growing up?

1962 Topps #289 Mike Krsnich

2011-11-08T20:15:00.003-07:00

Former Milwaukee Brave Mike Krsnich could be defined as a well-traveled baseball player. Mike began his professional career in 1950 as an 18 year-old infielder with the Bradford Phillies of the Pennsylvania-Ontario-New York league. Over the course of his seventeen year career Krsnich played in about every minor league imaginable. Those leagues included teams in America, Canada, Japan, and Mexico-where he ended his career in 1969. Oh, yes-he also spent time in Korea during 1952 & 1953 as he performed military service in the Korean War. His big league service was very short lived, as he appeared in only 15 games during the 1960 and 1962 seasons. By making the Braves team in 1960, he became the first player from the immediate Milwaukee area to make the Braves major league club.

The back of his 1962 card states, "this season he is determined to stick." Well, Mike made the team coming out of spring training but was done by May 19th. For the year, he had only 1 hit in 12 at bats.

1977 Topps #4 1976 Stolen Base Leaders

2011-11-01T22:18:00.000-06:00

One of the great things about baseball is that it is played in small town, USA as well as in larger metropolitan areas. Having grown up in the former, we didn't have access to major league games- but whenever on vacation in Washington or California, my dad would make sure we were able to take in a game(s). During one such summer, 1980, we attended a Giants and Astros game in San Francisco, where I had an opportunity to have a conversation with Giants lead-off hitter Bill North. Being an eleven-year old kid (and a person who's generally shy), the thought of striking up a conversation with a major-league player should have terrified me; but as North was signing an autograph for me, I somehow summoned the courage to ask him if he remembered playing ball in my hometown of Caldwell, Idaho. An affable fellow (well, perhaps Reggie wouldn't agree), he replied that he did; in fact, he played his first year of minor league ball there, in 1969, while with the Cubs. What a small world, that was the year I was born! Surprised that a kid would know such a thing, I explained to him that I had read it in that staple of my youth, Who's Who in Baseball. I don't remember what else was said, but I really treasured that ball-for a few years, at least.

Four years prior to my encounter with him, Bill North led the A.L. in stolen bases for the second time in three years. Seventy-Six would be the last time he would be a league leader in stolen bases-which meant that this '77 card would be his final claim to cardboard fame as someone other than a "common." A year after meeting him, Bill North would retire from baseball with 395 career steals, while being caught 162 times. Good for a stolen base percentage of .709-a number which, quite frankly, surprised me.

Lopes, on the other hand, was far more successful at stealing bases than was North. Of players who have stolen over 400 bases, Lopes ranks third all-time in stolen base percentage, at 83.01% (trailing only Tim Raines and Willie Wilson). And, like North, 1976 was the second and final time that Lopes would be a league leader in steals. So successful was he in the art of base stealing, that in 1975 he broke a 53-year old MLB record by stealing 38 consecutive bases without getting caught. His record would last until 1989, when Vince Coleman would steal 50 consecutive bases.

I never had the pleasure of meeting Lopes, but the one thing about him that has always stood out in my mind is that cool cop 'stache. The day that Davey began sporting that thing was the day that Phil Garner met his match.

Knucksie Nameplate

2011-10-27T22:29:00.003-06:00

Today's mail included a Knucksie Nameplate:

2011 Topps Leather Nameplate MGL-PN

Known primarily for the knuckleball that would help prolong his career and contribute to his 318 career victories, Niekro actually had a really good glove. Whether this is the reason Topps included him in this insert set, I know not-but the man did win 5 gold gloves over the course of his career and ranks fourth in putouts by a pitcher.

Sweet Shots- Ryan Roberts

2011-10-26T21:31:00.004-06:00

2011 Topps Update #US237 Ryan Roberts

One of the advantages collectors have had during the past thirty years has been the use of action shots (with regularity) by the card manufacturers. No longer does our collection consist of just portraits and posed shots. Sure, there were some actions photos prior to that-but they were few and far between; for the most part the cardboard back then was pretty plain (which, in my opinion, isn't necessarily a bad thing). Looking back at those vintage cards, you won't find anything like this card, and I certainly can't recall many action shots on more recent cards that are better than this one of Ryan Roberts. In it, the D-Backs third sacker looks as if he is about ready to plant his face into the railing, which makes the viewer want to brace himself for the whiplash Roberts would have to endure. A look at Ryan's glove reveals what appears to be the ball seen through the webbing-there's no doubt that he grabbed this one! The picture also captures the awesome facial expression and body language of the fan who probably wet himself during this play-how would you like to be captured on this one? A quick search on Google, and I found that this play took place during the April 26th game in Phoenix against the Phillies. With the bases loaded and two outs in the top of the third, Daniel Hudson got Raul Ibanez to foul out to Roberts as the Diamondbacks righty escaped the inning with only one run being scored. And like so often happens after a great defensive play, Roberts came to bat in the bottom of that inning and plated a run, giving the D-Backs a 5-2 lead.

2011 Topps Update Silk Collection- Joe Mather

2011-10-24T22:09:00.004-06:00

Why Topps decided to include a Silk card of Joe Mather in the Update set is beyond me. The Braves claimed Mather off waivers from the Cardinals last fall, hoping he would provide depth in the outfield (as well as possibly the infield), and a power right-handed bat they so desperately needed. I heard some comparisons to Jason Werth (would that be the Philadelphia JW, or the guy who played in Tor, LA, and Wa?) Well, that experiment lasted about three months, as he was gone by late June. The Braves might have done better by going after Jerry Mathers (aka The Beaver), since Joe hit 2 points under his weight (.213) with 1 home run and 9 RBI. The sad thing is, most of his "damage" was done in a three-game series at Anaheim, were he went 7-12 with a homer and 5 RBI. I attribute his success that weekend to it being an A.L. team facing him for the first time. Take away those three games and he hit .143 during his time in the ATL. Not exactly the kind of performance that warrants being included in such a limited numbered insert set (no-he's not even included in the base update set). And since I normally don't mess with the Silk Cards, I had no intentions of trying to pick up a card of this short-timer. And yet, the guy did provide a little bit of magic this season while on the team, so when the card came up on an auction, I took a flyer on it and grabbed it for $3.25. He certainly wasn't the first player to be included in my team set despite his lack of production, and Lord knows there will be others after him.

1977 Topps #3 RBI Leaders

2011-10-22T22:48:00.004-06:00

1977 Topps #3 1976 RBI Leaders Lee May/George Foster

In my mind, George Foster and Lee May (the league leaders in 1976 for RBI's) stand out more for their side burns than for their bats. That being said, Foster did win the 1977 N.L. MVP award after hitting 52 home runs and driving in 149 runs, and in doing so became the only man to hit over 50 home runs in a season since 1965 (when Willie Mays 52). No one else would reach that feat until 1990-when Cecil Fielder clubbed 51. Foster would go on to hit 348 homers during his career while driving in 1239 runs and hitting .274, but the first thing that still comes to mind are those "L"-shaped sideburns. The style was a good one for Foster's facial features: long face, high cheekbones, and pointed chin. May, on the other hand, sported the "Lamb Chops"-which seemed to compliment his round (very round!) face. While his side burns were distinct from Foster's, Big Lee's career numbers almost mirrored George's: 354 home runs, 1244 RBI's, and a .267 avg.

The New McKenzie Brothers: Boston Brew

2011-10-20T23:06:00.003-06:00

It's been almost thirty years since one of my all-time favorite movies (Strange Brew) was released, and I believe a whole new generation needs to be introduced to the McKenzie Brothers. Let's hope there's not a remake featuring these two hosers, ah.

Jon Lester Highlights

2011-10-19T22:59:00.004-06:00

That Red Sox starting pitcher Jon Lester reportedly admitted to drinking beer in the clubhouse with teammates Josh Beckett and John Lackey neither surprised nor shocked me; I was shocked to find out that they were drinking Bud Light while playing in a town known to have better alternatives with it's many local breweries. Bottoms up, boys!

