#153 Dennis Lamp, Cubs

 

Card Front: For a card with a posed shot there is so much right and so much wrong here. You have to love the simplicity and beauty of the Cubs hat and the always appealing look of pinstripes and a V-neck pullover of the 70's. The red of the Cubs banner goes well with the color scheme. I do have to admit though that the large moustache is a bit of a scary thing to most women and children. I don't know about you but when I see Dennis' glasses I think of Kelly Leak fro the Bad News Bears.

 

Card Back: Dennis is definitely an example of the tale of the tortoise and the hare. For him getting to the big leagues was definitely a story of slow and steady wins the race. Drafted in 1971 and finally six years later he finally got his shot. I love how in 1906 Jack Coombs could pitch all 24 innings of a game. If that was today he would be lucky to go 7 or 8 innings with today's pitch counts.

 

Six degrees or less to Seattle: Dennis was a guy who would last a long time and see many cities in his time. Dennis would be up north in Toronto with the Blue Jays in 1984 with Mitch Webster. It wasn't the other Mitch Webster that Toronto fans would love in 1993, but yet the extra outfielder Mitch. In that same season of 1993 Mitch had moved and was with the Los Angeles Dodgers. After seeing time in only two games the year before, Pedro Martinez was a member of that Dodgers team also. Pedro as we all know had a long career and was part of those winning Red Sox teams. But, in 2009 he was in Philadelphia with the Phillies. Another young pitcher in the city of Brotherly Love was J.A. Happ. While he hasn't seen a game yet in Seattle, he was part of a trade that just brought him to town and will be part of the 2015 Mariners.

 

Next Card: #154 Jim Gantner, Brewers

#151 John Hiller, Tigers

Card Front: A nice action shot of a lefty at his craft. It seems strange to me that Topps couldn't even fly to Detroit to get a shot in the home whites. I did like these pullovers though. It is strange that they would use this pic though where everything is slightly off center but back then we didn't care as kids and probably just threw this card aside if you weren't a Tigers fan.

Card Back: Now that is a long career, and the kind I like that is all with one team. John would miss that 1971 season after suffering a heart attack but would slowly make his way back in 1972 and would stay on after that through the 1980 season. During the 1979 season, John passed Mickey Lolich in the Tigers record book for most appearances by a lefty.

Six degrees or less to Seattle: During John's first call up in 1965, one of his teammates in Detroit was Jim Northup. As we fast forward to the 1974 season, Jim would find himself in Baltimore as member of the Orioles.  Another of those high flying Birds as Al Bumbry. Al would have a memorable career in Baltimore but would also have some pretty nice years in America's Finest City as a San Diego Padre. One of Al's teammates on the 1985 version was Luis DeLeon. Luis was a one game wonder for the Mariners in 1989, pitching for four innings on May 26th of that year in Milwaukee. Luis would spend the entire rest of the year at AAA Calgary.

Next Card: #152 Rick Cerone, Blue Jays

#149 Manny Sarmiento, Reds

Card Front: Welcome to an action shot from Pittsburgh. I would say those yellow unis are a dead giveaway. You have to wonder if it was a foul ball, a pop up, or a deep drive and who was the batter? I know that most people were not fans of the double knits of the 70's, but I still believe the Reds has a very sharp and classic look with these outfits.

Card Back: Who would know that Manny's second season with the AAA Seattle Rainiers would be a pre-cursor to future things in Seattle. While his first go rounds with the Reds were not the longest, Manny was in the Queen City to stay in 1978 making 63 appearances. I guess hitting 2 consecutive pinch hit homers for Carmen Fanzone would be his claim to fame.

