1988 Topps: Recent Episodes
Matt Kuzma and David McEllis
Every card has a story to tell.
In this 700+ episode series, Matt Kuzma and David McEllis discuss a different 1988 Topps baseball card every week.
Send your questions and suggestions to 1988ToppsPodcast@gmail.com.
This veteran catcher never pulled a sword from a stone, but he did become Kansas City royalty.
- Card #62T on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Bob Lemoine
- Mike in Missouri Sports HOF
- Top 100 Royals: Mike at #22
- Chuck McMichael
- Mike saves a life
- Mac N Seitz
Glenn brags. Mike is done. Randy is ready. Sam and Steve play the horn and sax. But none compare to the onomatopoeia of Lazorko!
- Card 117 on Beckett
- Santa Maria Times article about James
- James from the vault
- James Steels stats at Cal Poly
- Video of James in training
- 1987 article about James
During our summer schedule, please enjoy podcasts from friends of the show:
Two Strike Noise
Building the Ballot
Injured Athletes Club
SIS Baseball Podcast
This two-time World Series winner was the best sequel to a Terminator since Robert Patrick.
- Card #696 on Beckett (O-Pee-Chee!)
- The Great Dancing Duane
- SABR Bio by John Kennedy
- Bob Wadsworth at Pearl Harbor
- Duane in New Mexico News
- Stathead Search: 600+ IP, 9+K/9 innings
- Stathead: Relievers 1991-1993 by WAR
- Duane 30th Best Blue Jay All-Time
The descent of Eric Show from a talented pitcher and musician -- to hardcore addict -- to dead at age 37 is one of the saddest stories we've covered.
- Card #303 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by John Stahl
- ESPN "The Tortured Life of Eric Show"
- "Padres Win Again" song
- Eric gives up #4192
- NY Times "Eric Show's Solitary Life and Death"
Fun Fact: Most people in New Jersey are born at the racetrack.
- Card #533 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Bill Nowlin
- Follow-up: Macho Man weighs in on Hrbek vs. Gant
- Cleveland's Team Podcast: John Farrell
Welcome to Season 5!
This Twin Cities slugger had one famous World Series grand slam and one infamous World Series body slam.
- Card #45 on Beckett
- Card #609 on eBay
- SABR Bio by Joel Rippel
- Kent's 1985 Mercedes Benz
- 1987 WS Grand Slam
- 1991 Hrbek vs. Ron Gant
- T-Rex Tag Bobblehead
- Stathead Search: Best OPS+ 1982-1993, 3000+ PAs
- Kent in his RV
Inspired by Jim Traber's singing of the National Anthem before his own baseball game, we offer the 1988 Topps Podcast Triathlon:
Event 1: Bike 10 miles while listening to Ruben Sierra's music
Event 2: Sing a solo from any Broadway musical
Event 3: Beat the Mets with any team in RBI Baseball
- Card 544 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Malcolm Allen
- 1987 Topps Traber
- Jim's Draft Day article
- Charging the mound, getting kicked in the head
- Oklahoma State HOF
- Jim discusses his health scare
An episode about a Florida Man almost losing his hand, but not to an encounter with a snake or gator!
- Card 197 on Beckett
- Card Corner of Lance's 1990 Score card
- McCullers Christmas Trees
- Lance on Father's Day
- Stathead Search: 120 IP/0 Starts/9+k/9
San Diego Padres
New York Yankees
Texas Rangers
Zak Ford, author of Called Up: Ballplayers Remember Becoming Major Leaguers, joins the pod to talk about this Future Star.
- Card #246 on Beckett
- Learn more about Called Up
- Mike Campbell on Greatest 21 Days
- Mike's interview on BallNine
- Bob Zuk SABR Bio by John Klima
- Shisakberry's!
Mariners
Rangers
Padres
Cubs
This no-nonsense lefty spent 11 years in MLB and now lives on a 60-foot boat. What more is there to say?
- Card 786 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Bill Nowlin
- Follow-up: Ron Guidry the drummer
- Santee, CA
- Stathead search: Joe Price opponent breakdown
- Joe teaches appropriate pitching fundamental: be square
- Joe and Jim Leyritz against Angioma
While Yogi Berra once said, “All pitchers are liars or crybabies,” this Yankees legend (and friend of Yogi) may have been an exception.
- Card 535 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Joe Wancho
- SABR Game Story on Ron's 18-strikeout game by Joe Wancho
- SI finds Ron on the bayou
- Remembering Ron's 1978
- Louisiana Legends Interview
- Ron and Yogi
This Puerto Rican outfielder wore his emotions on his sleeve and his fortunes around his neck.
- Card 184 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Daniel Potter
- Follow-up: Listener Chris' haul of Olwine!
- 1987 Topps Traded look
- Ivan climbs the wall in Detroit
- Sox's Calderon was a gamer
This all-around athlete only hit 13 homers in the regular seasons of his career, but his 1983 ALCS game-winning blast was as easy as ABC.
- Card #581 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Malcolm Allen
- Tito Jackson döppelganger?
- 1983 ALCS homer video and story
- Macho Man's teammate
- Vapor Man
- Tito goes back to school
This catcher from South Philly wasn't afraid to joke—or spar—with the best of 'em.
- Card 757 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by John Stefano
- The Tragic Death of John Marzano
- Marzano Tackles Shelby
- Johnny almost decks Paul O'Neill
- Harry Kalas and Johnny Marz
Boston Red Sox
Texas Rangers
Seattle Mariners
Clerk: [announced over speaker] Paging Mr. Herm. Mr. Herm, you have a telephone call at the front desk.
Herm comes to the desk and picks up the receiver.
Herm: Yes? Uh huh? Yes, I understand.
Herm hangs up the phone.
It was the president again. I've got to win a World Series with a two-strike bunt single.
- Card #614 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Bill Nowlin
- MLB Reds Then and Now
- Herm Ballnine interview
- "Reds Hot"
- Serious Inquiry into Reds Hot
- Memorable Postseason Bunts
This blonde bomber struck fear in the hearts of pitchers across the globe. Would injuries and colluding owners hold him back from success? Card #50T on Beckett SABR Games Project about the Padres/Braves brawl Brawl video Should Atlanta have traded Bob Horner? 1981 SI Article about Bob 4HR Game Bob, the #1 pick Parting Shots at Japan baseball Whitey's concerns about HornerAtlanta BravesYakult SwallowsSt. Louis Cardinals
This unassuming reliever twisted batters into pretzels with his unconventional delivery.
- Card #749 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Tim Sitar
- Why can't Germans say "squirrel"
- "MLB's slowest pitcher was completely unhittable"
- Blue Bird Banter on Mark Eichhorn
- All-time Greatest Blue Jays
- Stathead: All-Time Relievers by WAR
- Stathead: All-Time Relief Seasons by WAR
Toronto Blue Jays
Atlanta Braves
California Angels
Baltimore Orioles
This gold medalist never made it to the bigs, but his commitment to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats was major league.
- Card 67T on Beckett
- Listen to David on Conversations with Sports Fans
- Follow-up: Cecil and Gumby's card photo game
- What is Podunk?
- Masse's profile by GHTBL
- Billy at Greatest 28 Days
- Don't you dare give the Sea Dogs a standing O!
Editor's Note: In 1988, Beany and Cecil returned to TV as The New Adventures of Beany and Cecil. The new version was produced and directed by John Kricfalusi, creator of The Ren and Stimpy Show. We regret the omission of this important information.
- Card #769 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Eric Aron
- Beany and Cecil - Little Ace fro Outer Space
- The end of Cooper's career
- The Lou Gehrig of his time
- Cooper's big hit in the ALCS
- 1981 Topps article from Baseball Hall Boston Red Sox
Milwaukee Brewers
When this versatile pitcher went on a losing streak, it was bulletin board material.
- Card 641 on Beckett
- All-Time Butt Shot, 1984 Topps Keith Hernandez
- Recent Rick with giant hat
- Chatanooga Choo-Choo
- Rick and the Thumbtack
- NYT makes an obvious pun
- Capping off Rick's coaching career
Seattle Mariners
Texas Rangers
Los Angeles Dodgers
Oakland A's
New York Yankees
St. Louis Cardinals
This defensive shortshop never made it as a big league prospect, but he continues to make his mark discovering and nurturing future stars. Plus, how does a 1.4 WAR performance make someone an All-Star Rookie AND an All-Star on the premier baseball video game of the decade?
- Card 294 on Beckett
- Game-winning bloop by @1992Pirates
- Handshaking bandit by @1992Pirates
- Tough start in the minors by @PiratesOTD
- Al Pedrique, Greatest 21 Days
- Al Pedrique on MILB
- Al Pedrique and Jose Altuve on MLB
- Stathead Search: 1987 NL SS by WAR. You find us an All-Star not named Ozzie Smith!
Mark Simon returns to the pod to discuss Elaine Benes' most-famous boyfriend (other than Lloyd Braun, of course.)
- Card 610 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Michael Martell
- Guest Mark Simon's website
- Follow-up: 1988 Topps Big Card Guillermo Hernandez
- SI Story about Keith and his Dad
- About John Hernandez, the ballplayer
- Big hit in the 1982 World Series
- The Cardinals trade Keith away
- Big hit in the 1986 World Series
- The Cooperstown case for Keith
- Keith says something stupid about a trainer
- Keith and his cat
- Keith answers questions about Seinfeld
St. Louis Cardinals
New York Mets
Cleveland Indians
This versatile reliever had one of the best closer seasons in Major League history and one of our favorite quotes:
"You think I look mean when I pitch? I guess it's because I'm hungry to take you out. I'm hungry to make some money."