Maddux Milestones Win #1

2011-10-19T21:55:00.000-06:00

1993 Topps Traded #54T Greg Maddux

At one time I had far more cards of Greg Maddux in my collection than I currently have. When I got out of collecting around 2002 or so, the only items I kept were my Braves base Topps cards, with everything else being dumped as a lot. Thus, I wasn't left with very many cards of the Professor. I'm hoping to change that, though, as I am going to start picking up some (hopefully as large lots for cheap on the 'Bay). My goal is to get one for each of the 355 wins that Maddux picked up over the course of his illustrious career. Might do the same for each of Chipper's home runs; would choose Eddie Mathews, but I don't think he has that many cards.

Anyways, back to the Professor. Maddux made his major league debut on September 2, 1986 as a twenty-year old. He pitched one inning of relief and took the loss that day against the Astros-the first of only four games in which the future hall of famer would pitch out of the bullpen. Entering the tied game in the top of the 18th inning, Greg got Craig Reynolds to ground out to second base to start off the inning. The second hitter, Billy Hatcher, took Maddux deep for the go-ahead (and game-winning) home run. Five days later, he picked up a win in his next appearance-which also happened to be his first start. Pitching in Cincinnati on September 7th, Greg went the distance, allowing 3 earned runs on 11 hits, while picking up the first of 355 wins. I don't have the cash to pick up one of Mad Dog's minor league cards from 1986, and couldn't find a good color photo to create one. So, that left me with using my favorite Maddux card for his first career win. Why a base Topps? Well, it was the first card from the base Topps (my fave cards to collect) featuring Maddux in a Braves uniform.

Non-Sports Custom Card: Sweet Johnny

2011-10-11T21:36:00.006-06:00

I've recently got hooked on the Netflix reruns of My Name is Earl, and one of the funnier episodes I've seen is the one entitled "Sweet Johnny". Guest star David Arquette (the former Mr. Courtney Cox) plays the character of Sweet Johnny, a local stuntsman who at one time had quite the following in Camden. Johnny's 'sweet' stunts often left him laid up in bed with injuries, but little did he know that Earl was behind it all- encouraging ridiculously dangerous stunts so that he might have relations with Johnny's girlfriend. And so we know which bad deed 'karma' wants Earl to make up for. Problem is, when Earl goes to confess, he finds out (the hard way) that Johnny has suffered too many head injuries and has a hard time with short term memory. This leads to scenes similar to Groundhog Day-where the character seems to be encountering the same scene day after day. I guess I ought to built upon this and make a relic card, featuring a piece of Johnny's SWEET rat-tail.

2011 Chopps Update #17 Jose Constanza

2011-10-10T22:48:00.001-06:00

We have seen many protests against the war and against Wall Street in recent weeks, but I am going to address another protest here today- a protest against bouncers who prevented dancers from pogoing in clubs in the early 80's. Written as a protest against the aforementioned bouncers, as well as a call for freedom of expression, "The Safety Dance" by Canadian band Men Without Hats peaked at #3 in Billboards Hot 100 chart. The video, featuring a disturbing midget (who has his own Facebook page, apparently), a maypole, and Punch and Judy puppet show (among other things) is pure 80's, and checked in at #17 on VH1's 100 Greatest One Hit

Wonders of the 80s. While I had not heard of "Boom Boom Boom, Let's Go Back to My Room" or the guy who sang it, I am familiar with this song. So familiar with it was I, that my wife and I spoofed it when my daughter was just a toddler. Our version, The Baby Dance, was much better. Believe me.

The only protest that surrounded 2011 Braves one-hit wonder (?) Jose Constanza had to do with the fact that he came up from AAA in July, caught lightning in a bottle, and caused phenom

Jason Heyward to ride the bench for a few weeks. Certain fans didn't like it, and voiced their opinion loudly. Who knows, perhaps time will show that Heyward was a one-hit wonder in 2010. Anyway, like the previous one-hit wonder, Bob "Hurricane" Hazle, Georgie (Jose's nickname, after George Constanza on Seinfeld) toiled in the minor leagues for years before getting his shot at the major league level. Making his Braves debut on July 29th (which was the same date Hazle made his Braves debut), and wearing #17, Constanza made the most of his opportunity while providing a much-needed boost to the team. Utilizing his ability to put the ball into play, Georgie used his greatest asset (his speed) to put pressure on opposing pitchers and defenders- and that success at getting on base translated into Braves wins. Until an ankle injury on August 22nd forced him to the bench, Constanza had hit .372 and stole seven bases. After the injury, Jose hit only .129 in 31 at-bats (over 19 games), and was 0-2 in stolen base attempts. I won't say that the team's collapse was due to its hottest hitter getting injured, but it is interesting to see the success of the team when Constanza was healthy and starting (16-7) compared to after his injury (11-21). I was very disappointed that Topps didn't include a card of the speedy Constanza in its recent Update set-perhaps a card that featured him licking his bat would have been a popular one.

Since they overlooked him, I've decided to give him his own card; unfortunately, I had a heck of a time trying to match the font used for the players' names.

One Hit Wonder- Bob Hazle

2011-10-08T22:12:00.007-06:00

A couple of years ago, my wife and I were watching VH1's "100 Greatest One Hit Wonders of the '80s." Having spent our teenage years during that forgettable time period, we had a good laugh reconnecting to some of the awful music from our adolescence. While my primary musical interests lie in classic rock, I am fairly eclectic in music tastes-so, I am familiar with much of the cheesy stuff from those teenage years (thank you, MTV). One artist I was not familiar with is Paul Lekakis, whose one hit wonder "Boom Boom Boom, Let's Go Back to My Room" came in at #83. The song peaked at #43 on the Billboard Top 100 in 1987, which led Lekakis to a record deal with Sire Records ("Boom Boom Boom" had been released on a German label). Subsequent releases by Lekakis also fell into the dance music genre. No wonder I had never heard of him! And-surprise- a visit to his official website reveals that he is, indeed, trying to live off of the past fame of his only US hit. Lekakis in later years revealed that he was at one time a male prostitute who had tested positive for HIV. I guess his music wasn't all that blows.

1958 Topps #83 Bob Hazle

Thirty years earlier, there was another 'one-hit wonder' who blew into town- not on the streets, but on the diamond. In the midst of the tight 1957 pennant race, Milwaukee lost outfielder Bill Bruton for the rest of the season when he suffered a torn right knee ligament. Two days later, his replacement Andy Pafko was injured while making a sliding catch. Desperate for help, the Braves were about to call up Earl Hersh from AAA as insurance, but instead brought up Bob "Hurricane" Hazle per the recommendation of AAA manager Ben Geragty. Hazle, a South Carolina native, was primarily a career minor leaguer who had a handful of appearances for the Reds in '55. Bob had been given the nickname "Hurricane" in 1954 while playing winter ball in Venezuela. (The coast between North Carolina and Hazle's South Carolina had been hit by a category 4 hurricane- Hurricane Hazel- that October). Despite a career best in average, homers, and RBI during the 1955 season, Cincinnati traded the hurricane to Milwaukee during spring training, 1956.

During that '57 season, there was no stopping Hazle once he got into the Braves lineup. From July 31st through August 24, Hazle was torching NL pitchers for a .526 average, and the Braves had gained a 6 game lead in the Senior Circuit. Bob went on to record eight games that summer in which he recorded at least three-hits (three of those being 4-hit games), including a 3-3, 2-HR, 6-RBI performance vs. Philadelphia, and a 4-7 game with 3 doubles and 2 RBI against the Cubs. At the end of the regular season, Hazle finished hitting .403/.477/.649 with 7 HR, 27 RBI, and 18 walks compared to only 15 Ks. All of this led Hall of Fame third baseman Eddie Mathews to say, "I don't know what happens to suddenly make a minor league ballplayer into Babe Ruth, but Hazle was right out of the 'Twilight Zone.' We were hangin in there pretty well before he arrived, but he just picked us up." Another Hall of Famer, Red Shoendienst commented, "He was hotter than a firecracker. Every time he swung the bat, it seemed like he got a base hit." Despite his torrid August and September (well, for half of it, anyways), Hazle cooled off once the Braves reached the World Series. The Yankees held Bob to a .154 average in 13 at-bats. His only two hits came in game 7, albeit they were crucial ones, as the Braves went on to win their only title while in Milwaukee. After that magical year, Hurricane Hazle would record only 114 more major league at bats (in '58, split between Milwaukee and Detroit), and then spent the following two seasons in the minors before calling it a career.