Six degrees or less to Seattle: Sadly, due to injuries Manny didn't have the long career that was expected from him. Manny would come to Seattle before the 1980 season, but would spend most of the season with the AAA Spokane Indians before making it into 9 games in September and being traded to Boston in 1981 for Dick Drago. After Manny would come back with the Pirates in 1982, one of his catchers was Steve Nicosia. Steve would eventually move north and be part of the 1985 Expos in Montreal with John Dopson. John would play part of the shortened 1994 season as a California Angel with Harold Reynolds. HR was one of the first in the wave of upcoming stars in Seattle seeing time from 1983 through his departure in 1992. Harold spent the 1993 season in Baltimore and would finish with the Angels in 1994 before becoming a well known broadcaster on ESPN, and now MLB Network.

Next Card: #150 Wayne Cage, Indians

#147 Dave Hamilton, Pirates

 

 

 

Card Front: Another of your standard pitcher looking like he is on the mound poses. While we can tell Dave is near the dugout, There is just so much that looks great with him. I know many people liked to frown on the Pirates and their stripes in the 70's, but I liked the look almost as much as the black and gold interchangeables. I don't know if a young lady caught his eye, but Dave doesn't seem too interested in the photographer.

 

Card Back: Sadly, Dave was just one of those guys that was more of the situational lefties out of the bullpen. There is nothing in his stats that jump out and say WOW! You do have to give the guy some credit though, he did earn three World Series rings with the A's in his first three seasons in the big leagues. I would say a HR in the 18th inning to win 1-0 classifies as a pitcher's duel.

 

Six degrees or less to Seattle: Yes Dave went to Edmonds-Woodway HS north of Seattle, but he was never a Mariner. During his first season on the south side of Chicago, Dave played with Chet Lemon on those 1975 White Sox. Chet was a man that stayed around for quite awhile and was part of the champion 1984 Detroit tigers with Carl Willis. Carl would find himself slightly west as a part of the 1995 Minnesota Twins with a young LaTroy Hawkins. While LaTroy has been a man of many hats, during the 2010 season he would don a Milwaukee Brewers hat along with Corey Hart. Mr. Sunglasses at Night is expected to DH and platoon at 1B and OF for the Mariners in the upcoming 2014 season.

 

Next Card: #148 Bruce Bosclair, Mets

#145 Rick Rhoden, Dodgers

 

 

 

Card Front: As the old movie line went, "I'm ready or my close up Mr. DeMille." Even though it is a fairly close up of a young Rick, it is a very timeless and classic look. There is just something about the Dodgers uniforms. It is sad to know that the Dodgers left their long time home of Dodger Town as a complex in Vero Beach to get some nice new digs in Arizona.

 

Card Back: I guess it's safe to say that in Topps' mind the only real significant season that Rick has had was in 1977. I think that 2 hit performance is noteworthy, but I think you could do better than a relief appearance in the playoffs. I wouldn't mind being Gene Tenace and homering in what would be the start of a three-peat in the World Series.

 

Six degrees or less to Seattle: I know that some lovers of the Dodger blue might disagree with me, but I think Rick is most known for his time in the Steel City. While Rick was with the Pirates during the 1986 campaign, another of those Buccos was Rich Sauveur. Rich wasn't much of a big league guy seeing time in 34 games in six spread out seasons with six teams from 1986-2000. Rich's final season was with Oakland in 2000, and another of those Athletics was Omar Olivares. Omar came to Seattle in July of 1997 with Felipe Lira for the playoff run of 1997. Omar started 12 games and relieved another and wasn't great but did help the M's make the post season.

 

Next Card: #146 Duane Kuiper, Indians

#142 Charlie Williams, Giants

 

 

 



 Card Front: I can't tell if Charlie is excited to have his picture done for a card or if he is genuinely disinterested. I know that no matter what time of year, you can tell it is Candlestick Park with the vinyl sleeves under his jersey. I've never been too hip on the orange bill of the Giants cap, but I sometimes wish they would bring back the script pullover tops.

Card Back: I can't really see any stats that jump out and get your attention. I guess when you are a situational reliever you won't stand out. I think that I would be happy to be able to tell my kids and grand kids that I was traded to San Francisco for a Hall of Famer in Willie Mays. I know that is something I would let everyone know about!