- Card 513 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Gary Gillette
- Obituary at RIP Baseball
- Ismael Miranda "Caretas"
- Phillies 23 - Cubs 22
- Dan Ford HBP in World Series
- Worst Swing Ever?
- 1984 World Series Final Out
- 1984 World Series Celebration
- Mitch and the Bucket
Detroit Tigers
Philadelphia Phillies
Chicago Cubs
This versatile lefty joined the pros at age 18 and pitched for 19 years. And as far as we can tell, he never had a case of the Mondays! Card 442 on Beckett SABR Bio by David Moore Antioch pitcher drafted! Tom profiled at Greatest 21 Days Story about 'The Way Down'Nashville Sounds, Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, and Baltimore Orioles
This brookie combines brownie batter and chocolate chip cookie dough to create a decadent half brownie, half cookie bar that's fun and easy to make.
- Card 474 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Pat Kilroy and Larry Hilliard
- Hall of Fame Card Corner
- 1980 Topps Rookie with no moustache
- Tom's SABR Best Game project
- Brookens plays catcher in 1985
- "I'm pretty cool where I'm at" in Detroit Free Press
- Great ejection as 3rd base coach at Erie
- "Pennsylvania Polka" performed by Lawrence Welk Band
- Groundhog Day, Day 1
Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians
This Minnesota journeyman moved 52 times in his 17-year baseball career, but as long as he found a spot in the outfield, he felt at home.
- Card 532 on Beckett
- Three Rivers Stadium menu
- SABR Bio by Doug Ernst
- Greatest 21 Days - Mike Kingery
- The Kingery Family
- Solid Foundation Baseball School
“I don’t think [the 1988 Topps Podcast has] any weaknesses. Some people have God’s gift to [podcast], and I think [they] have it.”
-
Jack Clark, probably
-
Card 100 on Beckett
- Card 397 on eBay
- Card 28T on Amazon
- SABR Bio by Dan Taylor
- Baseball Hall of Fame Card Corner
- 1981 Unibrow
- NLCS Homer
- Robbed by Eric Davis two days in a row
- Buy a "F the Dodgers" ball
- 1991 SI article about Jack and his father
- Stathead Search: OPS+ 1980-1989, 2500+ PAs
San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox
After listening to this episode, you will definitely know who Von Hayes is.
- Card 215 on Beckett
- SABR Bio By Zac Petrillo
- "Dude, nobody knows who Von Hayes is" from It's Always SUnny in Philadelphia
- Catching up with Von in 2022
- Von hits 2nd homer of 1st inning
- Von and his Santa friends
- Von Hayes, the band
With the simple push of a button, the Brazilian judge magically turned one gold medal into two.
- Card #113T on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Bill Nowlin
- BREAKING: Jay Baller relief appearance on WGN on June 17, 1986
- BREAKING: Don Aase gives up big homer in 1989
- Carl T Spague
- Ed hits huge World Series homer for the Jays
- Ed discusses the A's farm system in 2023
- Ed's wife wins a disputed Gold
First in our alphabet, first in our hearts, first in polished concrete.
- Card #467 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Bill Nowlin
- Straight-haired Don
- Angels Fight Song
- Don Aase at Halos Heaven
- Polished Concrete Wows Museum Goers!
Welcome to the 1988 Topps Podcast: Presidential Edition
- Card #76 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Rory Costello
- 88 Topps Blog post
- MLB Story about the perfect game
- Video from el perfecto
- Story about his namesaked stadium
- Hall of Fame case made by his son!
This journeyman reliever tested 1980s Georgia labor laws as he worked for the minimum wage and made tips.
- Card 353 on Beckett
- Ed Olwine 21 Greatest Days
- Lil' Ole Wine Drinker Me by Dean Martin
- Sports Illustrated: "Working for peanuts"
- Atlanta Journal-Constitution: "When it comes to home sales, he's the perfect pitcher"
- Rudy Kurniawan, Ol Wine Swindler
This speedster from Alabama played 13 years in the bigs and had one of the best seasons at the plate in minor league baseball history.
Stasera Mi Butto!
- Card #657 on Beckett
- White Sox Mascot History
- Stasera mi butto
- Best Reds Minor League Season of 1970s
- Grandma's Scorebook Gary Redus
- Gary Redus II, Secret Weapon
- HOF and MLB articles about the .462 season
Tart - a - Bull. Tart - a - Bull.
Say it like a toddler, and you can't help but smile.
- Card 724 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Charles Faber
- NY Times: Danny meets his Grandpa
- Best Reds Minor League Season of the 1980s?
- Costanza giving Danny swing pointers
- George gets "the finger"
- Married With Children "A Man For No Seasons"
- Dumbest Fugitive Alive
- Stathead Search: Worst dWar outfielders of all time
Some guys have all the luck,
Some guys can only dream.
Some guys get all the breaks,
Some guys have a Dad who owns the team.
- Card #354 on Beckett
- Marc Sullivan SABR Bio
- John Lickert SABR Bio
- Haywood Sullivan SABR Bio
- Haywood Sullivan: Red Sox Controversial Figures
- SI Thirsty Article about Marc
- Marc Sullivan, RBI Baseball Legend
- Stathead: Worst Single Season OPS+ Search
- Stathead: Career OPS+ Under 35 Search
Saturday Night Live, April 17, 1976:
Here’s how it works: Catch a bass, remove the hook, and drop the bass – that’s the whole bass – into the Super Bass-o-Matic ’76. [ drops the bass into the blender ] Now, adjust the control dial so that the bass is blended just the way you like it. [ turns blender on and grinds it to a pulp ] Yes, it’s that simple!
Bass-Drinker: [ drinks a glassful of bass ] Wow, that’s terrific bass!
- Card 175 on ebay
- Card 291 on Beckett
- Seibu Lions Backflips
- SABR Bio by Philip Bolda
- 2002 Interview with Astros Daily
- Sammy Davis Jr. Impersonation
- 1986 All-Star Game Intros
- 1986 NLCS Final At-Bat
It's me. Hi. I'm the podcast, it's me. (Bill's Version)
- Card 117T on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Bill Lemoine
- SI Top Maine Athletes
- 1994 Chicago Tribune: Giants' Maine Man
- 538 article on younger siblings and their athletic prowess
- Stathead Search: 1990-1993 Best ERA, 500+ IP
SABR Board President Mark Armour joins the pod to talk about one of the best shortstops of the 1960s who then became an "old school" manager at age 36.
- Card #714 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Mark Armour
- Become a SABR member!
- Mark's website
- Intentional Balk: Baseball's Thin Line Between Innovation and Cheating
- Stathead Search: SS by WAR 1963-1970
- 1964 SI Article
- Jim practices his ump antics
- Jim's Ejections
- Jim Fregosi obituary
Fun Fact: Tim Birtsas is taller than any candidate for the US Presidency in a general election.
- Card #501 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Steve Friedman
- NY Times on the first Rickey trade
- Tim's return to Tiger Stadium
- Top trades in Reds History
- MLB list of every 4-strikeout inning ever
- Olde Mill Inn of Clarkston, MI
This Mississippi native was a reliable backup for the Mets and Dodgers. But after Hurricane Katrina, he needed some backup of his own.
- Card 633 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Leslie Heaphey
- Bio by Mark Stowers
- Video of Barry breaking John Tudor's leg
- Induction into Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame
- Follow-up: Stathead search of pitchers hitting first-inning triples
This hard-throwing reliever went from the top of his game at age 31 to a violent death at age 35. The story behind Donnie Moore's downfall is far more complicated than just giving up a big home run.
- Card 471 on Beckett
- College football coverage from Lubbock for The Baylor Lariat
- "What Broke Donnie Moore?" on Deadspin
- "The Split" on Sports Illustrated
- 1981 manslaughter story on RetroSimba
- 1986 ALCS Henderson home run off of Moore
- National Domestic Violence Hotline
"I am glad to hear of their coming, but they will have to wait a few minutes till I get my turn at bat."
-
Abraham Lincoln
-
Card #109T on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Rory Costello
- Joe makes the Springfield Sports Hall of Fame
- Abraham Lincoln's farewell address to Springfield
This hard-working second baseman didn't steal the hearts of Braves fans—he struck, squeezed, and subdued them, then swallowed them whole.
- Card 325 on Beckett
- Card 53T on eBay
- SABR Bio by Peter Gerken
- 1983 All-Star Game as the Bearded Wonder
- 1984 Fleer Masterpiece
- 1987 unlucky break
- Stathead Search: 1980s 2B by WAR
- Epic Lexington Legends bobblehead
He had the All-Star Rookie card, the nickname, the bat, and the confidence. Could he live up to the legacy of Fenway's left field legends?
- Card 493 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Joe Wancho
- BoSox Injection: 10 Cards That Tell the Story of the Red Sox
- Game Story of Gator's Cycle
- Scoring controversy on the triple!
- Greenwell the race car driver
- Gator Mike's
The Ultimate Ultimate Ultimate Ultimate Grand Slam is being down 3-0, bottom of the 9th, no team hits yet, bases loaded from 3 walks/errors, 3-2 count, double doink home run off the foul pole and the scoreboard.
- Card #265 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Andrea Long
- Ultimate Slam article!
- Ultimate Slam radio call!