Squirrel Card Variation

2011-10-06T15:21:00.003-06:00

Chopps cards wouldn't be legit without producing variations-so, I present to you...the @BuschSquirrel's (aka rally squirrel) rookie card variation!

2012 Heritage Preview: @BuschSquirrel

2011-10-05T23:45:00.005-06:00

Down Goes Schafer! Down Goes Schafer! Down Goes Schafer!

2011-10-04T21:47:00.005-06:00

Is that a jailhouse jumper suit-or have the Astros gone to an all-orange jersey top?
Well, I hate to admit it, but I was one who thought that former Braves outfielder Jordan Schafer had turned a corner in his career by overcoming a wrist injury that plagued him for a year and a half, as well as by maturing in character. Well, apparently he's still got a lot of growing up to do. The latest "Red Foreman Dumbass of the Month" was pulled over last night due to expired tags on his Range Rover, only to be busted with a joint in his left hand, three marijuana-laced peanut butter cups, and 25.9 grams of Mary Jane in the rig (of which he took ownership of). Forget injuries and struggles at the plate, Jordan's got worse problems now- he's being charged with felony drug possession.

Kind of makes one question his claim of innocence after testing positive on a drug test (HGH) in 2008, in which he served a 50 game suspension.

Who Said Derek Lowe is a Bum?

2011-10-03T20:28:00.004-06:00

Derek Lowe- in happier times

Perhaps the least popular member of the Atlanta Braves today is Derek Lowe. Well, manager Fredi Gonzalez is a very close second, but he's the manager-and is apparently not to blame (still being employed, and all). After the colossal collapse that occurred over the course of the final month of the season, Lowe seems to have become the whipping boy for many Braves fans. He is, after all, the $15 million dollar man. Problem is, while he did eat almost two-hundred innings, he only turned in thirteen quality starts (many of which came in the first three months of the season) and completely tanked during the final stretch run. To add insult to injury, the dude is still owed $15 million next year-which should make him the highest paid relief pitcher in the majors, save Mariano Rivera (no pun intended). GM Frank Wren has pretty much all but guaranteed a change concerning Lowe. Let's hope that they can find someone to take him off of their hands.

I guess Lowe should be thankful that Fredi ran him out there to make his final start of the season-it may have sealed the Braves fate, but hey...at least Lowe became the first pitcher in baseball history to at one point in his career lead the league in Wins, Losses, and Saves. That's gotta be worth something-right?

1977 Topps #2 (1976) Home Run Leaders

2011-09-29T22:33:00.003-06:00

Here's a little trivia for you: There has been one slugger since 1989 who has led both the American League and the National League in home runs during a given season, and whose home runs numbers in each of those respective years are the fewest for a yearly leader in that same time period? (Sorry, I hope I didn't give you a headache with that! Sentence construction nightmare.) I'll give the answer at the end of the post...

For many of the younger fans/collectors out there, it may seem hard to imagine a major league season passing by where the league leader for home runs hit fewer than 40 in a single season. Coming out of the PED era, perhaps a leader boasting only 37-39 home runs will be more common place-who knows? I can tell you that the last time we had a season where both league leaders had fewer than 40 homers for the year was in 1982. Prior to '82, there was a 'power shortage' in 1981 (which was shortened due to the players strike), as well as in 1976-where the leaders were Graig Nettles and Mike Schmidt, who hit 32 and 38, respectively.

Everybody knows about Mike Schmidt: his leading the N.L. in home runs 8 different seasons, the 10 Gold Gloves, and the 3 MVPs, but Nettles seems to be a relatively unknown to much of the younger generation. While Graig was known primarily as one of the best defensive basemen in his playing days (and how did he not win more than 2 gold gloves?!), he also happens to own the A.L. record for most career home runs by a third baseman (with 333). I bet that will surprise most folks-it did me! In fact, this card features not only the leader for most American League home runs by a third baseman, but the N.L. career leader as well.

The answer to the trivia question: Fred "The Crime Dog" McGriff, who, while playing with Toronto in 1989, led the A.L. in bombs (w/ 36). Then, in 1992-as a member of the Padres-Crime Dog hit 35 to lead the National League.

Braves Country, Revised

2011-09-27T22:21:00.008-06:00

Well, after another a** kicking tonight (along with a Cardinals come-from -behind slaughtering of the Astros), my confidence level has hit an all-time low-which is really saying something, as I by nature am a very pessimistic person. So, Braves Country finds itself tied with the Cardinals for the Wild Card, with one game remaining. Time to break out the "Braves Country" Billboard-revised.

I would like to be a "cup half-full" type of guy, but there's a hole in the bottom of my glass.

Old Milwaukee: 1958 Topps #283 Ray Shearer

2011-09-26T21:56:00.005-06:00

Collectors often complain of the inclusion of career minor-leaguers in sets; players who take up a spot on the checklist, while that utility player or relief pitcher who has had five years of major league service is left out. And while we see that in today's card market, it's not just a recent issue-as evidenced in today's subject: Ray Shearer.

Shearer spent the 1957 and 1958 seasons at AAA Wichita, where he went from hitting .316 to .283- not to mention a sharp decline in HR and RBI production. Not a very good thing when you're 29 years old. So, why did he have a card in the '58 set? Well, his 1957 numbers were good (but remember, he was 28 at the time), and he did hit .500 with a .667 OBP for the big league club during their championship season. Granted, he only had two official at-bats (three plate appearances). His only hit came in the last game of the '57 season, in his final major league at-bat. By 1959, Ray had moved on to the Red's organization before playing for the Yankees, Indians, and Red Sox organizations as well.

2011 Topps Chrome Auto Craig Kimbrel

2011-09-25T21:33:00.006-06:00

What appeared to be a season in which our post-season failures of the past would all but be erased is now turning into a disaster. The situation in the ATL is looking more bleak with each passing game, and I guess that I am actually looking forward to the postseason awards for N.L. ROY tells the whole story.

There's no doubt in my mind that the ROY award will go to today's subject- Craig Kimbrel. As you probably know, Kimbrel has set the record for most saves in a season by a rookie, with 46. I would throw in the "and counting" part, but the cynic in me says he won't have an opportunity for another one. The ending of this season is one save that Kimbrel won't be able to pull off. So anyways, I have forgone the experience of opening up Topps Chrome packs/boxes in lieu of trying to pick up the autographed Braves cards from the set-which is the only reason I would even bother with this product. As I was on eBay recently, I then was faced with the decision: do I bid and try to get it low, or do I just set a limit on what I'm willing to spend on a BIN? Well, I chose the latter, and when I saw this card for $20, I was on it faster than one of Craig's heaters. As much as I would like to get autographed baseballs for my collection, I've become skeptical on much of what people are trying to sell, and have decided Topps might be the way to go. What about you- have you found any dealers that you feel comfortable purchasing autographed balls from?

Beachy and the Beach Boys

2011-09-23T20:42:00.005-06:00

Kokomo, Indiana's own Brandon Beachy has had a meteoric rise to the majors. Signed as an undrafted free-agent in 2008, Beachy (who had primarily played the infield in college) spent most of the first 2 years of his professional career as a relief pitcher. From 2008, where he appeared in six games at short season Danville, through 2010, Brandon started only 21 of the 76 games he had appeared in. So far in 2011, the rookie has been a solid member of the Atlanta rotation, having gone 7-2, with a 3.58 ERA, while setting the modern Braves franchise record for strikeouts by a rookie (160 and counting). Tomorrow, the kid from Kokomo will be seeking to pitch the Braves one game closer to locking up the Wild Card, as he starts at Washington.

Anyone else notice the Beachy/Kokomo and "Kokomo" by the Beach Boys connection? I know, it's a horrible song; but weird, none-the-less.

All in the Family

2011-09-20T22:38:00.007-06:00

Trivia Question: Who are the only brothers in MLB History to finish 1st and 2nd in a batting race? Is it two of the three DiMaggio brothers (Vince, Dom, and Joe)? Perhaps it's the Waner brothers (Paul & Lloyd), you say. Wrong, on both. Okay, so it's got to be Harry and Dixie Walker! Nope, wrong again. Give up? It's Matty and Felipe Alou, who are the focus of today's card.