Six degrees or less to Seattle: During Charlie's fourth season in the Bay in 1975, Charlie was partnered up with Garry Maddox. Take yourself to the 1979 season, and Garry would be in St. Louis as a Cardinal with Lonnie Smith. It would take another 11 years, but during the 1990 season in Atlanta, Lonnie was a Brave. Another of those Braves was Jim Presley. Jimmy had come to Atlanta after the 1989 season when the Mariners had traded him for Ken Pennington and Gary Eave. Jim had been a starting All Star 3rd Baseman for the Mariners from 1984 through the 1989 season.

Next Card: #143 Tony Scott, Cardinals

#140 Don Gullett, Yankees

 

 

Card Front: Ahh, the classic pitcher's pose in the great Yankee Stadium. It does make sense since Don is a Yankee. There is nothing more historic than the frieze and pinstripes. I really can't make heads or tails of the look on Don's face if he is intense, lost, or just bored with the camera.

 

 

Card Back: There was no wasting time getting to the majors here. Drafted in June and up the next year with the Reds. It is kind of amazing that the Reds let Don go after some pretty good years. I wonder if it's an oxymoron to be from Kentucky and be a Yankee? I do find it interesting to find out how many brawls you have after you hit three Angels in one inning.

 

Six degrees or less to Seattle: During what was probably one of Don's best seasons in 1973, one of his Cincinnati teammates was Clay Carroll. Clay was a player that couldn't be held down by one team and had to have freedom to roam. He would roam all the way to Pittsburgh to be a Pirate in 1978with Ed Whitson. During his time in the big leagues, Ed was known to be a pretty good player too. That is why in 1989 he was a part of the San Diego Padres with a young Andy Benes. During the magical playoff run of 1995, the Mariners would make a trade to bring Andy to Seattle and he delivered a 7-2 record in his 12 starts. The Mariners would let Andy leave after that season and he went on to St. Louis to be a Cardinal.

 

Next Card: #141 Tom Paciorek, Mariners

#138 Mark Lee, Padres

 

 

 

Card Front: I still think this has to be one of the most iconic cards from the 1979 set. I think by now every collector know of guys like Mark and his stunning glasses. I think that they compliment the brown in his hat and his killer moustache quite well. I know they are vilified, but I still love the old Padres jerseys like this one. I guess we should say hello to Shea Stadium in the background.

 

Card Back: It is always fun to see a player's progression through the minor leagues. A partial season in A ball after being drafted, next brings a full season in AA Amarillo. After starting with a brief layover in Hawaii for the start of 1978, Mark went straight to the Padres and never looked back. Do you think the opposing team was afraid of Mel Ott to intentionally walk him five times in one game?

 

Six degrees or less to Seattle: After the 1979 season, Mark was sent to the World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates. During his first season as a Bucco in 1980, Mark would pitch with John Candelaria. The Candy Man was a guy that seemed to last forever, and during the 1992 season, John was a Los Angeles Dodger along with Carlos Hernandez. If you fast forward six years to 1998, the San Diego Padres would be National League Champions with Carlos on the team, and another player for them was Andy Sheets. Andy had been in the M's system since 1992, and saw time in 1996 and 1997 before being drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, only to be traded to San Diego that same day.

 

Next Card: #139 Luis Pujols, Astros

#136 Jim Kaat, Phillies

 

 

 

 

Card Front: While it is probably not the greatest action shot known to man it is action. The burgundy pinstripes is a kind of classic look for the Phils. It reminds me of the 80's and their good players and playing in a World Series. I don't really remember Jim from playing, but I have watched him on television.

 

Card Back: Now this is a back full of stats that any baseball fan can dive into and enjoy. How can you not love seeing the Senators in 1959 and 1960? How many guys do you see with 20 seasons so far and over 600 games as a starter? Kind of amazing that Jim was still going strong at 40 years old. He was probably thought of as the original "Big Unit" at 6'5" in the 70's.

