#150 Wayne Cage, Indians

Card Front: One of your very standard glamour shots form the 1979 set. I have to admit that as much as they were hated, the red pullovers go with the Indians cap from the 70's. It is strange to look through and some Indians have the slanted C hat and some wear the block C. Obviously, Wayne's pic comes from the 1977 season or earlier since the Tribe only went with red shirts and slanted hats from 1973-1977 and went block C in 1978.

Card Back: It is strange to me that Topps would give a card with a "star" number like 150 to a guy that had less than 100 AB's in the majors. It does make the mind wonder about a guy that is selected in the 3rd round in 1971 and didn't make it until 1978. These were the days before the big power slugging first basemen, and guys were taught to hit for average but Wayne was kind of off on that too.

Six degrees or less to Seattle: During those first 36 games of Wayne's career in Cleveland, one of his Indian teammates in 1978 was Dennis Kinney. Mr. Kinney would find himself as a part of the Detroit Tigers in 1981. Another of the Motor City Kitties in that strike shortened season was Dave Rucker. Eventually, Dave would leave the Motor City for the Steel City and be part of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1988. A rookie on that team was Scott Medvin. Scott would be traded to the Mariners in May of 1990, and would see 5 games after a call up from AAA Calgary in September. After that season, Scott would spend the next three seasons pitching in the Mexican leagues.

Next Card: #151 John Hiller, Tigers

#130 Bob Watson, Astros

 

Card Front: It almost feels like a Skittles commercial. Taste the Rainbow. I really think it would be great if the Astros would wear these as a Sunday special. It seems as though we find Bob taking in a spring training game against the Mets. This definitely isn't the Astrodome, but I doubt they would wear white at Shea Stadium. It is always good to track the flight of your hit.

 

Card Back: What a long list of stats. It always neat to me to have seen a card with player's stats from only one team. That would be the case for Bob, but this would be one of the final ones. During the 1979 season he would go to Boston. In his final five seasons, he would make it to New York and Atlanta also. Not too bad to be an All Star in the mid 70's during the times of some great players.

 

Six degrees or less to Seattle: During Bob's long run in Houston, he had many players come and go in the locker room of the Astrodome. During the season in 1977, Bob would play with Terry Puhl in the rainbows. Terry would be around for a long time, and would spend some time in 1991 in Kansas City as a Royal with Brian McRae. Brian would make some time in Toronto in 1999, and one of his teammates for three games was Anthony Sanders. Anthony would come to Seattle in 2000 for one game, and would see nine more in 2001 only to have no more big league career. 

 

Next Card: #131 Jim Clancy, Blue Jays



#111 Roger Freed, Cardinals

Card Front: Roger is relaxed and ready. He is hanging out before a day game on the road. He must know that he has life pretty good to be playing in the big leagues. I get kind of worried that Roger's eyebrows might swallow his face though. I know that the Cards did a throwback to the powder blues last year at home, but I would love to see them do it more often, I'm such a sucker for some of the old uniforms.

Card Back: It really does amaze me that Topps decided that even though Roger won the player of the year in 1970 we don't get any of his stats in the minors. When I was young and saw this I thought guys took a year off like Roger might have in 1973 and '75 since he didn't play in the majors. Now that I'm older I understand but I didn't back then. The Phils saw something in '71 but that was the only time Roger had really gotten a chance until this point.

Six degrees or less to Seattle: During what would be Roger's penultimate season in 1978, Roger was in St. Louis with Tony Scott. Tony would make his swan song season in 1984 north of the border in Montreal. One of Tony's Expos teammates that year was Tim Raines. Rock would take his talents to the south side of Chicago, and in 1993 wore White Sox with Joey Cora. Joey would sign with Seattle in 1995 to be part of the magical playoff run for the Mariners. Joey was also a finalist for the manager's job that is currently held by Eric Wedge.