1967 Topps #240 (1966) National League Batting Leaders/ Matty Alou, Felipe Alou, Rico Carty

Younger brother Matty beat out his older brother Felipe for the 1966 National League batting title. Matty, who was in his first season playing for the Pirates, won the crown by 15 points. Had it not been for his speed, he might not have had bragging rights over the Braves slugger. Diminutive in size, but the fastest and best hitter in the family, Matty finished the season with 20 bunt singles and 30 infield hits while Felipe led the league with 218 hits, 122 runs, and 355 total bases.

An interesting fact: Three years earlier, Matty, Felipe, and brother Jesus made major league history by becoming the only three brothers to ever start in the same outfield during a game, accomplishing that feat with the San Francisco Giants.

1977 Topps #1 Batting Leaders

2011-09-17T16:20:00.000-06:00

I turned eight years old during the summer of 1977- which also happened to be the summer that I really developed a love for card collecting. I had received a handful of packs during 1976, but I wouldn't say that I was a collector. But something different happened in 1977. I don't recall why it was at this time that I caught the fever, but I did. Trips to the store, primarily Buttrey's, or to the local drugstore usually meant a few packs of cards. A friendship was developed with a guy who collected, and so I had someone to trade with at recess. And so for the next eight years, I would not only get packs during those trips to the grocery store, but I would also save my allowance, birthday money, and some of my "treat money" (for an after-school snack)-all going towards my collecting jones. Looking back at the genesis of my interest in the hobby, I decided earlier this year to begin putting together a set of the 1977 Topps baseball- and so now I've decided to begin a feature on the blog that will look at this great set...

1977 Topps #1 "1976 Batting Leaders"

The first thing that stands out in this photo is that George Brett is posing as a right-handed hitter. Even stranger is the positioning of his hands as he holds the bat-yes, the left hand is on top. I don't know when this photo was taken (pre-77), but I was more likely at seven or younger to be holding a bat like that-not a future hall of famer! And since his hat reads KC (and not CK) and the patch on his arm is correct, it doesn't appear to be a reverse-negative (unless it was a great airbrush job). Could Mr. Brett have had a sense of humor?

There's a fascinating story behind Brett's 1976 batting title. He was involved in a very tight three-way race for the crown that came down to the last weekend, nay to the very last at-bat of the season. Brett (.328) and teammate Hal McRae (.333) were facing the Twins, whose Rod Carew was the four-time defending champ and was hitting .325. Entering the final game, Brett (.33073) and Carew (.32945) had seen their respective averages increase, while McRae's had dropped to .33078. In that final game, Carew went 2-4, giving him a final .331 batting average. Entering the bottom of the ninth, Brett stood at .332298, while McRae was at .332696. Both Kansas City hitters would get an at-bat in that ninth and final inning: Brett hitting an inside-the-park home run to finish at .333, while McRae-needing a hit to win the title- followed Brett by grounding out to finish at .332.

Bill Madlock won his first batting title in 1975, during his second full season in the majors. One year later, he won the second of his four NL batting titles. The fourth title would make Bill the first player to ever win multiple batting titles with two different teams. He was also one of only three right-handed hitters since 1960 to win the National League batting title more than once. The photo on this card is a good picture of Madlock's stance-body upright and hands in close, which allowed him to have a short, compact swing that resulted in him being a great contact-hitter (his highest number of strikeouts in a full season was only 53, coming in 513 at-bats). "Mad Dog" apparently was/is a collector, also. His collecting jones was with antiques, primarily clocks, classic cars, and art.

Braves' Summer of Love

2011-09-15T22:35:00.004-06:00

If you've watched many of the Braves games this summer, you might have noticed a whole lot of love going on in the dugout. No- not the Led Zeppelin type; I'm talking about the Freddie Freeman type of love. As in hugs. Lots of hugs. David O'Brien at the AJC wrote a great piece a month ago about this hugging thing. You can find it here.

Hitting from the 3-Hole

2011-09-15T22:17:00.003-06:00

Here's an interesting fact that the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's David O'Brien tweeted today: "According to Elias, Chipper [Jones-duh!] has hit 3rd in more games (1779) than anyone since 1961 except Billy Williams (1898)."

Willie Mays Autos in 2012 Topps Products

2011-09-14T21:43:00.004-06:00

As being reported on various card sites, HOFer Willie Mays has signed on with Topps to autograph cards that will be included in 2012 products. There's been no confirmation, however, that he only agreed to sign after learning that Henry Aaron was included in 2011 products (sarcasm).

2011 Topps 2 Jumbos

2011-06-09T19:55:00.007-06:00

sorry about the photos; my scanner hasn't been working properly, which explains part of the absence of any recent posts.

While at Target last night, I found myself in the card aisle (surprise)-hoping to find some of the recently released Topps 2 packs. I wasn't disappointed, as there were gravity packs, jumbo packs, blasters, and the 4 pack/Diamond Giveaway Code Card. Topps galore!!! So, I purchased three of the Jumbo packs and one of the 4 packs- just enough cards to get my set started, but not enough to break the bank. To my surprise, the first card I pulled was Mr. Brian McCann!One of the few offensive bright spots on the Braves this year, Mc has been a model of consistency. Speaking of consistent, Uggla has been as well. Unfortunately, our off-season acquisition has been consistently bad. Nay-horrible!

Anyway, other highlights:

#605 Brandon Belt

Belt was my pick for NL ROY; doesn't look like that will happen. He should have a very good career, though.

#482 Eric Hinske

The "Big Damage" now has a card of him as a Brave. Long overdue, Topps!!!

#595 Michael Pineda

My AL ROY pick- Pineda might just take home the prize. With Pineda and Hernandez, Seattle has hope for the future.

#337 Jordan Walden

As with most young closers, Walden has had his ups and downs this season. After blowing three saves in less than two weeks, Walden has turned it around of late. The reason I picked this card? Well, the facial expression, of course! Dude looks crazy-like he's wielding an ax, or something!

#332 Melky Cabrera

My fellow Braves fans did plenty of complaining last year about Melky. And he gave us plenty of reasons to do so; however, how good would the Melk-man's 8 Homers and 7 stolen bases look in the Atlanta stats? He would be leading the team in both categories right now. I really like these type of photos on cards: player swinging the bat while standing in the stands at a spring training stadium. Old-school for sure!

#516 Platinum Diamond Variation Tom Seaver

#250 Platinum Diamond Variation Mel Ott

Believe it or not, I pulled both of these cards from the 4 packs. I would prefer to have pulled just the normal variations, but hey-beggars can't be choosers, right?

If anyone has the Eddie Mathews Variation card (non Platinum Diamond version), I will trade either of these for it.

Braves' Topps 100

2011-05-24T21:26:00.004-06:00

Life has been crazy these past three weeks: our oldest son graduated, I've been battling allergies, done a lot of reading, and haven't posted due to a lack of interest in the hobby recently. Lame, I know, but I'm hoping to kick start my enthusiasm by getting back onto eBay and bidding on some stuff.

Today, I received a couple of shipments of some 2011 Bowman baseball singles. While I've become bored to death with their base product, I do have an interest in the inserts from this years' release (as well as with the Chrome prospects). The first three come from the Topps 100 inserts, which feature-you guessed it- the top 100 prospects in baseball. Seeded 1:3 packs, it's not a hard to get set, but I like the clean design and the fact that it features prospects you won't find in the Topps flagship brand.

Topps 100 #TP25 Arodys Vizcaino

The Braves had yet another cause for concern with Vizcaino, as the young right-hander suffered a back injury in late April that caused him to have very limited innings in his two subsequent starts .Obtained by the Braves in the Javier Vazquez deal, Vizcaino has incredible stuff, but his durability has long been a big question mark. Electric stuff, but one wonders if his future will be on the back end of the 'pen. His 2011 stats at High-A Lynchburg: 2-2, 9 GS, 40.1 IP, 2.45 ERA, almost 4/1 K-BB. By the way, Arod was summoned to AA Mississippi today, where he will team with...