 

Six degrees or less to Seattle: During Jim's long run with the Minnesota Twins, Jim spent the 1969 season playing with Rick Dempsey.  The ever humorous Demspey would be winding down in 1991 with the Milwaukee Brewers. Another of those Brew Crew in 1991 was Darryl Hamilton. Mr. Hamilton was a bit of a traveling man, and was part of the 1999 New York Mets. One of the kings of travel is Octavio Dotel, and he would also be part of that 1999 Mets team. Octavio would eventually make a stop in Toronto as part of the 2011 Blue Jays. Another of the Maple Leaf 9 that year was Brandon Morrow. Brandon was foolishly drafted ahead of Tim Lincecum in 2006 by Seattle. He would come up in 2007, and from there through the 2009 season, he did the starter/bullpen shuffle. After the 2009 season he was traded to the Blue Jays for minor leaguer Johermyn Chavez and Brandon League.

 

Next Card: #137 Larry Wolfe, Twins

 



#133 Bill Castro, Brewers

 

 

Card Front: Ahh, the classic let's get a posed picture while you are playing the Yankees in New York. While you might think this is a inter league game, the Brewers were originally in the American League. After coming to Milwaukee in 1970 after leaving Seattle high and dry, they stayed in the AL. To me this is the classic look I remember of the Brewers with the yellow front of the caps, and the interlocked MB to look like a glove.

 

Card Back: I guess Topps felt we didn't need to see all the good things Bill did in the minors. While they were happy to write out the highlights we got no stats. If Bill pitched in the modern day he would be considered too small to be a pitcher at 5'11" and 170 lbs. The Brewers saw something to sign him at 17 and have him in the majors by 21 years old.

 

Six degrees or less to Seattle: Bill would still wear powder blue on the road in 1982, but we would do it as a Kansas City Royal. Another of those Royals in '82 was Willie Wilson. Willie would eventually find himself in the pinstripes of Cubbie blue in Wrigley Field in 1994 with Jose Hernandez. Fast forward to 2005, and there is Jose playing with the Cleveland Indians with a very young Franklin Gutierrez. Franklin only saw the plate twice and was in seven games that year, but after the 2008 season he would come to Seattle in a three team trade. After many injuries and lost time, Franklin was let go after the 2013 season and is currently looking for work.

 

Next Card: #134 Alan Bannister, White Sox

#131 Jim Clancy, Blue Jays

 

 

Card Front: Jim says look at me ladies, I'm looking fine with my big hair and 'stache. I know most people are glad to be away from pullovers and double knits. I think that the powder blue of Toronto is such a classic, especially against the red seats of Cleveland Stadium(?). I'm glad that the Jays have finally gone back to a new logo that is similar to the original.

 

Card Back: Ahh, the beginnings of a long career. It is always fun to see minor league stats and have to look up where some places are. I don't think that a team would acquire a player on the advice of a coach who played against a player in minors nowadays. It is unusual to see a team like the White Sox use four pinch runners in a single inning.

 

Six degrees or less to Seattle: During Jim's rookie campaign of 1977, he would wave the maple leaf for Toronto with Phil Roof. Phil was a man that would see time in many places including a stint as a Cleveland Indian in 1965 with Dick Donovan. If you hit the rewind button to ten years earlier, Dick spend time teaming up with Jim Busby on the 1955 version of the Chicago White Sox. Jim was part of Darrell Johnson's coaching staff in 1977 and 1978 for the original Mariners.

 

Next Card: #132 Rowland Office, Braves

#129 Marty Pattin, Royals

 

 

Card Front: It appears to be a rainy day in Detroit for Marty and the Royals. I guess if you can't play in the rain, you might as well catch up on some pictures for next season's baseball cards. There are some things you just miss like old stadiums, pullover jerseys, and powder blue. We all wonder though, where the ball Marty? Hello, McFly!! You need to convince us you are pitching by having a ball in your hand....

 

Card Back: I am one that loves to see lots of minor and major league stats on cards. I do like guys that have lots of big league stats with more than one or two teams. The amazing thing is the way that players back in the day could throw many innings and put up numbers, while players nowadays are so limited by pitch counts and other limitations. Amazing that you could hit 3 grand slams in one week.