Blog related to the team: I have to admit there are many fans of the Redbirds out there. I know that some are more passionate than others, but they all love their team just the same. One of the younger bloggers out there loves his team from the banks of the mighty Mississippi River in St. Louis. I'm sure you all have made a Fantastic Catch in your time. Well, Weston does it every time he puts up one of his posts. Whether he is posting about his favorite players, or working on group breaks he has it working. I'm hoping he doesn't lose his interest in the hobby like most younger collectors do, go on over and hit him up!!

Next Card: #112 Philadelphia Phillies, Danny Ozark

#83 Fred Kendall, Red Sox

Card Front: A nice tight close up of Fred in all his Fenway glory. There is so much here that makes me giggle like a school girl. Fred has one his two sizes too small hat, his great looking 70's feathered hair, the big bushy eyebrows and moustache, and his slick gold chain popped out. You wonder if Fred was mesmerized by something on the field or if the cameraman snuck up on him.

Card Back: Fred had many years with the Padres but not much success to show for it. It is cool that he got to see 10 games in their first season. It funny that we have already seen three of the players involved in the trade between the Sox and Indians referenced in the big trade in 1978. Fred was released by the Red Sox after the 1978 season and would be back in San Diego for 1979. How does a first baseman not record a putout in a 9 inning game??

Six degrees or less to Seattle: Since Fred went back to the Padres for his final two seasons of his career he had a slick teammate named "The Wizard". That's right, Fred played with Ozzie Smith in the 1980 version of the Padres. Ozzie would move east and in 1996, he teamed up with Mike Morgan as St. Louis Cardinals. Mike having played for 12 teams went through tons of teammates. Mike was a Mariner in the lower years of 1985-1987 after coming in the Rule 5 draft.

Blog related to the team: I was poking around for more Red Sox fans to give some love and 15 minutes of 1979 fame, and found a blog I didn't know about. George is a fan of the boys from Fenway Park. He also collects Cards of Future Fenway Stars. I have to admit he is posting up a pretty impressive collection of nice cards and plenty of autographs. Give a read, and give him a follow so you can stay up to date.

Next Card: #84 Greg Minton, Giants

#80 Jason Thompson, TIgers

Card Front: A nice tight close up of Jason for us. How can you not just love the simplicity and style of the classic Tigers look. The more baseball tries to be hip, some teams just tick to the standard and don't change. You have to love the beauty of the Old English D, but Jason really needs to cut that hair. I know this was the 70's and all, but nowadays you look like a hippie boy!

Card Back: I would say that's what I call on the fast track to success. Spend a half a season in the minors after being drafted, and the next year you are in the big show. You make the All Star team in your second full season, and again in 1978. Midway through the 1980 season he was sent to the Angels. California would send him off to the Pirates a year later, and Jason was a Pirate All Star in 1982. His career would end halfway through the 1986 season in Montreal.

Six degrees or less to Seattle: In Jason's first season in Detroit, Jason played with Johnny Wockenfuss in 1976. Johnny would be a part of the 1984 Philadelphia Phillies with Larry Andersen. Larry spent the 1981 and 1982 seasons wearing Mariner blue among his 6 stops in the Majors.

Blog related to the team: Tigers fans are all around. One fan that is out there that not only writes about the Motor City Kitties, but baseball in general in John. If you go over to John's Big League Baseball Blog you can read about baseball and some of it's great history. Tell him I sent you and enjoy his work.

Next Card: #81 Roger Erickson, Twins

#55 Willie Stargell, Pirates

Card Front: Here is the player that started my love affair of baseball. I don't know what it was about "Pops," but watching his windmill of the bat and just the constant smile made me love him. I love how he brought the team together in 1979, created the Stargell stars for good plays, and always came through clutch.

Card Back: Now that's one impressive set of statistics!! All the way from 1962 through '78 and all with one team. It is amazing to think he was born in 1940, was drafted in 1958 at 18, and made the majors by 22 in 1962. By the '79 season Willie was starting to age but could still step when he was needed. His ultimate honor would come in 1988 when he would be inducted into Cooperstown. We lost Willie in 2001.