Topps 100 #TP37 Randall Delgado

Coming into today, Delgado had been lights out, while sporting an ERA of 2.37. Following his start today, it sits at 3.86. In what had to be his toughest outing as a pro, Delgado lasted 4.1 innings, allowing 10 hits, 10 runs (all earned), and 3 home runs. He had previously given up only 2 home runs, and only 42 hits in 49 innings-so this was definitely an anomaly. It will be interesting to see how he responds in his next outing.

Topps 100 #TP35 Julio Teheran

Another quality start today at AAA for Teheran. The top pitching prospect improved to 4-0 with a 1.65 ERA. While his first two starts in Atlanta weren't bad (lack of run support really hurt), he did get worked deep into the count by both Philadelphia and Arizona-who were patient with the young righty. Two poorly located pitches were deposited into the bleachers; aside from that, and his ERA in the majors might be closer to the low 3s. Even though Mike Minor got the call-up to start on 5/25 against Pittsburgh, it shouldn't be viewed as a lack of of confidence in Teheran: it was Minor's turn in the rotation on Wednesday.

Free Giveaway: Braves 2011 Team Set

2011-05-06T22:21:00.003-06:00

In honor of the Braves handing the Phillies an arse kicking this evening in the opening game of their three-game series, I would like to give away a 2011 Topps Braves Team Set. All you've got to do to qualify for this beauty is reply and give me your guesstimate on what top prospect Julio Teheran's line will look like in his MLB debut Saturday night. But, your guess must be posted before 7pm (EST) Saturday night. Easy, right? Whoever is closest to his final line will be the winner.

The Greatest Game Ever Pitched: Juan Marichal, Warren Spahn, and The Pitching Dual of the Century

2011-05-04T22:19:00.004-06:00

It's difficult to fathom one pitcher going nine innings today, let alone two starters going the distance in a sixteen inning marathon. But that is exactly what happened in July of 1963 as future Hall of Famers Juan Marichal and Warren Spahn battled in a 1-0 Giant victory over the Atlanta Braves. Actually, very little of this book is about the game itself; rather, Kaplan gives a concise biography of each pitcher, weaving their stories into different parts of the game. Some readers may not like how it is written-but I thought he tied things together nicely. I also thought it was appropriate that he briefly touched on other classic pitching performances, as well as a brief discussion of the theory of the 'pitch count' held by modern managers and pitching coaches. Finally, I think the author leaves the reader with a better appreciation for these two men and their stellar careers. With the advent of relief specialists, as well as the amount of money ball players make today, we will never see another game like it!

Some thoughts on the News of Bin Laden's Death

2011-05-01T22:31:00.003-06:00

Fact: On this day in 1945, Germany announced that Adolf Hitler was dead.

Decide for yourself:

~ Long known as a "topper", Osama Bin Laden tried to "one up" the Royal Family this weekend

~Donald Trump is demanding Bin Laden's death certificate!

~It's reported that the US was able to locate the dead terrorist due to his iPhone betraying him.

~According to NBC, and his own testimony before the nation, President Obama was able to do was his two predecessor's couldn't do: capture (and kill) Osama Bin Laden. C'mon, Obama-give credit where credit is due.

Disclaimer: the above card of President Barack Obama in no way is an endorsement of him. And I sure as hell don't want to start a fight such as this one.

2011 Topps Braves Team Set Kris Medlen

2011-05-01T19:07:00.003-06:00

2011 #ATL7
I recently picked up a 2011 Topps team set for Atlanta, and was thrilled to see that included in it was a card of Kris Medlen. I haven't seen the checklist for series two yet, but Meds wasn't in the first series, and since he will miss most of the 2011 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, he may not be in series 2. For those who miss him, you can follow him on Twitter @KrisMedlen. Seems like a pretty crazy dude, and when he and @PeterMoylan interact, it's no-holds barred!

Happy Birthday- Chipper Jones

2011-04-24T14:16:00.003-06:00

While today is Resurrection Day, and our family is celebrating Christ's triumph over death, I want to take an opportunity to wish a happy birthday to the last man to wear #10 for the Atlanta Braves: Chipper Jones.

As I'm writing this, the Braves have taken a 2-0 lead over the Giants on a first inning two-run double by Chipper. With the double, Jones is now just one shy of 500 for his career. Nothing would be nicer than to see him reach that milestone on this day. As far as the rest of his career, Jones has had a lot of success on April 24. Coming into today, he has hit .419 (18-43) with 10 runs, 4 homers, and 10 RBI- including a 4-5 (with a home run) performance at San Francisco in 1996. He also had a birthday to remember in Houston, 2001. That night, he went 2-5 with 2 Runs, 2 HR, and 3 RBI in a loss to the Astros. All together, Atlanta is 9-2 on April 24th during Jones' career. The Braves are seeking to get the sweep today, so let's see them make it 10-2!!!

Rip City! Roy Rocks the Mavs

2011-04-23T21:56:00.004-06:00

With baseball season in full swing, I've neglected keeping up on the Trail Blazers and their playoff series with Dallas. Heck, checking the game update early this evening, I immediately left the website as they were getting blown out towards the end of the third quarter. So, imagine the shock when I found out tonight that Portland came back from a 23 point deficit to beat the Mavericks. And once again, Brandon Roy showed why he's been such a popular figure with Blazer fans. Big game Brandon scored 18 of his 24 points in the forth quarter, bringing the Blazers back from the dead to even the series at 2. John Canzano of the Oregonian put it best, when he said, "Make no mistake, Roy didn't just take over the game. He is in charge of this series."

For a team that has been a perpetual underachiever, the Blazers might just win this series!

Trade with Tomahawk Chopping- Cardboard and More!

2011-04-20T22:12:00.002-06:00

I received a package in the mail today from Derek at Tomahawk Chopping-Cardboard and More! I was able to send him some Martin Prado cards for his collection, and he in turn supplied me with some cards needed for my 2011 Heritage set. Unfortunately, my scanner is toast- so I can't provide any pictures. Thanks again, Derek, for the trade!

Then and Now #TN1 Harmon Killebrew/Jose Bautista

I still have a hard time believing that Bautista isn't anything more than a one-year wonder- but the guy has continued to hit well this year.

#455 Joe Sanders

Hey, at least it's a short print!

#399 Roy Halladay

As a Braves fan, I wish he would have stayed north of the border. Yes, I hate the Phillies!

#365 Howie Kendrick

Dude hit his sixth home run today! At this pace, he will hit more this year than he hit during his first five seasons.

#100 David Price

Apparently, the price is right- he (and his team) is turning it around after a rocky start.

News Flash Backs #NF-5

U.S. Navy Seals are Activated- the commissioning of the first two U.S. Navy Sea, Air and Land teams took place in '62. And we think professional athletes are well conditioned...

Target Black bordered #C67 Jason Kubel

These black bordered cards are sharp. I think the best part is under the 'page curl' on the bottom right hand corner, as it includes a little patch of the wood finish. It reminds me, strangely enough, of a sunburst Les Paul.

Mailbox Monday: 2009 Topps Commemorative Patch

2011-04-18T21:38:00.004-06:00

The 1997 All-Star game, held at Cleveland's Jacob Field, was the sixth time Maddux was named to the NL's roster for the Midsummer Classic (he would be named two more times). This evening, he would pitch two innings, giving up two hits, and one run on an Edgar Martinez home run. It was the second time Maddux allowed a home run in an All-Star game (the other coming in 1992 to another Mariner, Ken Griffey Jr.) It's too bad that Topps didn't have a photo of Maddux on file from the actual game; it would have made this patch seem more authentic.

Birthday Trifecta: Steve Avery, David Justice, Greg Maddux

2011-04-14T22:35:00.007-06:00

Happy Birthday wishes to three former members of the Atlanta Braves: Steve Avery, David Justice, and Greg Maddux-each celebrating their birthdays today, April 14. All three were integral to the dominant Braves teams of the 90s. Let's take a look at how they performed on this day over their careers...