- Pancho Prin, "El Aguardiente"
- Antioqueño Aguardiente, WineChateu.com
Austin, Texas is famous for many things: live music, barbecue, bats, being weird, and Hit By Pitch king Don Baylor.
- Card 545 on Beckett
- Card 11T on eBay
- Card 545 Painted Cap
- SABR Bio by Tusa and Allen
- Willie Wells and the Lost History of Black Baseball in Austin
- "A Walk Through Don Baylor's Austin" by Eric Robinson
- And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead, "Another Morning Stoner"
- The Impossibles, "Descriptive Essay, 100 Words"
- 1987 World Series, Game 6 Don Baylor homer
From the Google Reviews: "It's my favorite 'home away from home' place for pizza. I won't eat pizza from any other establishment! Love Shaners!!!
- Card 66 on Beckett
- Card 406 on Beckett
- "Racine" by Duvall
- 1987 Sports Illustrated article about Shane
- Review of Shaner's Pizza
- Shaner's Pizza Website
- Baseball Hall of Fame article about Shane
This episode is as Chicago as a box full of sport peppers, deep dish pizza, House music, and bad Cubs general management decisions.
- Card 521 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Tom Mank
- Chicago Magic Lounge
- The Magic of Paige Thompson
- Mascot Watch: Chairman Yam
- Southern Illinois University in 1970
- Jim Dwyer Painted Cap
- World Series Home Run! Game 1, 1983
“Where does he sleep, where does he vote? Where does he go back to every night to watch movies? It boils down to that. And if that is any place in Chicago for an extended period of time, then he's a resident.”
-- Former Chicago Inspector General Joseph Ferguson
- Card 487 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Bill Nowlin
- Greatest 21 Days, Jim Pankovits
- Night Owl Cards, Brush With Greatness
- Jim gets tossed, his players comment
- "Vallas Faces Questions" by WTTW
We know Belgium has great waffles, chocolate, beer, and mussels. But did you know that it has baseball?
- Card #409 on ComC
- Follow-up: Scott Bankhead Gunslinger poster
- Joel McKeon's forkball
- Chicago Tribune story on Joel's illness
- AP story on Joel in Belgium
This unassuming Tar Heel spent 10 years in the majors and both played and coached for Team USA. An All-American card.
- Card 730 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Bill Nowlin
- Softbank Hawks mascot attacked!
- Appalachian State is HOT! HOT! HOT!
- Tony Rice, "Nine Pound Hammer"
- Scott Bankhead interview with USA Baseball
This week, the pod takes an uncomfortably long look at this dreamy pitcher and learns why it's very hard to say "Piscataway" while wearing bowties and briefs.
- Card 417 on Beckett
- Brewers Numerical History: #34
- Mark's story on My Central Jersey
- "The Rookie" on MLB
- "Chippendale's Audition" from SNL
- Ski New Jersey!
Them's fightin' words.
- Card 330 on Beckett
- Stathead search: Best NL pitchers of 1989-1990
- SABR Bio by Mike Huber
- SI: Billy's Biggest Brawl
- LA Times: Escape From New York
- Epic Padres/Braves fight on YouTube
Matt Flesch, director of the documentary "Last Comiskey," joins the show to talk about the reliever who saved everything in 1990 — except that historic ballpark.
- Card 613 on Beckett
- Watch "Last Comiskey" on YouTube
- Card 613 on 88 Topps Blog
- Follow-up: Pat Tabler MimsBandz
- Follow-up: Tommy Hutton's painted cap and suspicious moustache
- Bobby saves #57
- White Sox/A's epic 1991 brawl
- Chicago Tribune article about Donna Jo by Bob Verdi
This backup infielder and long-time coach was only the second Japanese-American to play in MLB, paving the way for future greats. The extra "N" is for "Nice Glasses."
- Card 716 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Rory Castello
- Feature on Lenn in Japan Ball
- CANDIDATE FOR BEST-LOOKING CARD OF THE 1980s
1981 Donruss Lenn Sakata - Tippy Martinez picks off three runners in one inning, Lenn catches
Pop quiz: Who is the all-time leader in batting average with the bases loaded?
Meet Mr. Clutch.
- Card 230 on Beckett
- Card 118T on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Harry Schoger
- In Stock: Steve Jeltz Fan Club T-Shirt
- Info about Jeltz Autographs!
- The weird Rick Resuchel trade, explained
- Stathead Search: 100+ AB w/ bases loaded
- Pat Tabler leaving SportsNet
- NSFW: Nude Tim Tuefel art?
Like his mentors Quiz and Teke, this reliever had high integrity and a low release point.
- Card #378 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Malcolm Allen
- 2023 Topps Series 1 on Forbes
- NY Times story on the Relief Room
- Wayne's World on YouTube
- Todd ejected after giving up slam
The song from 1968 is catchy, but it doesn't really make sense, as Interstate Highway I-5 was built in 1964, and anyone born and raised in San Jose would know that's how you get to Los Angeles, and back.
- Card #292 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Joe Wancho
- Follow-up: How Unlucky Was Jose DeLeon?
- Dionne Warwick, "Do You Know the Way to San Jose?"
- The Drake Exploration Society
- Melee!
- Carney on LaRussa's Premonition
- Carney in "Angels in the Outfield"
You know the old cliche, "It's better to be lucky than good"?
Is it true? And if so, then how do you explain Jose DeLeon's career?
- Card 634 on Beckett
- Card 34T on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Richard Cuicchi
- Was Jose Underrated?
- Jose on TWiB
This Puerto Rican phenom had fewer seasons in the majors (3) than the show 227 was on the air (5), and never met Jackeé, as far as we can tell from Baseball Reference.
- Card 227 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Malcolm Allen
- Ed smack talking with the Yankees
- Correa article from 21 Days
- Follow-up: Joey Cora vs. Team USA
- Follow-up: Rick Reuschel Goes to Washington
What could be more wholesome than a guy who bought his Mom two houses and now claims "Honorary Canadian" status?
- Card 565 on Beckett
- Lloyd's time in Medicine Hat
- Scout Talk! Wayne Morgan
- Lloyd's "Double Steal" article and video
- Lloyd in the Canadian Hall of Fame
This Bronx Bomber from Jersey was so powerful that SI compared him to the Babe. But it was one huge homer with the White Sox that earned our host's affection forever.
Are you gonna finish that manicotti?
- Card 691 and 82T on Beckett
- Grant Brisbee's sonnet about Neil Allen
- "The Dan Pasqua Story" on Deadspin
- True crime updates! UPI stories 1 and 2
- SoxNerd article about Dan's big blast
- 50 Greatest Players from New Jersey, Dan is #50!
This scrappy outfielder has a surname that means "last" in French, but for Cubs fans, it meant "fast." Also, what would make you hang up the phone on the President?
- Card #642 on 88 Topps Blog
- SABR Bio by John Racanelli
- Stay Home with SABR Video from 2021 with Dernier and Ryno
- 1984 NLCS Leadoff Homer
- Chicago Tribune article about the call from Ronnie to Harry
- Bobby's last homer, a walk-off inside-the-parker!
A majestic split-finger fastball and an epic beard took this closer all the way to Cooperstown. What fan wouldn't want a garden gnome in his likeness?
- Card #155 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Norm King
- Signed Bruce Sutter Garden Gnome on eBay
- 1978 All-Star Game
- 1982 World Series, Game 7
- Billy Bob Thornton recounts getting hit in the down belows by a Sutter split-finger fastball
- Sutter's HOF acceptance speech
Turns out, vertigo is a lot less fun than you would expect if your only experience with it was the 2005 Grammy-award-winning video by U2.
- Card #364 on the 1988 Topps Blog
- SABR Bio by Bill Nowlin
- Bob Costas calls Nick's 1985 grand slam
- Sports Illustrated article about Nick's attempt to return to baseball
Is Bob Brower the inside-the-park grand slam of guys who work for sports agents?
- Card 252 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by John Burbridge Jr.
- Interview with Bob about his second career
- Story about Bob, the local hero
For 18 MLB seasons, this sure-handed shortstop had a knack for being in the right place at the right time.
- Card #726 on Beckett
- Card #43T on Isolated Cards
- SABR Bio by Justin Kreuger
- Profile of Alfredo on True Blue LA
- Weirdest strikeout ever?
- Good hands for a first base coach
This utility man lettered in two sports, played multiple positions, suited up for a dozen different teams, and even sold insurance on the side. But his most critical job may have been truth teller.
- Card 63T on Amazon
- Scotti Madision career at Vanderbilt
- Interview with Scotti by Minor League Baseball
- Scotti testifies during the Sackler trial
- "Little Wings" by Mark Gormley
Probably the most wholesome, most straightforward episode we've done.
- Card #748 on Beckett
- Much better card, 1987 Topps #539 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Matthew Perry
- Snoopy vs. The Red Baron
- A fun fact about Reid Nichols!
I mean, Rocky won three Academy Awards in 1977 and was nominated for seven others. I could just say the name "Adrian" in that voice and you'd immediately know which movie I'm talking about. Can you give even one famous line from anything in the Rambo series? It can't be done.
- Card 567 on Beckett
- Pete Rambo
- Harry Caray blown away by a Mike Diaz homer onto Waveland
- "MIke Diaz's enduring legacy" in the Athletic
- Jim Leyland's office aka Matt's happy place
- Cool-kun on mascots.fandom.com
Upon further study of the video, we see that Braggs' bat snaps upon contact with his enormous deltoids. Truly jacked.