 

Six degrees or less to Seattle: Yes, Marty was a member of the short lived Pilots in 1969. During Marty's rookie season in 1968 he was a California Angel with Tom Burgmeier. Tom would string it out until he was part of the Oakland A's team in 1984 with Dave Leiper. Dave would play around to find himself in the city of brotherly love in 1996, to be a Phillie with Scott Rolen. Scott would make it to the 2007 style of the St. Louis Cardinals with Brendan Ryan. Brendan had spent the last three seasons in Mariner blue to only recently be sent t the New York Yankees.

 

Next Card: #130 Bob Watson, Astros

#126 Doug Bair, Reds

Card Front: Here we see Doug doing the standard pitching pose for a spring training shot. He was early in the start of a long major league career that would have see the dugouts of many teams. I wonder what his teammates in the background walking away are thinking of Doug right now....

Card Back: It is pretty obvious that Doug took the slow road to get to the big leagues. After being drafted in 1971 he saw 4 games at the end of 1976 before being dealt to Oakland, only to land in Cincinnati. Doug would travel well, playing for seven teams in 15 seasons including St. Louis twice and Pittsburgh to bookend his career start and end.

Six degrees or less to Seattle: Doug did spend a few seasons in the Queen City. While a member of the 1980 season in Cincinnati, Doug played with Bruce Berenyi. Bruce would eventually hook up with the World Champion version of the 1986 New York Mets with every one's teammate in Jesse Orosco. Jesse being the ageless wonder that he was would be part of the 2003 San Diego Padres with little known catcher Wiki Gonzalez. Wiki was part of a six player dealer to come to Seattle to see time in 14 games behind the plate during the 2005 season at Safeco Field.

Next Card: #127 Thad Bosley, White Sox

#124 Dan Schatzeder, Expos

Card Front: A standard spring training pose from Dan. It doesn't get more 70's than the longer hair and the bad moustache. I guess I would rather have the ugly upper lips of yesteryear than the god awful lazy beards of today's players.

Card Back: it is cool to see a team have it's minor league team also been in Canada and close to the big team. I sometimes wonder if Topps had some kind of crystal ball. Is it coincidence that an Expos card would talk about the Washington Senators  as a premonition the team would eventually be in DC?

Six degrees or less to Seattle: Dan would make a few teams and bounce around. In 1987, Dan went to be part of the Bash Brothers team of Oakland A's with Billy Beane. Billy had spent a quick stop in Queens as a member of the 1985 New York Mets. Another of those '85 Mets was the ageless wonder that I think everyone had as a teammate in Jesse Orosco. Jesse would make it to the 2003 version of the San Diego Padres. Another of those Friars was Humbeto Quintero back 10 seasons ago. Humberto was recently signed by the Mariners in 2013 after being DFA'd by the Phillies.

Next Card: #125 Rick Burleson, Red Sox

#122 Mike Paxton, Indians

Card Front: Hey Mike, the hidden ball trick doesn't work when we all can see your hand is empty. You do have to love the pullover jersey and the fact that we get pics on cards from Cleveland Stadium. I guess it didn't matter if you saw the equipment that is out during warm ups, because kids want cards of all their favorite Indians players of the 70's.

Card Back: Here we see nearly all of Mike's career stats. He would pitch in 33 games in 1979, and see time in 4 games in early 1980 before being gone from baseball at the age of 26. One of the players that the Indians sent to Boston was none other than Dennis Eckersley. If you look back all the way to Willie Keeler in 1897 and getting his 5 hits or more for the 4th time in a season, you would only have to wait another 74 years from then to have me be born.