Steve Avery-

Avery ascended to post-season glory as he completely dominated the Pirates in the '91 NLCS, and then followed it up with a very good '92 season. At that point, he looked like he would be the ace of the staff for years to come. 1993 would be his best season, but then arm problems began to occur-and by 1995 he was essentially done. Steve would appear in two April 14th games during his career- one coming in 1992 against the Reds. Avery pitched 7 innings that day, allowing 4 runs on 5 hits while getting a no-decision. His second April 14th appearance came as a member of the Boston Redsox in 1998 vs. the A's, facing only one batter, whom he would walk (Avery would be charged with allowing a run scored, as Spiezio would later score on a Bournigal single).

Greg Maddux-

Amazingly, Mad Dog appeared in an April 14th game only once during his twenty-three year career. That came in 1994 against the Giants. That night, in typical Maddux fashion, he would dominate the team by the Bay, picking up the win in a complete game shutout, allowing only 3 hits, while striking out nine hitters.

David Justice-

Justice, a career .279 hitter who finished with 305 Home Runs, 1017 RBI, and 929 runs scored, often seemed to rise to the occasion in his playing days. His birthday was a different story. David was only 3-27 (.111) with 2 runs, 2 RBI, and 2 walks on this date. The two runs and two RBI came in the first April 14th major league game he appeared in, which was in 1991.

Another Milestone for #10

2011-04-13T21:46:00.002-06:00

Five days after collecting career hit #2500, Chipper Jones hit yet another milestone this evening: RBI #1500. With the run driven in, Chipper has joined Eddie Murray as the only switch-hitters with 2500+ hits and 1500 RBI. It's too bad that it couldn't have happened during last night's win (April 12), as the feat came on a solo home run in the bottom of the ninth in a 5-1 loss to the Marlins. Other numbers he's closing in on: he's 3 doubles from 500 and 92 walks from 1500.

While the 92 walks might be tough to reach this year, the three doubles could be reached by the end of this coming weekend. Oh, and for the record, Jones' first career RBI came against the Giants in the opening game of the 1995 season.

2010 Topps Peak Performance- Peter Moylan Auto

2011-04-12T22:33:00.003-06:00

I'm not a huge fan of third-party grading services. Well, let me qualify that statement: I'm not a huge fan of having newer cards slabbed. In fact, until yesterday, I did not have any slabbed cards-whether they be vintage or otherwise. That is when I received my first PSA graded card- this one from an eBay auction for an autographed 2010 Topps Peter Moylan Peak Performance card. I've had my eyes open for one of these (non-slabbed) for months now, and haven't seen any, so I didn't mind getting a graded one. I really liked the Peak Performance inserts from last year, and picked up an autographed Jonny Venters last fall. The Moylan will compliment it nicely.

Trade with Potch Wheeler and the Cardboard Heroes

2011-04-11T21:05:00.005-06:00

I received a few packages today, one of which came from -d @ Potch Wheeler and the Cardboard Heroes. I recently discovered his blog, and saw that he had some of the 2011 Topps Heritage cards available for trade. Thankfully, he had a few of the ones I need-and I'm looking forward to future trades.

2011 Topps Heritage #134 Brett Cecil, #269 Lance Berkman, #432 Michael Bourn (SP)

It's odd to see one of Berkman's cards list him as a member of the Cardinals; even with the red jersey, I was thinking it looks like an Astros uni. Berkman is compared to Mickey Mantle on the back of the card, with his slugging and OBP being second highest amongst switch hitters. While I knew about Bourn being a two-time gold glove winner, I didn't know that he had the most stolen-bases in the National League over the past two seasons.

Thanks again for the trade -d, and for the quick turn around on getting them out!

Home Opener Win, Chipper Gets #2500

2011-04-08T20:31:00.003-06:00

What a glorious day! Despite finding themselves down 3-0 to the Phillies, the Braves fought back for a 6-3 win on Opening Night at the Ted. More importantly, Chipper Jones singled in the bottom of the 6th for his 2500th career hit. Earlier in the evening, Chip drove a ball deep to center to plate 3 and put the Braves ahead for good, 6-3. I have to admit, last summer after his season-ending knee injury, I stated on this blog that I thought he wouldn't be able to come back from such an injury at his age- and I'm glad to eat crow.

Congratulations on the Milestone, Chipper- it's good to have you back!

2011 Topps Wrapper Redemptions

2011-04-07T22:16:00.010-06:00

While I didn't care much for this years Topps' Diamond Anniversary parallel cards, I did take a liking to the Black Diamond wrapper redemptions modeled after the '52 Topps. Part of a 2011 Topps 1 offer, in which collectors received a pack of five cards for sending in either 36 hobby wrappers or 10 HTA Jumbo wrappers, these cards are set apart from the typical Topps retro designed cards by their 'black diamond' technology. The basic redemption set consists of (what else?) 60 cards to commemorate their sixtieth anniversary, along with 34 randomly inserted on-card autographs featuring players from the original '52 set.It didn't cost much to pick up the four current Braves who are included in the set, but two of the short-printed autographed cards of former Braves Del Crandall and John Antonelli (each numbered to yes, 60) recently sold on eBay for $55 and $76, respectively. So, I guess I won't be adding those to the collection. It's no wonder that the auto's are extremely popular: those who signed are getting up there in age and may not sign for too many more years, they are on-card and are attractive in the blue ink, and the 60 motif doesn't hurt either.

Trade with Crinkly Wrappers

2011-04-04T20:51:00.012-06:00

I recently contacted Ted over at Crinkly Wrappers about his 2011 Heritage wantlist, and we were able to strike a deal that benefited each of us. Today when I got home, there was a package for me with about 56 of the 2011s that I need for my set- and so I want to say thanks to Ted for the trade. I don't open much wax, but look forward to trading with him in the future!

Some highlights from the cards I received:

#462 Magglio Ordonez (SP)

I had forgot just how good of a hitter Mags has been over the years. According to the back of the card, he has hit over .300 11x during his career, led the American League with a .363 mark during the 2007 season, and is a career .312 hitter.

#494 Rookie Parade-Pitchers: Barry Enright, Mike Minor, Travis Wood, Alex Sanabia, Drew Storen (SP)

I'm a fan of Mike Minor, the Braves lefty prospect who will be making his '11 debut Wednesday against the Brewers. Originally losing the 5th starter battle during spring training to Brandon Beachy, Minor was recalled this past weekend when Jair Jurrjens was sent to the DL with a strained right oblique. Minor will be facing a predominately right-handed hitting lineup, so he might have a rough go of it. I was really surprised that he didn't get the 5th spot, just due to the fact that he would have been the only lefty in the

rotation.

Baseball Flashbacks #BF-4 Robin Roberts, #BF-9 Frank Robinson

Two former Orioles, two Hall of Famers. This insert set is one of the highlights of each year's Heritage-in my opinion.

New Age Performers #NAP-9 David Price, #NAP-14 Felix Hernandez

Kind of appropriate: these two finished 1/2 in the 2010 AL Cy Young voting. King Felix is my pick for this year's CY Young-who's yours?

Then and Now- #TN-6 Robin Roberts/Felix Hernandez

By looking at the back of this card, it doesn't make sense to have Roberts on the front: The ERA leaders for 1962 & 2010 are listed: Felix being no.1 in '10, but Roberts was no.3 in '62- Hank Aguirre of Detroit led the majors in ERA that year at 2.21. Then again, who is Hank Aguirre?!

Book Review- 56: Joe DiMaggio and the Last Magic Number In Sports

2011-04-02T23:36:00.001-06:00

It was the summer of 1941- the Nazi regime was storming across Europe, Americans were filled with anxiety as its young men were being drafted by the millions, a twenty-three year old man named Ted Williams was in the midst of a season in which he hit .400, and Joe DiMaggio gave us a number that seems unattainable-56. By the end of the year, America would enter the war and Joe D had cemented his place in baseball history.