- Card 263 on Beckett
- Card 639 on eBay
- The very spooky Pfister Hotel
- The "Fort Braggs" swing
- Ryan Fagan on Glenn's swing
- Glenn's catch saving a home run and the game in the 1990 NLCS
- Glenn's version of the Three-Man Lift
This reclusive slugger let his bat—and two World Series rings—do the talking.
And faced with the concept of 10¢ Beer Night, we can only wonder: How does someone carry 6 cups of beer back to their seat?
- Card 304 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Joe Wancho
- ESPN story on 10¢ Beer Night
- George throws out Yount in Game 7 of the 1982 World Series
- Then bats in the game-winning run
- 1983 SI Article about George
- Professional athletes mystified by a flipped water bottle
- Vice article about Lisa Saxon
Pick a number between 1 and 792, and we'll bring you a mascot fight. That's the 1988 Topps Podcast promise.
- Card 77 on Beckett
- Tom's weird 1982 uniform on Beckett
- Dunedin proununciation
- 77s: Do It For Love
- Tom hits 1990 game-winning homer
- Tom's bio in Hanshin Tigers English News
- Tom sings Tigers fight song
- Tsubakuro fights Fuu-San
Pop quiz: Which pitcher had the highest WAR in the 1980s? The answer would be news to journalists of that era, who consistently overlooked this consistent favourite of Toronto fans.
- Card 775 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Joe Cox
- Follow up: Phil Bradley crunching Buck Martinez's leg as he puts out two runners at the plate in the same play
- Dorktown Video about Dave Stieb on YouTube
- The Legend of Dave Stieb's Slider
- Alan Thicke and a Skydome Spectacle
- Dave gets his no-no
- Sewing With Nancie: "Dave Stieb"
- Hall of Stats: Dave Stieb
This power hitter won a World Series ring with his clutch performance at the plate and in the outfield, and it all started because of some clutch lobbying by a President of the United States of America.
- Card 375 on Beckett
- Card 20T on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Bill Nowlin
- Inside the Park Grand Slam!
- ALCS Celebration in Minnesota
- The Catch (1990)
This star Mizzou Quarterback made the record books with an Ultimate Grand Slam in 1985. And he would have had the first home run at a Wrigley Field night game, if not for the rain...and Bill Murray?
- Card 55, 519, and 18T on Beckett
- 1978 Missouri football upsets Nebraska
- "Seattle's new power source" in SI
- Ultimate Grand Slams
- 8/8/88 dinger that won't count
- U of Missouri retires Phil's number
Humbly, we think the joke goes better this way:
"Why is there an expiration date on sour cream? I mean, what happens if it expires? Does it go ... good?"
- Card #342 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Malcolm Allen
- The Infamous Conehead Mask
- The Mask strikes in Houston
- Larry doing material for NBC
- 1993 Phils - "High Hopes"
- Bagwell HOF speech including Larry
Today's episode of the 1988 Topps Podcast is not officially brought to you by Giant Eagle, but next time you're shopping for the whole team, and you want Absolute Minimum Prices, just make a swing by Giant Eagle. And tell 'em Spanky sent ya.
- Card 539 on Beckett
- Ripken and LaValliere family connection!
- OG Spanky
- Spanky in a Giant Eagle ad
- Fashion icon
- Pranking Doug Drabek
- Sid Bream's slide
- 1992 Pirates on Twitter
A poster on a Chicago kid's wall in 1988 showed three men in tuxedos: Michael Jordan, Walter Payton, and Andre Dawson.
Class for all seasons.
- Card 500 on Beckett
- Card 401 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Dan D'Addona
- Living HBCU Baseball History
- Dawson hit by Eric Show pitch
- Great throw to gun down Mitch Webster
- All-Star Dinger off the restaurant window
- ESPN: Andre Dawson's Second Act
- Class For All Seasons
In Heaven, there is no beer.
That's why we drink it here.
And when we're gone from here,
Our friends will be drinking all our beer!
- Card 551 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Herb Schaper and Stew Thornley
- 1982 NY Times article about the Steinbach Bros
- Harold Loeffelmacher and the Six Fat Dutchmen
- C-Flap History
- World Series homer off Big Daddy Reuschel
- Terry and his MVP Muffler
In sixty-seven everything was aglow / it was the year of love, it was the year of Expo / everyone had a beautiful passport with a beautiful photo
Translated from the song - Le blues d'la métropole by Beau Dommage
- Card 560 on Beckett
- Card 399 on Beckett
- Big Card 7 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Norm King
- 1985 All-Star Game appearance
- 2011 NCAA Hall of Fame induction
- One guy's attempt to collect all of the Tim Wallach cards
In the 1987-1988 TV season, the show ALF captured an 18.8 rating, meaning somewhere around 40 million people watched an episode every week. Just think about that.
We also talked about Ron Karkovice.
- Card #86 on Beckett
- Card #86 on the 88 Topps Blog
- ALF Cards
- SABR Article about Joe Cowley's "not impressive" no-hitter
- Ron's inside-the-park slam!
- Special retirement sendoff from the Sox
- Ron a top first-round pick?
Mike Murphy of Grandma's Scorebook joins the show to discuss one of the favorite players of America's Grandma: Minnie Lee Olges.
- Card 17 on Beckett
- Ron Oester on 88 Topps Blog
- Ron's first hit in Grandma's Scorebook
- "Hard-nosed Ron Oester heart of class" by John Erardi
- "Ron Oester: Where are they now?" on MLB.com
- Mike Murphy on Twitter @GScorebook
This World Series champ threw hard, lived hard, and died hard. RIP
- Card 701 on Beckett
- SABR bio by Bill Nowlin
- Orioles Pregame Interview in 2016 - “Why do you listen to the blues?”
- Sammy sets rookie strikeout record
- Sammy and Dempsey rain delay shenanigans!
- Sammy stays dry in the Champagne shower
- Obituary
The Venn diagram of eponymous surgical procedures (named for the patient) and eponymous Internet underwear brands (named for a baseball player) is a perfect circle of one.
- Card 611 on Beckett
- Cousin Wolf song about Moses Fleetwood Walker
- "Garage Band Actually Believes There is a 'Terre Haute Sound,'" The Onion
- SABR Bio by Michael Fallon
- "Tommy John's Career Was More Than Just a Surgical Procedure" by Jay Jaffe
- Obituary of Frank Jobe
If an earnest singer/songwriter wrote a tune about the difficult decisions you had to make during your darkest moments, what would it sound like?
- Card #8 on Beckett
- Sabr Bio bio by Joel Rippel
- Cat grab!
- Elster/Jeffries highlight reel
- Cousin Wolf - Kevin Elster song/blog
Like Harold "Growing" Baines and Mike "Pepperoni" Piazza, this Canadian had a long career and a great Chris Berman nickname.
- Card 587 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by David Skelton
- Ottawa Citizen article about Terry and his trials and tribulations with tobacco
- Great play by Terry to save Nolan Ryan no-hitter
- Ranker: Top Canadians of all time in MLB
We surveyed 100 people. Top 6 answers are on the board. Here's the question:
"Name your favorite Werner Herzog movie."
- Card 534 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Bill Johnson
- John's brother's gruesome crime
- Phillies vs Royals on The Family Feud
- John Wathan, The Duke of Kansas City
This Missouri native was always great at finding a few outs. Then, one day, he found seven new siblings.
Ryan Fagen, Senior MLB Writer for The Sporting News joins us to talk about Mike!
- Card 582 on Beckett
- Follow Ryan on Twitter: @RyanFagan and @MyJunkWax
- Ryan Fagan's story about Mike's found family
- Ryan’s article about Grandma’s Reds Scorebook
- 2020 Free Press Article by Bill Dow
Episode 100! We celebrate the way any 1988 Topps fan should: by lionizing a guy who really hit his stride in his 30s and 40s. We've still got it.
- Card 331 on Beckett
- New Mascot? Hoodi the Space's First Pitch
- HOF Card Corner: Brian Dowling 1992 Upper Deck
- 1991 Chicago Tribune article about Brian
- Officer Downing with the White Sox
- Brian makes a great catch in the ALCS
- Angels All Time Roster
This natural hitter retired three times, but achieved greatness after learning to cope with a rare condition.
- Card 348 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Scot Johnson
- Jim’s homer in Game 3 of the 1997 World Series
- Jim Eisenreich Foundation
It's like they always say: Don't bring a small intestine to a knife fight.
- Card #91 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Alan Cohen
- Joey and A-Rod joking about Cora's "overreaction"
- Seattle's "Refuse to Lose" 1995 season
- Joey robs Tony Gwynn in the 1997 All-Star Game
Who wouldn't want to start a cake fight with the '86 Mets while on a plane? Mark Simon returns to the show to explain.
- Card 753 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Mark Simon
- Follow Mark on Twitter
- Sports Info Solutions Podcast with Brett Phillips
- Danny argues a call…and loses a game
- Santa Anna’s Leg
- Danny’s 2-run single in the World Series
- Danny on coaching high school
This rookie slugger quickly became a Red Sox fan favorite, and if he hired us to run his campaign for President, he totally would've won.
- Card 377 on Beckett
- MLB.com - Sam Horn, Red Sox Cult Hero
- "What is Your Pregame?"
- Sam's amazing Orioles debut
- BoSoxInjection.com - "Will Michael Chavis emulate Boston legend Sam Horn?"
- Sam Horn for President!
Despite what rumors you might have heard in school, kids in Texas do not ride a horse to school—but they do have baseball.