Six degrees or less to Seattle: Willie never came to Seattle with the Pirates. In his final season in 1982, Pops played with Larry McWilliams in the Steel City. Larry would move to the mound in Atlanta in 1987, and play with a young guy named Tom Glavine. Tom would be part of the 1996 Braves when in late June free agent Mark Whiten signed with the Braves. Mark would be traded to Seattle in mid August and finish the '96 season as a Mariner.

Blog related to the team: I really wanted to be selfish and keep the blog love to myself since my son and I are both collectors of Willie. That isn't what this section of each card is for though. I have a feeling the Pirates will do big things this year. Another fan that is keeping that faith and flying the Jolly Roger high is the New Jersey host of Pirates Treasure Room. He even has his girlfriend who collects and loves baseball, what a LUCKY DOG!!

Next Card: #56 John Hale, Mariners

#50 Steve Garvey, Dodgers

Card Front: Here we see Steve in the box against the hated Giants and catcher Marc Hill. It seems like Marc isn't sure what pitch to call and has to look to the dugout for guidance. I know that people have troubles with the colors associated with teams, but I wish Topps would go back to the All Star banners of old.

Card Back: Steve would get a taste in '69 and '70 before seeing good time for the next two years. By 1973 he took over full time. Mr. Garvey would continue to shine year in and year out for the boys in blue. When he would eventually leave and head down south to the Padres it just never seemed right to me.

Six degrees or less to Seattle: Steve would only play for two teams in his career. He would play some of the great players of the 70's and 80's. During the 1980 season, Steve played with a young Steve Howe. Mr. Howe would have his share of drug troubles and would be in and out of the game many times. Howe would be part of the 1996 New York Yankees with Jeff Nelson. Jeff spent time with the Mariners on 3 different tours with the team.

Blog related to the team: We all know there are many fans that have their blood run Dodger Blue. One blogger has Steve right in his name. I'm sure you all know Jim from Garvey Cey Russell Lopes. He has been at this blog thing a long time is one of the greats, the granddaddies of card blogging. I applaud him for helping me remember my grandma's favorite infield in my youth.

Next Card: #51 Ray Fosse, Brewers

#42 Ron Blomberg, White Sox

Card Front: Here is Ron doing his best to look like a menacing hitter. It looks as though it was a nice sunny day in Sarasota, FL during the spring. I assume it was a little chilly since Ron's sporting the nylon windbreaker. How cool would it be to see the Sox go back to these old navy blue threads?

Card Back: As you can see, Ron didn't have the making of a great hitter. While his averages were high, the number of at bats are not very high. I like the historical fact Ron was the American League's first DH back in 1973. I think that Brooklyn's Karl Spooner started pretty well fanning 6 straight in his first MLB start. This card was Ron's last, since he was released on March 30 before the 1979 season.

Six degrees or less to Seattle: Most all of Ron's teammates would be Yankees. As part of the 1974 Yankees, Ron played with Rick Dempsey. Rick would be one the catchers to catch John Wetteland as part of the 1990 Dodgers. John would make his name and spend time on the same mound as Mike Gardiner for the 1993 Montreal Expos. Mike broke into the Majors for 5 games as a part of the 1990 Mariners team.

Blog related to the team: I think we all know the White Sox. One of the more well known teams. They never get the love that their city mates from the north get, but they have their devoted fans. One of them that was been blogging for a long time is Steve of White Sox Cards. He always has a card of the day, and I'm really looking forward to his season pass cards for 2012 since last year's were pretty cool.

Next Card: Wayne Twitchell, Expos

#39 Dale Murphy, Braves

Card Front: Here is a young Dale sporting the pinstripes. I don't think it is At Fulton County Stadium, but you definitely tell they are playing against the Montreal Expos. I don't think the Braves were meant to wear stripes, but I would love them to go back to the old look with the feathers and two tone with the little a.

Card Back: Dale was a #1 pick in the 1974 draft. He made a fairly quick but natural progression. Who would have known that a catcher would end up as a 2 time MVP as an outfielder. I think at 6'4", he might have been too tall to catch. How about Cy Young throwing a 20 inning complete game back in 1905??!!