In "56: Joe DiMaggio and the Last Magic Number", Kostya Kennedy gives an account of the Yankee Clipper's pursuit of Wee Willie Keeler's 45-game hitting streak that had been set in 1897. While the streak is the focal point, what makes this book so interesting is that Kennedy has entwined other stories with it. In doing so, the author helps the reader to understand how this chase touched the lives of so many Americans-giving them a diversion from what was happening in Europe, as well as a sense of hope during those dark days. Reading like a novel, and using the war as a backdrop, the book portrays the Yankee great as a man driven by perfection and pride-a very private individual who is moody and yet (at least on the exterior) calm as the pressure mounts each day that summer. While the pressures would cause stomach illnesses, Joltin' Joe referred to those days as the best moments in his life. That's an interesting contrast to Henry Aaron, and his comments on his own chase of Ruth's record. The reader also gets a look into his first marriage: while DiMaggio is fighting to keep his streak alive, his wife Dorothy appeared to be fighting to keep their marriage alive. I was disappointed that, though the reader gets the sense that there's tension between he and his brother Dom, there's no real explanation as to why that tension is present-it leaves the reader guessing. In ending the book, Kennedy delves into probability and statistical theory in order to see how likely it is that someone could achieve what DiMaggio did. This section has some dry parts, but is fascinating nonetheless.

Jason Heyward 2011 Topps Red Diamond

2011-03-31T22:53:00.003-06:00

So, Opening Day 2011 is over- the weather was threatening in our nation's capital, but the game was played, and the beloved Braves won 2-0. For the second year in a row, Mr. Jason Heyward homered in his first at bat of the season. Today's blast went out on a line, giving the Bravo's their 2-0 lead. In doing so, Heyward became only the second player to hit home runs in his first at bat on consecutive Opening Days in his first two seasons. The other, you ask? Kazuo Matsui of the Mets. He did it in 2004 and 2005.

Another 2011 Topps Insert-this one the 'Red Diamond' card from the Series I packs found at Target. Another bargain price on this one-I paid $1.99 delivered for it. And like the Stadium Lights insert set, I really like the front of the card, while the backs leave much to be desired. The "diamond" motif in this year's Topps works really well-obviously they're celebrating 60 years, but it's just fitting-what with baseball being played on a diamond. It wouldn't/won't work as well with football. The write up for the "Diamond Gem" is a good idea, considering the theme of the insert-but that's where the praise ends. Hopefully, the series 2 insert backs will have a little more thought and creativity put into them.

2011 Topps Opening Day Stadium Lights- The JHey Kid

2011-03-30T21:43:00.005-06:00

When I first saw the sell sheet for this years Topps Opening Day set, I wasn't exactly blown away by the preview of the Stadium Lights Joe Mauer card. Never the less, when I had the opportunity to pick up the Jason Heyward card on eBay for $1.25 shipped, I jumped on it-and am actually glad I did. Everything about the front design works-from the "Stadium Lights" looking like it's done in lights, to the slick design along the bottom of the card-this is one of Topps better looking inserts of late, imo. While I like the "night facts" found on the back of the card, I do wish they would have done something different with the background behind it. Did you know that Heyward hit exactly the same at night as he did during the day last year (.277)? He also hit 11 of his 18 home runs at night, as well as collect 65% of his total bases under the lights.

Overall, this is a great, inexpensive card of the Braves second year star who I am predicting will "light it up" this season.

Book Review- Big Hair and Plastic Grass:

2011-03-28T21:39:00.003-06:00

In late January I started a new blog on another host. Frustrations with this current one led me to experiment with Word Press. I haven't fully committed to a change, but I have posted a few entries over the past two months-one of which I am reprinting here.

What defines a decade? Is it the events that take place? Maybe it’s the ideas that shape the culture, or the people and leaders who are a part of the narrative. Some might even include in this list fashion and art, innovation, and/or fads. I would say yes to all of the above- and author Dan Epstein uses a similar paradigm in writing his witty look at pop-culture and Major League Baseball in the ’70s.

Perhaps no other decade (save the 50′s, with racial integration having taken place) has seen as big of a cosmic shift in the game of, as well as the culture of, Major League Baseball as did the 1970s. And it’s no surprise, really, as the game is often just a microcosm of the culture. ‘Big Hair and Plastic Grass: A Funky Ride Through Baseball and America in the Swinging ’70s’ is a fun look at a time in the history of the game where we saw changes in the playing surface, stadium architecture, uniform design, and how the counter-culture crept in- challenging the conservative establishment as players no longer represented the clean-cut image that the league had worked so hard to promote. But the biggest changes to take place in the 70′s, and ones that still affects the game today, was the abolishment of the reserve clause in 1975, resulting in free-agency being established, as well as the first work stoppage in professional sports (the 1972 season lost the first 13 days of the regular season due to the players strike). These changes, on and off the field, are woven into Epstein’s tale of a decade dominated by teams such as the A’s, Reds, and Yankees, and individuals who dominated the headlines, such as Bowie Kuhn, Reggie Jackson, Billy Martin, Mark “The Bird” Fidrych, Dock Ellis, and Hank Aaron.

Epstein uses each chapter to focus on a particular year from the decade. And while the hardcore baseball fan may not learn anything new (especially those of us who are over forty), it is a fun stroll down memory lane.

Opening Day Flashbacks, 1982

2011-03-26T22:42:00.004-06:00

The 1982 Braves began the season by rolling off 13 straight wins-a major league record since tied by the 1987 Milwaukee Brewers. The streak began with an Opening Night victory against the San Diego Padres, a team which the previous season finished at the bottom of the NL West in both halves (remember, the 1981 season was cut short by the strike, and thus a first-half and second-half division winner was announced). The Braves first loss on the season would come against the Reds on April 22, as they lost 2-1.

April 6, 1982, Jack Murphy Stadium- San Diego, California

If you enjoy watching a game with a lot of offense, then this wasn't a game for you. Instead, both teams would have a difficult time getting a hit-they combined for a total of just 6 hits. Atlanta did, however, managed to get eight walks off of Padre starter Juan Eichelberger. Surprisingly, Eichelberger didn't allow more runs, as the Braves ended up leaving 10 runners on base for the evening. One walk, however, would haunt the Padres. With one out in a scoreless tie in the top of the fifth, Brett Butler drew a walk and then scored on Glenn Hubbard's double to left. A passed ball and another walk would give the Braves runners on first and third, but they would fail to score again in the fifth. It didn't matter, however, as Butler's run would be all they would need on the night.

Player of the Game- Glenn Hubbard

Hubbard, who prior to the 2011 season had spent the last twelve seasons as the Braves first base coach, was known primarily for his defense in his playing days. This night, however, Hubbard would be the hero with his bat-with the fifth inning double that drove in the only run of the game. Hubbard would go on to hit 25 doubles and drive in 59 RBI in 1982 (both career highs to that point), as well as lead the National League in sacrifice hits that year.

Pitcher of the Game- Rick Mahler

After giving up a two-out single to Luis Salazar in the bottom of the second, Mahler would go on to pitch a masterpiece-allowing only one other hit on the night. That hit wouldn't come until the bottom of the ninth, when Rupert Jones doubled with two outs. Thankfully, Jones would be left in scoring position as Sixto Lezcano followed up by striking out to end the game. The Lezcano K would be the seventh on the night for Mahler, who also surrendered three walks (one being intentional). The win for Rick was the first of nine on the 1982 season and was the first of five complete games (2 shutouts) he had thrown that year.

Topps Counterparts: 1962/2011 #76

2011-03-25T23:37:00.000-06:00

Ah- another baseball season is upon us, and Topps has issued another Heritage set. That means it's time to begin another round of Topps Counterparts. The first featured cards in this year's counterparts are found on card #76 in their respective sets.

1962 Topps #76 Howie Bedell

The 1962 Topps set featured a rookie by the name of Howie Bedell, who the previous season gave Milwaukee at least some small hope that he would become a productive big leaguer-despite the fact that he was 25 and had spent the last five years in the minors. That '61 season saw Bedell hit in an American Association record 43 straight games while coming .001 points of winning the batting title (as a side note, I'm currently reading the new book, 56: Joe DiMaggio and the Last Magic Number in Sports by Kostya Kennedy-it's highly recommended!). In the March 1962 issue of Baseball Digest, in which Bedell shared the cover with Sam McDowell, Dave Giusti ,and Jim Fergosi , the following scouting report on Bedell was given: "Speed, hustle and desire are his big assets. Little power, though improving as a hitter." Those assets (at least the hustle and desire) worked for Pete Rose-unfortunately for Bedell, they didn't work for him. Howie ended up with 150 plate appearances for the Braves in 1962, hitting a meager .196 with 2 RBI and 1 double and two triples. The '62 season was the only time that Bedell had any big league experience with the Braves. He would return to the majors once more, in 1968 with the Phillies-recording only 1 hit in 7 at bats in 9 games.