- Card 537 on Beckett
- Card 201 on Beckett
- Oklahoman article about Steve with the 89ers
- Levi Weaver's article about this card
- Levi’s Article about the Rangers Promotion Album -
- Rangers Album Playlist
- Shane Buechele’s origin story
- Steve vs. the White Sox
- The saga of Steve’s trade to the Pirates
This power hitter from Arkansas had a knack for flying under the radar in New York. Too bad the pigeon didn't.
- Card 735 on Beckett
- Card 579 Mets Team Leaders on Beckett
- Sabr bio by Thomas J Brown
- Baseball America - “Where are they now?”
- 1984 NLCS Home Run on YouTube
- "Dion James kills a pigeon" on YouTube
Somehow, we completed an entire segment about guys named "Ernie" without a Big Ern McCracken joke from Kingpin. Sometimes, a bowler just has to face the music.
- Card 88 on Beckett
- Card 93T on Beckett and Painted Cap
- Card 61T on Beckett and Painted Cap
- Earnie's strange hand injury
- The Mystery Trade on SI
To this day, "Can't Fight This Feeling" is an epic power ballad and guaranteed karaoke crowd-pleaser, due to its heartfelt lyrics and Kevin Cronin's particular way of pronouncing vowels.
- Card #97 on Beckett
- "Champaign, Illinois" by the Old 97s on Spotify
- Mark Scheiwe and the Dutchmasters
- Scott's 1984 Donruss
- Walt Weiss hits a homer
- Story from the Paxton Record
This wrestling opponent and prank-mate of Cal Ripken Jr. also played third base the game before Ripken started his streak. O R I O L E S magic magic magic magic
- Card #296 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Malcolm Allen
- Floyd Rayford articles
- What Happened to the African-American Catcher by Claire Smith
- Floyd and Rick Dempsey on YouTube
This talented Texan turned heads with his strong arm, but his cocky personality almost drew First Blood with his managers.
- Card 626 and 129T
- "Phillies Odyssey" by Dave Rueter
- Glennbo
- 1985 All-Star Finger Guns!
- 1986 Glenn Wilson highlights
- Glenn’s Service Station
If you don’t download this podcast, we’ll fine you ONE MILLION YEN.
- Card 46 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Malcom Allen
- Follow-up: Cleveland Mustard Controversy
- 1988 Topps Playlist: San Berdoo Sunburn by Eagles of Death Metal
- One million yen
- Harold Reynolds telling Darnell stories
Cory Snyder played in Cleveland in 1989. The movie "Major League" was released in 1989, was about the Cleveland baseball team and starred Charlie Sheen. Charlie Sheen was in the movie "Lucas" with Corey Haim, and that movie was filmed at the school of one of our hosts. Consult the Oracle of 1988 Topps!
- Card 620 on Beckett
- Card 789 on Beckett
- 1987 SI cover story with Cory and Joe Carter
- 30 years on, let’s reread that story
- Mustard Controversy!
He may be a Volunteer, but his mustache is all professional.
- Card 174 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Norm King
- No context Willie Stargell hits Phil in the face with a pie (Youtube)
- What a look (BaseballHall.com)
- Phil brawling with Terry Bevington (YouTube)
- Bronze Bust of "Scrap Iron" (Knoxfocus.com)
A talented infielder who never got the respect he deserved from the All-Star voters, the sports writers, or from the 1988 Topps Podcast RBI Corner?!?!?
Card 745 on Beckett A different Bill Doran Great play in 1986 NLCS Game 1
Teacher marking your daily progress on a big sheet of posterboard: Normal. Feels good.
Fans at Wrigley Field marking your daily progress on a big sheet of posterboard: Normal? Feels good?
- Card 695 on Beckett
- Card 171 on Beckett
- Breaking News: Boise family find hidden wall of baseball cards (KTVB.com)
- Cubs win on Dunston stolen base 1985
- Jasmine Dunston Takes the Baton
- Shawon-O-Meter T-Shirt from Obvious Shirts
The guys celebrate their 100th card covered on the pod by digging into a 1989 Yelp review.
- Card 282 on Beckett
- Pride of Taylorville, Illinois
- First and only home run on YouTube
- Prairie Talk with Betty
- Pat and his summer baseball camps
He won three rings, made two Simpsons appearances, and was a hero to not-so-speedy little leaguers everywhere.
Jeff Snider from the Locked on Dodgers Podcast joins us to talk all things Mike!
- Card 225 on Beckett
- "Ode to Leroy Brown" by Jason Edward Harrington
- SABR Bio by Susan Lantz
- The Baseball Boogie Bunch
- Locked on Dodgers Podcast
- @snidog on Twitter
Can you keep a secret?
- Card 209 on Beckett
- Card 35T on Beckett
- MLB Candy
- Topps and Fanatics in NY Times
- SABR Story of 1983 ALCS Game 3 by Brian Wood
- The History of Rome podcast
- "There might be a family secret" by Jayson Stark
- SABR Bio of Turk Farrell by David E. Skelton
While this Puerto Rican phenom never fulfilled the promise of being "the next Clemente," his personality, music, style, and influence carried across all of baseball, from Little League fields all the way to the White House.
- Card 771 on Beckett
- Article on Ruben by Mark Shirk
- SABR Bio by Adam Ulrey
- "Rising to the Top of the Game" by Austin Murphy
- Album cover of "Imagen Viva" and the garden hose shot
- "Un Verdadero Hit" on Spotify
- 1988 Topps Spotify Playlist!
A name best known for prudism ends up associated with the most famous crotch shot in baseball card history. Tune in for today's extra crispy story, which we call, "The Curse of the Drowned Colonel."
- Card 778 on Beckett
- ESPN: "You're the Guy With the Ball to the Crotch"
- Sports Illustrated: "Waiting to Pop His Cork"
- 1988 Topps Book Club: "The Conman"
- Ridiculous History: "The Curse of the Colonel"
Jimmy Dugan: Are you crying? Are you crying? ARE YOU CRYING? There's no crying! There's no crying in the 1988 Topps Podcast!
- Card 431 on Beckett
- Marge and Helen Callahan SABR Bio by Jim Sargent
- Casey and Helen, Greatest Mother-Son Baseball Duo on MLB
- Casey hired as Manager of Buffalo Bisons
With five decades in baseball and a heckuva set of eyebrows, this feisty manager got ejected from the same doubleheader twice. Dr. Clayton Tutor returns to the show talk about Frank and review 8-Bit Christmas.
IT'S DANGEROUS TO GO ALONE! TAKE THE 1988 TOPPS PODCAST.
- Card 564 on Beckett
- Preorder Clayton Trutor’s new book: Loserville: How Professional Sports Remade Atlanta—and How Atlanta Remade Professional Sports
- Article Clayton wrote about Frank’s retirement
- Card 564 in the HOF Card Corner
- SABR Bio by David Skelton
- Two Strike Noise Podcast
This straight-laced catcher won a World Series ring in his brief career, then faced trials and tribulations more difficult than even the '86 Mets locker room could summon.
- Card 56 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Alan Cohen
- L.A. Times: "New Role for 'Clean-Up Man' Ed Hearn"
- YouTube: Let's Go Mets!
- Bottom of the 9th Foundation
Statistically, Lou was one of the best second basemen of all time, but is that enough to get him in the Hall of Fame this second time around? Adam Darowski of Baseball Reference and the “Building the Ballot” podcast joins us to make the case!
- Card 770 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by John Milner
- Lou's 1984 World Series highlights
- Lou and Tram on Magnum, P.I.
- "How Lou's Forgetfulness Landed Him in the Smithsonian"
- Building the Ballot: The Baseball Hall of Fame's Era Committee
Because, as Alfred the Butler said, some men aren't looking for anything logical, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned, or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch their uniforms burn.
- Card 241 on Beckett
- Follow-up: Harold and Alvin A Capella
- Damaso Garcia obituary by Sam Gazdziak
- Article in The Athletic about Damaso's life
- "You can't walk your way off the island" by Barry Popik
The original and eternal Mr. Mariner.
- Card on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Eric Vickrey
- Follow-up: The Top 50 Bat Flips of All Time
- 1997 Alvin Davis Day: Photo with The Kid
- 2020 Interview “Checking in with Mr. Mariner”
The bat flip heard 'round the world.
- Link to Card 183 on Beckett
- Coach Clarence "Shorty" Stoner of Penn State Behrend, a College of Pennsylvania State University, on Tom
- Pre-emptive correction about the use of the Pennsylvania abbreviation: "Penna."
- Video of the homer and The Flip
- Interview with Tom about The Flip
This journeyman pitcher played in only 96 major league games but made $17 million off of baseball cards. See, Ma? It's an investment.
- Card #649 on Beckett
- 1989 Upper Deck 1a promo card
- "'Hungry' journeyman Buice enjoys his millions" by Darren Rovell
- DeWayne at the Hall of Fame with the family of George Genovese
This unassuming infielder is so humble, his episode was upstaged by a beach ball assault.
- Card 337 on Beckett
- Thank you to The Bluest Tape! A journey through the live catalog of Widespread Panic with your hosts, Harvey Couch and Jeff Kollath.