Six degrees or less to Seattle: The first time Mike saw the big leagues was with the Red Sox in 1977. Another guy that would take the mound in Beantown was Don Aase. During many years in the big leagues, Don played for a few teams including the 1989 version of the New York Mets. Another of those guys from Shea was Kevin Tapani. Fast forward to the 1996 season, and Kevin was part of the Chicago White Sox with Greg Norton. Greg saw time in 6 games for the Mariners before being sent to Atlanta for Nelson Payano who never made it past AA, but continues to pitch in the Mexican Leagues.

Blog related to the team: Indians fans are kind of like Mariners fans. Our team had a run of success and we had some great players for a time. The last run of years have been difficult to be a fan of either team. One guy that still loves his Tribe is Dan. He writes what was one of the first blogs I got hooked on way back in the day. He is a Saint of the Cheap Seats. He is a man that loves his team, knows what he like to collect, will show what he's got and writes a damn good blog. Go over and give a friend of the feather some Chief Wahoo love today!!

Next Card: #123 Lou Whitaker, Tigers

#119 Don Stanhouse, Orioles

Card Front: Ahh, good old Yankee Stadium on a nice sunny day. Don looks like he and a few of the boys just rolled out of the van after getting seriously baked! I guess maybe he is just smiling because neither you nor I have an afro as cool as his! You can see the beginnings of some massive 70's sideburns going but I don't remember Don ever growing them out. I'm not sure I like the no hat look though, it reminds me of this year's Heritage with all the forehead going on.

Card Back: It seems that neither the Rangers or the Expos could decide if Don was a starter or a bullpen guy. I remember Don form the 1979 World Series but not much else. I know he was in the game a long time but kind of gets forgotten about. He was traded with some recognizable names from Montreal to Baltimore. Don must obviously be comfortable in DuQuoin, Illinois since he was born there and is still listed as his home. I think they could have given us Don's minor league stats too, but I wonder if Topps had a rule that if a guy saw more than 5? seasons in the majors that they left off the minors numbers?

Six degrees or less to Seattle: During Don's rookie season with the newly relocated 1972 Texas Rangers, another of those guys new to Dallas was Jim Mason. During that magic season of 1979, Jim was part of Les Expos de Montreal with Scott Sanderson. Scott was a guy that was here, there, and everywhere during his long career. One of Scott's stops include a turn with the 1994 strike shortened version of the Chicago White Sox. Another young player on that team was Warren Newson. Warren came to the Mariners in July of 1995 for Jeff Darwin. He saw some time in the black hole of Seattle: Left Field and was a pinch hitter. He was let go after that one season.

Blog related to the team: I really hope the Orioles have another good season. I think it will continue to bring us more bloggers that love the Birds. I'm still jealous that they stole Adam Jones away from us, but I do love the look they went back to last year with the iconic cartoon bird. I guy that I know loves all the logos of the Orioles is Kevin. You may recognize his work from the Orioles Card "O" the Day. It is awesome how everyday he can show us a card of a Baltimore player that we have all seen or one that is totally new and mind blowing. Head over and see what today's card might be..

Next Card: Jim Sundberg, Rangers

#117 Grant Jackson, Pirates

Card Front: Here comes a pitch from the lefty. There is just so much to love about the Pirates and their uniforms from this time. I once saw something on MLB Network that said the clubhouse guy had a running list of combos so they wouldn't repeat them soon together. I like the way the blue walls of Three Rivers go with the blue banner below Grant. I love the black flattop hats, but wish they would have worn the yellow ones a little more...

Card Back: That is one big fat stack of stats there. Back then it sounded like a long time ago to be signed in 1962, but now it was over 50 years ago! It seems the Phils had him start in 1969 and 70 but then decided Grant was more valuable in the pen. Unusual to see someone born in Ohio, but lives in Puerto Rico. It seems strange to see the Acquired line say Trade, Mariners in 1976, when they hadn't even taken the field yet. I guess Topps must have been searching for anything to put on the side with the fact that the Padres and Giants used 13 pitchers in a doubleheader.