Six degrees or less to Seattle: In all his time in Atlanta, Dale had many teammates. In 1989, Dale was a Brave with Kent Mercker. Kent would be around a long time, playing with Bill Bray who were members of the 2008 Cincinnati Reds. Two years later in 2010, Willie Bloomquist would team with Bill in the Queen City. Wille was a kind of do it all for the Mariners from 2002 through the 2008 season.

Blog related to the team: There are many fans of the feathers out there. I felt I had to start with the Godfather. While he might go off the deep end sometimes with ponies, you have to think Dayf of Cardboard Junkie is amongst the tops of bloggers. I know that his was one of the first blogs I read. Thanks for the inspiration Dayf.

Next Card: #40, Dennis Eckersley, Red Sox

#22 Mike Jorgensen, Rangers

Card Front: Good thing Topps didn't make cards that required 3D glasses in '79 or that bat would hit you in the head. How can you not love the classic no belt snap pants of the '70s. Mike is a fashion maven with his yellow batting gloves, long hair, and mesh back trucker hat.

Card Back: Mike has been around by this time in his career. Being with his fourth team in 11 seasons. While obviously not a high average guy, he was serviceable. Pretty awesome that after six seasons with the Expos, he makes his home up in Canada. How about Bob Feller striking out 17 at age 17.

Six degrees or less to Seattle: Mike was a guy who got around. While playing as a Met in 1980, Mike worked with Juan Berenguer. Juan was a member of the Kansas City Royals in 1982 with Rico Rossy. Rico spent a very brief time in 1998 with Ken Cloude as they wore Mariners colors together. 

Blog related to the team: I know there are plenty of fans of the two time defending AL Champions. One of the most well known and always writing bloggers is Brian of the great Play at the Plate. He is always writing informative posts, and always has his monthly contests. Even I won one once! Read the blog of one of the greats....

Next Card: #23 Terry Forster, Dodgers

#18 Tony Solaita, Angels

Card Front: Tony making his pose during the 1978 season at the Big A in Anaheim. It is funny to see Tony as an Angel on a 1979 card since he was nowhere near the Angels for the '79 season having been sold to the Expos in the off season. Tony would be a trade deadline guy, going the Blue Jays in the middle of '79. Nice work to see all of Canada in one season.

Card Back: The one token AB for the Yankees stands out, and then nearly 6 seasons before making it back to the big leagues. Three years in KC, three in Anaheim, 1979 would see Tony in both Canadian cities in Montreal and Toronto. He would spend the next four seasons in Japan. He is the only player to ever be born in American Samoa to play in the Majors. He would tragically be murdered in his home on February 10, 1990 at the age of 43 over a land dispute.

Six degrees or less to Seattle: While splitting time in Canada in '79, Tony teamed up with Larry Parrish in Montreal in 1979. Larry would be on the 1988 Texas Rangers with future 1B Pete O'Brien. Pete would also spend 1990 with short time guy Gary Eave in Seattle.

Blog related to the team: There aren't too many Angel blogs out there. One of the best is The Angels, in Order. Tom does an excellent job of chronicaling the history of the Halos, and showing off many different historical things Angel related. If you have extra Angels cards, hit him up because he does awesome trades too.

Next Card: #19 Larry Gura, Royals

#10 Lee May, Orioles

Card Front: Lee is showing off a classic looking right handed batting stance. I'm guessing from the looks of the stadium and the road unis it is Yankee Stadium. It is nice to know the O's are going back to the classic look. Who doesn't love the cartoon Oriole?

Card Back: Look at that long list of stats. While no big offensive numbers stand out, you must do something right to have played at that time for 14 years. I love the What Happened part: Stan Musial hit 5 HR's in a double header. Yeas kids, back in the day they scheduled two games on the same day every year.

Six degrees or less to Seattle: With a little work we can connect Lee to the Mariners. Way back in 1970 Lee played with some guy named Pete Rose while in Cincinnati. Pete spent a short time in Montreal in 1984 and teamed with Rene Gonzales. Rene would play along side Jamey Wright as a Rockie in 1997, and Jamey Spent time in Seattle last year with a young Trayvon Robinson.

Next Card: #11 Marc Hill, Giants