- Follow-up: Bob Stanley vs. Beach Ball
- "When San Diego Hired a Rainmaker a Century Ago, it Poured," by Christopher Klein
- SABR bio of Jim Gantner by Gregg Hoffman
- Story about "Turnin' Up the Heat" by Brad Kolberg and Maureen McCollum
- "Hatfield" by Widespread Panic
This episode of the 1988 Topps Podcast doesn't want to sell anything, buy anything, or process anything as a podcast. It doesn't want to sell anything bought or processed, or buy anything sold or processed, or process anything sold, bought, or processed, or repair anything sold, bought, or processed. You know, as a podcast, it doesn't want to do that.
- Card 573 on Beckett
- SABR Bio by Will Anderson
- Epic recreation of Bottom 10, Game 6, 1986 World Series on RBI Baseball
- Scully and Garagiola with the World Series call
- Bob and the Jimmy Fund
This World Series-winning catcher has a mitt in the Hall of Fame and loves rescue dogs. Sprechen Sie Hassey?
- Card 458 and 46T on Beckett
- Hall of Fame article about Ron
- Blog about 1982 Topps Ron Hassey card #54
- Sassy's Sassiest Boys (SNL)
This trusty reliever—and controversial Cy Young winner—was the bedrock for several pitching staffs. Also, he's a master of karate and friendship for everyone.
- Card 440 and 407 on Beckett
- Follow-up: Grandma's Reds Scorebook
- 1987 All-Star Game
- NBCSports.com: "How in the world did Phillies reliever Steve Bedrosian win the '87 Cy Young?"
- It's Always Sunny in Philadephia: "Mike Schmidt"
- Steve and Cam save a cat from a tree
This Rookie of the Year shows us that with hustle and the right eyewear, the sky is the limit.
- Card 98T on Beckett
- Going to Detroit, Michigan
- Sabo's epic World Series celebration speech
- Reds Hot
- Caught red-handed with a corked bat!
“There’s never been a player who has gone to Italy and come back to make it in the majors. I’d like to be the first.” Did he do it?
- Card on Beckett
- Jack on This Week in Baseball!
- Profile of Jack in the NY Times
- Lazorko Enterprises
This catcher, known best for his record-breaking hitting streak, hustled to make it 20 years in the majors. Plus, Al Pacino as an English instructor?
- Card 7
- Card 404
- Card 693
- Card 699
- SABR Bio by Thomas Brown Jr.
- Ray Kroc, calling the Padres' play "stupid" over the PA
- Benito throwing out runners from his knees
Player's family recommendation episode! Plus, find out which town in New England you're pronouncing incorrectly (SPOILER ALERT: It's all of them.)
- Card 554 on Beckett
- Twins Trivia Interview with Mike in 2011
- "Bottom of the 33rd: Hope, Redemption, and Baseball's Longest Game" on Bookshop
- Minnie Pearl Chicken Wire Statue
- May 2017 Employee of the Month: Mike!
1 Cy Young, 0 Grammys. But Black Jack showed everyone on Chicago's south side that grunge music and baseball do mix.
- Card on Beckett
- V.I.E.W.: various songs and profile
- Stickfigure: "Care"
- The Baseball Project: "The Yankee Flipper"
- Jack's Pinnacle card making him look like Michael W. Smith
It's like that one Gwyneth Paltrow movie, but instead of Gwyneth on a train platform, it's the Cubs GM on Draft Day 1988.
Thank you to guest Beau from the One Million Cubs Project! Send him your Cubs cards!
- Card on Beckett
- Ty's switch-hit homer heroics against Cuba
- The Ty Pivot Pro
- RIP Mascot Samurai Tamabe
In this episode of the 1988 Topps Literary Magazine, our hosts encounter a submarine-throwing poet who had control of every pitch—and every word.
- Card on Beckett
- Harvesters Community Food Network, member of Feeding America
- SABR Bio by Steve Wulf
- Quisenberry's Poetry
- "Favorite Players" by Joe Posnanski
- TechStars Climate Tech Podcast
Historian Clayton Trutor introduces us to “the least imposing future Hall of Famer in the history of baseball cards.”
- Link to card on Beckett
- Preorder Clayton’s book: Loserville: How Professional Sports Remade Atlanta—And How Atlanta Remade Professional Sports
- SABR Bio
- Glavine's hockey draft
- Hall of Famer Glavine showing off his grips
Is there a German word for an athlete who has won a championship, but is better known for a moment of epic failure? Find out!
- Card 242 on Beckett
- King of Kong on Amazon Prime
- Jack Buck, Game 5, 1985 NLCS, "Go Crazy, Folks!"
- Tom's comments on the 2020 baseball owner/labor negotiations
What to buy for the pitcher in your life who already has it all, including a World Series ring? A king's crown? Scuba gear? Or a cherry red 1988 Pontiac Firebird?
- Card on Beckett
- Mailbag: Andrew Chafin's new car
- John Tudor SABR Bio by Rory Costello
He is a winner, watch him glimmer
Like the sunset from a ship's mast!
He's really red, but he's not dead
Ron Robinson's on the podcast! The podcast!
- Card 81 and 517
- 1988 Crystal Light National Aerobic Championships Intro and Full Video
- Alan Thicke, "Sweaty and Hot"
- Key and Peele parody
- Ron Robinson's near-perfect game
- Lost in the Ninth
- Ron Freakin' Robinson T-Shirt
So many questions: 1) Can a 26-year-old rookie really be a "Future Star?" 2) Did that homer really go 582 feet? 3) Where is Joey's chair? Your intrepid hosts travel the globe to find answers, as well as some thirst-quenching Molson beer.
- Card 312 on Beckett
- Follow-up: Fulton County Stadium fire
- SABR bio on Joey by Rory Costello
- Famous alumni of Punahou School
- The home run. Watch this!
- Dr. Alan Nathan on baseball behavior at high altitude
Andy from High Heat Stats returns to help the 1988 Topps Podcast take a bite out of crime.
- Card #463 on Beckett
- Card #729 Blue Jays Leaders on Beckett
- SABR Bio of McGriff by Peter Gordon
- 1988 Topps Blog on McGriff
- Tom Emanski Defensive Drills on ESPN
- High Heat Stats Website and Twitter
When this bomber steps to the plate, rooftops, 2x4s, steel beams, and nacho plates all cower in fear. White Sox fans, this is one you've been waiting for.
- Card 259 on Beckett
- Card 58T on Beckett
- RonKittle.com
- Ron's Rooftop History by Soxnerd
- Ball 9 Article about Ron's 50-homer season by Kevin Czerwinski
- The Great Ones
- Cheers for Ron at the 1983 All-Star Game
Season 2!
Matt and David learn that when, at age 8, you meet your favorite player at a card show, you feel like a kid in a candy store. Joined by guest Mark Simon (Sports Info Solutions and formerly of ESPN Baseball Tonight!)
Links:
- Card on Beckett
- 1980 Topps #94
- 2019 Interview with Howie Rose
- Neil Allen on SABR by Thomas J. Brown Jr.
- Allen's alcoholism in the Chicago Tribune
- Coaching career in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune
- The Yankees Index by Mark Simon
- "Neil Allen was a good Met, too" by Mark Simon
- "Best Games I Know" by Mark Simon
- Journalism Salute Podcast
Join guest Andrew from @PaintedCap on a tour of Taiwan, an epic painted cap card, and the awkwardly-named Chinese Professional Baseball League. Will Ultraman join the Uni-Lions cheerleaders in a victory dance? Find out!
Links:
- Card on Beckett
- Nazo No Sakana Mystery Fish Glove
- Andrew's book, Colonial Project, National Game: A History of Baseball in Taiwan (ZLibrary)
- Tim Melville and Ultraman celebrate Tim's no-hitter
- Sababoy, the Milkfish
- 1987 Topps Tom Nieto Painted Cap
- Tom's card with Dr. Dirt
In 1991, The Simpsons made this All-Star 2B an offer he couldn't refuse. But you wouldn't know anything about that, would you, Saxy boy? Also, Barney was right: Britain's greatest Prime Minister was Lord Palmerston.
Links:
- Card on Beckett
- Peak Sax
- The Simpsons Episode 3.17: "Homer at the Bat"
- Talkin' Softball
- Dystonia on Mayo Clinic
This week's episode of 1988 Topps Ghost Hunters has it all: an All-Star Rookie pitcher, a pioneering woman who founded Bradley University, a scary story about an insane asylum, and an Italian restaurant chain. Spooky!
- Link to 1988 Topps Card on Beckett
- Mike Dunne 1985 Topps Team USA Card
- 1988 Topps Mike Dunne babyface Big Card
- The "Best Trade in Pirates History"
- "The Wailing Elm of Peoria State Hospital"
In the 1990s, you could count on two things with this player: he'd get a hit during the day game, and he'd be a hit during the night game. Plus, a visit with lifelong Cubs fan and Matt's Father-in-Law, Bill!
- Link to Card on Beckett
- Mark Grace in "Taking Care of Business"
- Grace serving up David Ross' first HR
- RIP Grant Jackson
A lanky, awkward-looking submarine-thrower from Ohio ends up as the star reliever for a famous Pittsburgh Family. Trust us, you're gonna lose control when the Rubberband Man starts to jam.
- Card on Beckett
- "Rubberband Man" on YouTube and Spotify
- The Look of Teke
- 1979 World Series, Bottom 8 and Bottom 9 and Locker Room Celebration
- Stargell Stars
- Kent Tekulve and Lynn Swann on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood
Yankee fans remember the trade, Seinfeld fans remember the reference, but when comes to this guy's power hitting abilities and moustache—they're real, and they're spectacular.