2011 Topps Heritage #76 Freddie Freeman

Coming into the 2011 season, the Braves had declared that rookie Freddie Freeman would be the team's first baseman to start the season. Freeman, however, approached Spring Training as if he were playing to win the job, and you've got to respect a kid who has been given a job and doesn't take it for granted. After a hot start this spring, Freeman has cooled off of late-after today's game he is hitting .238 with 2 home runs. The reports on him in the field is that he will be a very good defender, and he has impressed with the glove for the most part this spring- although he has had a couple of plays where he didn't field it cleanly where he should have. My guesstimate is that by the end of the season, Freeman will be hitting around .260-.265, with 13 HR while driving in about 60 runs.

Opening Day Flashbacks, 1980

2011-03-22T21:33:00.004-06:00

Well, I am way behind on the Opening Day Flashbacks. With Opening Day 2011 just a little over a week away,there's no way I'll be able to post on each Braves opening game since 1966. So instead of wading through the remaining years of the '70s-where the Braves didn't put much out on the field- I'll pick up with the year 1980.

For the first time since 1974, the 1980 Braves finished above .500 (81-80)-thanks in part to the slugging combo of Dale Murphy and Bob Horner. The 1980 season would see the two arrive at star status as each hit over 30 homers and drove in 80+ runs. Newly acquired 1B Chris Chambliss (acquired from the Blue Jays on Dec. 5, 1979) would give the Braves a power hitting lefty and more veteran leadership for Bobby Cox's team.

April 9, 1980 Cincinnati, OH- Riverfront Stadium

The Braves 1980 season got off to a rough start, as the Braves fell to the Cincinnati Reds 9-0. After Reds' leadoff hitter Dave Collins grounded out to start off the bottom of the first, Braves starter Phil Niekro would give up four hits and two walks before another out was recorded. By the time the Reds' half inning was done, and all nine Reds had batted, Niekro and the Braves were already down 4-0. Dave Collins opened the bottom of the second off with a strikeout, but reached first base on the passed ball by Braves backstop Biff Pocoroba. The play would loom large, as the next two hitters would record outs-but instead of being out of the inning, Niekro would have to face clean-up hitter George Foster-who would deposit a Niekro pitch into the bleachers for a 6-0 Reds lead. Braves reliever Rick Camp would struggle in the third inning as well, giving up two runs (including an RBI single by Reds starter Frank Pastore) before settling down. Cincinnati would go on to score one more run (a seventh-inning sac fly by second baseman Junior Kennedy)-but the game was clearly out of reach by then.

Player of the Game-George Foster

Foster, the Reds slugging left-fielder, went 3-5 this night, with the home run, 4 RBI, 2 runs scored, and a double. While known primarily for his home run prowess (he was the only player in the 1970s to slug 50 or more in a season and finished his career with 348 homers), opening day would be the first of nine games during the 1980 season in which Foster had three or more hits (including a 5-5 game on April 21 against the Houston Astros).

Pitcher of the Game-Frank Pastore

Pastore, a second round draft pick by the Reds in the 1975 amateur draft, made his MLB debut just a year before pitching this complete game shutout. On

the evening, he allowed only three hits while striking out five. In fact, the Braves would not have another runner reach first base after Chambliss' forth-inning single. Pastore would have his best career as a pro in 1980, going 13-7 for the Reds, with a 3.27 ERA and 1.099 WHIP in 27 starts.

Opening Day Flashbacks, 1974

2011-03-18T22:37:00.005-06:00

Entering the 1974 season, Braves legend Henry Aaron was one home run short of tying Babe Ruth's record for career home runs. With Aaron standing on 713, and wanting him to break the record at home, Braves management decided they were going to sit Hammerin' Hank for the opening three-game series in Cincinnati. Bowie Kuhn, major league baseball commissioner at the time, objected to the decision and ordered Braves manager Eddie Mathews to play Aaron in two of the Braves three games in the Queen City.

April 4, 1974 Riverfront Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

With a full-house of 52,124 people in attendance, the 1974 National League opener got off to a bang as two of the first three Braves hitters reached base off of Red's starter Jack Billingham. Then, with the count 3 and 1 and on his first swing of the season, Aaron tied the hallowed record-giving the Braves a 3-0 lead. Billingham, who endured a tornado in his town the night before the game, was no stranger to Aaron- having given up home runs number 528, 636, 641, and 709 to the soon-to-be Home Run King. The Braves took a 6-2 lead into the bottom of the eighth inning, when Phil Niekro would come into relieve starter Carl Morton after Morton walked lead off hitter Pete Rose. After Dan Driessen singled to right, Tony Perez hit a three-run homer-cutting Atlanta's lead to 6-5. With two outs in the bottom of the ninth, and still trailing 6-5, pinch-hitter George Foster singled to left to keep the Reds alive, and would then score the tying run when Pete Rose doubled to center. Rose would double again with two-outs, this time in the bottom of the eleventh, and would score the winning run from second on a wild pitch by losing pitcher Buzz Capra.

Player of the Game-Hank Aaron

With all due respect to Rose, who went 3-5 with 3 runs, 2 doubles, a walk,and an RBI- the man of the hour (and of the night) was Hammerin' Hank. Aaron, who homered on the next to last game of the 1973 season to put him one short of Ruth, had to endure an off-season as the recipient of hate-mail, death threats, and a fear of whether or not he would be alive by the time Opening Day 1974 arrived. Of course, four days later, during the Braves home opener, nearly 54,000 people would witness the record fall-as Aaron would homer off of Dodgers' starter Al Downing in the bottom of the fourth.

Pitcher of the Game-Clay Carroll

Clay Carroll, who began his career with the Milwaukee Braves in 1964,

pitched 1.2 shutout innings in picking up the victory. It would be the first of twelve wins on the season (versus only five losses) for the Reds reliever.

The following season would be his last in Cincinnati, who

would trade him to the White Sox following the 1975 season.

Opening Day Flashbacks, 1973

2011-03-17T20:26:00.003-06:00

Opening Day of 1973 saw a match-up of two teams that would go on to finish forth and fifth in the NL West that year. For those in attendance, they got one and a half games for the price of one as the Astros and Braves were locked in a 1-1 dual until Houston would win it in the thirteenth inning.

Starters Dave Roberts of the Astros and Gary Gentry of the Braves were shutting their opponents out until the bottom of the fifth, when Gentry helped his own cause by singling in 2B Davey Johnson for a 1-0 Braves lead. Jim Wynn, who would play for Atlanta during the 1976 season, homered off of Gentry to begin the sixth inning, but neither team would plate any more runs until the top of the thirteenth inning-when Astros super stud Cesar Cedeno doubled in the eventual winning run off of Cecil Upshaw.

Player of the Game- Cesar Cedeno

Cedeno, in the early part of his career, looked like he was heading to Cooperstown. As a 19 year-old rookie in 1970, he hit .310 in 90 games. Combining speed, power, and Gold-Glove defense in center, Cedeno became only the second player in history to hit 20+ homers and to steal 50+ bases in the same season (a feat he accomplished three straight seasons). He also ranks 25th on the all-time stolen base list with 550 career steals. This evening, Cedeno would go 3-6 with the game winning RBI. Cedeno would pull off his second straight 20/50 season in '73, but would eventually see his games played significantly decline due to injuries that were the result of his

all-out style of play.

Pitcher of the Game-Roric Harrison

Harrison, who was originally signed by the Astros at age 19, was in his first year with the Braves in '73 (he pitched in Baltimore during the 1972 season). Relieving starter Gary Gentry, Roric pitched five innings this night, allowing only three hits and no runs while striking out five Astros. Unfortunately, Cecil Upshaw followed Harrison and ended up losing the game for the Braves in the thirteenth.