Six degrees or less to Seattle: Yes, Grant was drafted by the M's in November of 1976 only to be traded to the Pirates in December so he never saw the field with a trident on his cap(see below to see Topps offering of Grant as a Mariner).  During Grant's only season in the Big Apple in 1976, he was a Yankee with Otto Velez. I think Otto liked Maple Syrup so he went to Toronto and was a Blue Jay in 1979 with a very young Dave Stieb. I still think of Stieb as one of the faces of the Blue Jays franchise. Almost 20 years in 1998, after a short stop as a White Sox?? for four starts and a four year absence from the game, Dave was on the bump in Ontario with former Mariner Pat Lennon. Pat was one of those thought to be a future star in the outfield with Junior, but Pat saw 10 games in '91 and '92 before being let go from Seattle.

Blog related to the team: Ahh, Pirates fans are becoming more common. I'm glad to see it. They are one of those franchises that has a great history but have suffered for a long time now. I know how their fans feel to have lesser ownership that doesn't give you a chance to win. I think the Buccos are on the right track and could have a really good year. One of those fans is from south of the Steel City but loves his team. You may know him ad BigDaddyFilth. He also goes by Victor, and he writes about Gravediggers, Mooses, and such.  Go and see his work, and maybe send some Pirates his way, and he will definitely help you back.

Next Card: #118 Bud Harrelson, Phillies




Thanks Topps for giving us Grant for 1977 even though he never threw a pitch with a trident on his cap



#115 Nolan Ryan, Angels

Card Front: How can you throw a pitch if you don't have a ball in your hand?? I personally would be scared to stand in the box against this guy even if he doesn't have a ball. Just look at the look on his face and tell me Nolan isn't just a bad ass. He has the stare down, he is rocking the classic Angels jersey and hat, and almost looks like he is an angel floating in the air. Topps definitely got it right with this one in 1979, I think it is one of the best cards we've seen so far!

Card Back: The back of this card is the stuff legends are made of. Little did we know that we would have The Express be around for another 15 seasons. If you look at his stats as of 1978, he was only part way to some of the staggering stats he would finish with. He was only half way on the win total, ONLY 2700 strikeouts so far and only about 3000 to go, and the four no hitters so far and on his was to 7 for his career. If you were a right handed pitcher back in those days, I hope you wanted to be like Nolan when you grew up.

Six degrees or less to Seattle: If you know your history, you know that Nolan's final pitch was in the Kingdome in Seattle. He came out of the game in the 1st inning after going 3-1 on Dave Magadan, and giving up a grand slam to Dann Howitt on September 22, 1993. Before that fateful day, while Nolan was a member of the 1983 Houston Astros, he played with Mike LaCoss. Mike would eventually make his way out west and and in 1991 would play in Candlestick Park as a part of the San Francisco Giants. Another of those 1991 Giants was closer Rod Beck. Rod would continue to pitch and in 2003, he was down the coast as a part of the San Diego Padres. One guys that played three games as a Friar before being traded in 2003 was Jason Bay. Fast Forward 10 years to spring training 2013, and Jason Bay is trying to make this year's Mariners squad.

Blog related to the team: It surprises me with the long sustained success of the Angels franchise that there aren't tons of people blogging about the Halos. One that I know has been out there for a long time gets his name from a player I remember well.  James is a dyed in the wool, unapologetic Angels fan and writes the great True Grich. I like to pop over and see what he is thinking about his team on regular basis. The Angels have always had a soft spot in my heart since they spent half their springs in my hometown of Palm Springs for spring training and I would watch Angel broadcasts so I could see them play my M's.

Next Card: #116 Ozzie Smith, Padres

#113 Pete Redfern, Twins

Card Front: Oh, the things that are wrong with the front of this card. I think they did a little too close of a close up of Pete. Secondly, Pete looks like he has been taking bong hits for about an hour and is baked. Thankfully Topps left enough room to see the classic Twins cap, and a small part of the wonderful baby blue road unis. I'm guessing from the red seats and green dugout top, that maybe this was in Fenway Park but I could be wrong.