- Main card and big card on Beckett
- The look, and the evolution
- Nazo No Sakana's new smash hit
- Seinfeld clip
- Ken, Jay Buhner, and Jerry Stiller discuss the show and the trade
- Ken homering to break up a 26-out perfect game
While it's true that Jim Walewander would be viewed as "norm-core" by today's alternative standards, the 1998 Topps Podcast does feel that unironically listening to Dead Milkmen in 2021 classifies one as "weird."
- Link to Card on Beckett
- 1988 MLB Video (cued up to the important part!)
- Interview with Jim by chinmusic.com
- Jim's autographed card art!
- Article on Defector
- Jim's Wikipedia page
- Punk Rock Girl by Dead Milkmen (top listens on Spotify)
- Big Lizard by Dead Milkmen (played in the show)
The most entertaining Expo ever lit a fire that burned bright, but was snuffed out far too soon.
- Card 647 on Beckett
- Display of all of Pascual's cards
- The Perez brothers in SI
- Poster of Perimeter Perez
- Video: Throwing into the Cubs dugout and Don Zimmer losing his shit
- Video: Andre Dawson taking a softball cut at the Pascual Ball
- Video: Truly epic brawl with the Padres
- Video: Expos highlights of Pascual in French
- Video: Pascual highlights set to "Eye of the Tiger"
- Pascual's obituary in Grantland
A World Series hero gets dissed, and The Cradle of Quarterbacks is avenged.
- Card on Beckett
- West Bromwich Albion Boiler Man
- Perdue Pete v Gene Keady
- Do you need a hero? 1987 World Series Twins highlight reel
- "Gainesville, Rock City" by Less than Jake, which Matt vetoed
- Fight on Dan Gladden's front lawn
The Topps standardized test makers unleash a logic puzzle for the ages. Luckily, Andy from High Heat Stats joins the show to save the day!
- Card on Beckett
- High Heat Stats on Twitter
- Andy's post about this card on the 88 Topps Blog
- Art Stewart, 94-year-old Super Scout!
- Interview at 21 Greatest Days
- Interview at Clubhouse Conversation
- Hal McRae's tirade
After a case of mistaken identity, we jerry-rigged this Perry show as a herald of maximum Gerald.
We took Satan to court, and the verdict rang out: Theft...of 42 bases!
- Card 39 and 549 on Beckett
- 88Topps blog post on Braves leaders card
- Mookie Betts Project 70
- Jackie Robinson Project 70
- Gerald vs. Satan?
- Bill Lucas
- The Strange Career of Gerald Perry
If you believe the stats, this Big Daddy belongs in the Hall. And no, we don't mean Blanche Deveraux's father.
Special Guest: Adam Darowski of Hall of Stats!
- Card on Beckett
- Follow-up: McGwire/McDowell 1984 Team USA pic
- Big League Brothers! 1977 Topps #634
- Hall of Stats
- Stathead search of pitchers with positive ERA+, but a losing record
- SI Cover Model Rick Reuschel: A True Giant
- Bo Knows Rick
The star of the 1984 Olympic team finds Major League left-handers—and a butter knife—too much to handle.
- Card on Beckett
- Follow-Up: Jennie Garth wins big on the Wheel
- Maybe the best jersey in collegiate baseball history?
- The 1984 baseball Dream Team
- MCDOWELL CUTS FINGER
- An Oral History of Oddibe McDowell's Water Bill
- Coach McDowell with star student
What happens when you drive across the country to meet your childhood hero, and it turns out he's—gasp—a human being?!
With special guest, Dr. Brad Balukjian, author of The Wax Pack: On the Open Road in Search of Baseball's Afterlife.
THIS BOOK IS 1988 TOPPS PODCAST CANON. BUY IT NOW.
- Card on Beckett
- Book excerpt from the chapter about Don (The Athletic $)
- 89 Phillies Post-Mortem
- Don's list of canned answers to boring news reporter questions
- Don answers his fan mail, 15 years later
- The Wax Pack Book on Twitter
- Pandemic Baseball Book Club
A contemporary of Doc Gooden doesn't match Gooden's success—or fall from grace. And that's...maybe ok?
Come on, Papa! Make yourself pretty and put on your hat. We'll eat fries and chocolate and listen to podcasts!
- Card on Beckett
- Les Expos sont là
- Floyd's statistical domination of July 1987
- 2015 interview as an Uber driver
- Jimmie C Gardner's story
Find the 1988 Topps Spotify playlist here!
A second baseman has a good run in the majors and in Japan, but things backfire in the Mets front office when he tries out some unusual motivational techniques. At the 1988 Topps Podcast, it's as easy as ABC: Always. Be. Collecting.
Follow-up: Don Sutton threatens lawsuit Bernazard Card on Beckett Tony vs. Hall of Fame pitching Ridiculous Omar Minaya press conference Chiba Lotte Marines mascot signs record deal
While this Hall of Famer's pitches lacked heat, he compensated for it with his command and cool curls.
Plus, a tribute to Hank Aaron, the greatest home run hitter of all time.
- Card on Beckett
- Don Sutton's Hall of Fame Speech
- SABR Bio Project
- PERM / NO PERM
- Mike Brady with his perm
- Match Game with Don, Betty White, and Charles Nelson Reilly
A hard-throwing pitcher finds success by playing chin music, but ultimately finds redemption through sobriety. And, what happens when the podcast you're listening to is also the podcast to be named later? Bar fights and recursion abound. NOW WITH TIGERS.
- Card on Beckett
- YouTube of The Pitch
- Dickie describes The Pitch
- Baseball HOF article on Dickie
Robbed of AL Rookie of the Year honors, this versatile infielder was also robbed of $5 million by poor negotiating.
Ain't no sense in goin' home! 1988 Topps got your girl and gone.
Links:
- Card on Beckett
- What's up with his hat
- Johnny Taylor "Jody's Got Your Girl and Gone" YouTube and Spotify
- "Jody, wealth, and the working-man blues"
- Dwayne Schintzius' mullet
- Jody Reed profile at Florida State University
- Jody and Morgan Magic
Take everything you thought you knew about knuckleballers and throw it right out the window.
Links:
- Record Breakers card on Beckett
- Joe's card on Beckett
- Joe in the classic Astros jersey
- MUST WATCH: The Ejection of Joe Niekro
- Joe on David Letterman: "Do I look like a doctor?"
- Phil Niekro on David Letterman
- The Defenestrations of Prague
A journeyman in the minors finally makes it to The Show, then ends up in an exclusive society: The Jamie Quirk Club.
Thanks for listening in 2020! We put a pretty big dent in the set of 792 cards. Requests and feedback welcomed on Twitter @Topps1988 or our Facebook Page, just search 1988 Topps.
Links:
- Card on Beckett
- About Paul on Greatest 21 Days and another excellent card!
- The Brawl with the Padres
- Article on SABR
- Coaching Tip of the Day by Paul Noce
One of the best pitchers of his generation battles fear, the bottle, and family tragedy on his way to the Hall of Fame. Cheese for the kitchen and a yakker for the kudo.
Links:
- Card on Beckett
- Peter Gammons, "One Eck of a guy"
- OMG that #look
- Eck talking on-air about his ex-wife and ex-friend
- Richard Marx "Take This Heart"
- For the stats-heads: check out Eck's 1988-1992 stats
- SABR: "The last 1000-100 man"
- Eck pitches to Gibson, 30 years later
Pop Quiz:
1) Without looking it up, pronounce "IORG"
2) Name your Top 5 Garths.
Links:
- Card on Beckett
- What is up with this stance
- Pronunciation of "Iorg" comes from The New York Times so you know it's right
- Of Gareths and Garths
- Garth Brooks playing "Callin Baton Rouge" on the Ellen Show
- Garth Cale Iorg, Son of Garth
- "OK Blue Jays," an OK Canadian song
- "Tom Sawyer," an excellent one
How a poor kid from the Dominican Republic kept a knee on the ground and kept reaching for the stars.
Links:
- Tony Peña Card 410 on Beckett
- St. Louis Cardinals Team Leaders Card 351 on Beckett
- The Tony Peña Story by Joe Posnanski
- The Stance
- Tony wearing some nice glasses
- The life of Red Schoendienst
What do you get when you cross a flameout shortstop prospect with 1850's American Literature? Tune in and find out on the 1988 Topps Podcast!
Links:
- Card on Beckett
- Dorktown
- Writeup of Rey on SABR
- Nintendo Power, no longer a magazine, but of course in 2020 is a podcast
- Bartleby, the Scrivener by Herman Melville
- Quotes by Henry David Thoreau on Goodreads
A beloved Phillies shortstop who couldn't hit, but he sure did shine.
Links:
- Card on Beckett
- Phillies fans LOVE Steve Jeltz
- 1988 Donruss Steve Jeltz (ft. Juan Samuel)
- Coming to America and Coming 2 America (IMDB)
- Steve Jeltz should be in the French Baseball Hall of Fame (Bleacher Report)
- Hidden Ball Trick in action
- Steve Jeltz Power Surge
The son of a trailblazer charts his own path to Ozzie greatness.
Links:
- Card on Beckett
- Ozzie Sr. profile on ESPN
- Ozzie and Ozzie and Ozzie (Sr., Jr., and Smith) in the 1985 All-Star Game
- Ozzie Jr. with a home run off of outfielder Paul O'Neill?
What would you do with 37 packs of orange Jello?
Links:
- Card on Beckett
- "Go Go Astros"
- Knob Noster, MO
- Article on Misc. Baseball about Charlie and his air guitar band
- Nolan Ryan getting ready to beat up Charlie
Matt and David extend condolences and warm wishes to the family and friends of Daryl Grove from the Total Soccer Show.
Rest easy, Daryl, and thank you for taking the time to talk to us.
- In appreciation of Daryl Grove
From Mississippi to Massachusettes, Dennis Boyd had a reputation of playing hard, throwing hard, and living hard.
Links:
- Card on Beckett
- ESPN E:60 on Oil Can
- SI article: "They Get a Kick From 'The Can'" (He's got charm, he's got an arm, and a Hall of Fame Name)
How can someone play in 163 regular season games in one year?
What caused the tragic seizure that cut Greg Walker's career short?
Why did younger brothers so enjoy chewing on our Starting Lineup figures?
Links:
- Follow-up: Vin Scully on 1988 World Series Game 1
- Card on Beckett
- Starting Lineup Greg Walker figure
- The bad 1987 White Sox uni
- Yahoo! Answers on 163 game season
- "Just happy to be here" by Bruce Newman—article about the seizure
- Interview with Walker on The Bill Shanks Show and description on SI
How bad could a baseball season get?
Links:
- Card on Beckett
- Sacramento Sports Hall of Fame
- Worst. Season. Ever.
Follow-up: Alternate 1988 Topps Formats
- O' Pee-Chee
- Big
- UK Mini
- Vinyl
- Stickers
- Coins
A farm boy with big glasses from Taos, Missouri grows up to become the Blue Jays' best closer ever and an Aqua Velva Man.
Links:
- Card 220 on Beckett
- All-Star Card 396 on Beckett
- Revco Card 31 on Beckett
- O-Pee-Chee 220 on Beckett
- Tom Henke, Aqua Velva Man on YouTube
- Henke on the OKC 89ers
- "Terminator" by Jeff Butler
- Sportsnet.ca article about 1987 collapse
- Special Learning Center, Jefferson, Missouri
Learn how to throw a no-hitter and still lose the game using THIS ONE TRICK.
Links:
- 1988 Topps Card on Beckett
- The Game
- No No Hitters
- 1984 Padres Uniforms as seen on the 1985 Topps Card
- What if Andy Hawkins had instead played football for the Baylor Bears?
The 1988 Topps Podcast gets funky.
Links:
- Card on Beckett
- Thad in the epic 1979 White Sox Jersey
- MLB listing of Cubs best pinch hitters
- Pitchfork review of People's Potential compilation
- "Cross the Dagger" from Thad's solo album
God's on the mound, and the devil is aiming for right field.
Links:
- Card listing on Beckett
- Follow-up: Correct listing for the reason for Tommy's tirade
- Get Metsmerized
- "Last Call for 4 Mets at Cooter's"
- Teufel Shuffle (With German pronunciation it could be Joyful Teufel)
- Excellent brawl w/ Rob Dibble
The most famous manager in 1988, and the only one to visit a Kuzma family restaurant.
Links:
- Card on Beckett
- Mental Floss article on Managers and Uniforms
- What's Your Opinion on Kingman's Performance?
- The Athletic article on Lasorda and Pranks!
- Phighting the Philly Phanatic
- Slimfast Ad
- Story of Tommy Lasorda Jr.
Of all of the two-sport athletes in the 1988 Topps set, this one is the most Canadian and the best-looking.
- That hair
- Card listing on Beckett
- 1991 People Magazine's Most Beautiful People
- Kirk faces Griffey Sr., Jr., and Mom???
- Bill. Buckner. Inside. The. Park. Home. Run. At. Age. 40.
- Bo knows pranks.
An impressive kid from Puerto Rico navigates his way through the world of New England prep schools and throws 1987's only no-hitter at age 22.
Links:
- Card page on Beckett
- Follow-up: "Wild Bill" Hagy
- Follow-up: "Orioles Magic"
- "Brewer Fever"
- Juan Nieves interview in People Magazine
- YouTube of No-Hitter
Links:
- Billy Ripken’s card: https://marketplace.beckett.com/item/1082/1988-topps-352-bill-ripken-rc_53873504
- Cal Ripken Sr.’s manager card: https://marketplace.beckett.com/item/900/1988-topps-444-cal-ripken-sr.-mg-uertwo-copyrights_62539058
- Picture of an actual oriole: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f5/Baltimore_Oriole-_dorsum.jpg/800px-Baltimore_Oriole-_dorsum.jpg
- Washington Post article on Cal Sr. firing: https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/orioles/longterm/memories/1988/articles/ripfired.htm
- "The Card", 1989 Fleer #616: http://billripken.com/
- Offend the old folks with this .gif: http://billripken.com/index/ff_300x450_title.gif
- Cal Jr. and Billy homer in the same inning, 1990: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RB7VzKiGCg
In memory of former MLB pitcher Bob Sebra, who passed away in July 2020.
Links:
- Buy the card on Beckett Dealer Store
- Obituary on RIP Baseball (@rip_mlb on Twitter)
- Epic brawl between Brewers and Mariners
Half baseball card show about a quotable outfielder, half therapy session as we dig deep into Matt's childhood and recount the day he stopped being a Pittsburgh Pirates fan.
Links:
- Link to card on Beckett (1988 value $.15)
- Andy Van Slyke great catch in 1991 NLCS
- Unassisted double play
- Game 7, 1992 NLCS, Pirates vs. Braves, Sid Bream, Barry Bonds, and Francisco Cabrera
- Good interview with Van Slyke about Bonds, baseball and meteorology
- "A Pirates Fan Talks to Francisco Cabrera, 25 Years After the Worst Game Ever"
With the hottest fastball in the major leagues, Juan Berenguer was nicknamed "El Gasolino" and "Señor Smoke" by Minnesota Twins fans. But it was his trademark celebration move that won their hearts and earned him an epic homage video.
Links:
- The Berenguer Boogie
- Link to card on Beckett
- Hall of Famer Wade Boggs comments on Berenguer's fastball
- Post-1987 ALCS look that inspired the Boogie
- The Metrodome ALCS Celebration - Short versionand long version starting with Juan’s intro!
- Tevin Campbell "Round and Round" (Link to Spotify—Prince co-wrote and obviously did background vocals and probably all of the instruments)
- The 1986 LA Rams want you to Ram It!
- Anfield Rap in which a guy attempts to rhyme "hard as hell" with "Arsenal."
The ever-present wacky neighbor of the 1988 Topps Podcast finally gets his due. Links:
Card on Beckett Follow-up: Bert Blyleven doppelgänger Richard Jordan??? Pete's highlight reel College bat science Late-career Pete looking like an angry hockey dad Pete hits a 482-ft homer When you play the Game of Thrones, you win or you die. When you play the Pete Incaviglia Bobblehead Game of Thrones, you homer, you strike out, or you walk.
Special Guest: Brian Granahan
Links:
- All Star Rookie Card 645 on Beckett
- All Star Card 393 on Beckett
- Topps All Star Rookie Teams
- YouTube of Nokes hitting homers off Roger Clemens (video posted by Matt Nokes!)
- Nokes/Clemens Tweet
- "Matt Nokes lands plane on highway"
- MattNokes.com
Links:
- Card on Beckett Online
- Interview with Julio Franco on Vice
- That stance!
- 1990 All-Star game highlights
- Can you fit all of Julio Franco's teams on 1 T-Shirt? Yes.
- About Julio and his #naps
Follow-up
- Geno Petralli (#589) August 4, 1993 fight between Rangers and White Sox (YouTube link)
- Pic of Petralli biting the arm of Bo Jackson
- Randy Ready (#426) played for Chiba Lotte Marines, here's the terrifying mascot
Jay Baller
- Link to card on Beckett
- November 1988 value: common
- Canby, OR news story
- Venezuelan stats (1988 Topps card prominently displayed)
Links:
- Card on Beckett (Value in November 1988: $.10)
- 1986 NLCS Game 3 walkoff homer
- Daily Show clip about Lenny
- New Yorker article from better times
- After the fall
- Defamation lawsuit dismissed
Links:
- Hot Foot
- "I <3 TO FART" https://aarongleeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/bert-blyleven-i-love-to-fart-shirt.jpg
- Flatulence Interview Deadspin Post from 2008
- Rich Lederer: "Only the Lonely"
- John Heyman against Bert
- Lederer response
First, Black Lives Matter.
Links:
- Link to card on Beckett
- Fantastic article about "One Flap Down"
- YouTube of 1986 Giants/Cards brawl
Our first double episode!
Special thanks to White Denim! "World is a Waiting Room" now available at https://whitedenimmusic.com and streaming. Track 1 "I Don't Understand Rock and Roll"
Links:
- Charlie Hough card
- Geno Petralli card
- University of Illinois knuckleball research
- Hough Highlights
- 6 Passed Balls in one game
Link to card on Beckett
November 1988 Beckett price range: Common $01-.05
LA Times: Padres' Ready Handles Horror of Wife's Tragedy
YouTube - Phillies get out of first with triple play
Florida Times-Union: Jumbo Shrimp manager...
Our pilot episode! This is David's favorite card from the 1988 set, as well as his favorite player from the 1987 season.
Beckett link: https://marketplace.beckett.com/ziggys_672/item/1988-topps-150-eric-davis_32569966
November 1998 Beckett price range: $.40-.70
Davis guns down Bonilla, 1990 NLCS Game 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NLV6d9TkkE
Davis makes catch in ivy at Wrigley Field: https://www.mlb.com/video/davis-makes-catch-in-ivy-c31530353