Card Back: What a quick rise from USC to the Twins. Pete was the #1 pick in the January 1976 Special draft, and spent those 4 appearances with the Tacoma Twins before making Minnesota that same year. While his stats don't show a great pitcher, the Twins saw something. Pete would stay with Minnesota through the 1982 season to be released, and try to come back with the AAA Albuquerque Dukes in the Dodgers system but retired after '83. Pete was nearly killed, and was paralyzed in a  diving accident and confined to a wheelchair in 1983. Pete's son Chad was in the Braves and Rays minor league systems in 2003 and 2004.

Six degrees or less to Seattle: Pete's first connection to the Mariners is he was the first pitcher for the Twins in the new HHH Metrodome against Floyd Bannister and the Mariners on April 6, 1982. During that final season of Pete's big league career in 1982, another Twin that played with Pete was Jim Eisenreich. After Jim's rookie season in 1982, he would play for 5 teams during his 15 year big league career. During Jim's final season he did some time with the 1998 Los Angeles Dodgers.One of the guys to wear the Dodger blue in 1998 was a very young Paul Konerko. Paul would find a home in Chicago as a White Sox and one of his 2012 teammates was Jose Lopez. Jose saw time in Seattle from 2004-10 before being dealt to the Rockies for a minor leaguer that got smacked around at AAA Tacoma only to be quickly released,

Blog related to the team: Finding Twins blogs and some other teams, is like finding Mariners fans or blogs. Thanks to the wonderful world of Twitter, I have some new blogs that I didn't know were out there. Recently I saw a guy on Twitter that was a Classic Minnesota Twins! fan. That was all it took to add another blog to my reading list. Not only that, but hopefully it will give you a chance to go and check out his blog, or hit him up @ClassicMNTwins on Twitter too.

Next Card: #114 Cliff Johnson, Yankees

#110 Vida Blue, Giants

Card Front: I'm not too sure I would want to get in the box against a lefty with a look on his face like that. I guess it's safe to say that Vida knew he was a bad ass. I still wish that Topps would go back to the banner or something on cards to tell who was last year's All Stars. I know most people don't like the pullover double knits of the 70's, but I think the Giants was classic. How would you like to be that one person in the blue shirt in an empty Candlestick Park immortalized on Vida's card here?

Card Back: It is easy to see why he was an NL All Star in 1978. While it was an off year from previous, those are damn good stats. Look specifically at 1971's stats. Those are the kind of numbers that win you the Cy Young and MVP award in the same year. We see that Vida was traded across the Bay before the '78 season, but the Giants gave up 7 players and $300K to bring Vida to San Francisco. If you look at his IP for every year but 1972, you don't see those kind of innings nowadays with pitch counts.

Six degrees or less to Seattle: If we leap ahead a year to 1980, we find out that Vida was a Giant with Ed Whitson. In the summer of 1990, Ed found himself as a San Diego Padre as did  a young Rich Rodriguez. After winning the title in 2002, a 40 year old Rich tried to make the Anaheim Angels in 2003, but only lasted 3 games and quickly met Jose Molina. The Toronto Blue Jays needed a catcher in 2011 and for that year, one of their options behind the dish was Jose. Along with Jose, out in the outfield was Eric Thames. Eric played a half season in 2012 after a trade to bring him to Seattle.

Blog related to the team: This was the year of the never say die attitude of the Giants. To win 6 consecutive elimination games en route to a World Series title is amazing. I was routing for them every game of the playoffs. I became a secondary Giants fan a couple years ago after going to AT&T Park and seeing a game. In honor of their team winning the ultimate prize this past year, every Giants blogger I know gets some love. We all know Matt R of A Giant Blog, and 1977 Baseball, there is ARPSmith who has his Obsession for the Giants and Willie Mac, and Ryan G who I'm sure watched every game from his new home in Japan but knows that This Card is Cool. Another Bay Area guy that deserves a shout is the great Chronicles of Fuji. While I know he is an A's fan, I know he had to be rooting for the boys from the Bay!

Next Card: #111 Roger Freed, Cardinals