1988 Topps

This speedy outfielder went .750/.800/1.250 in a victorious World Series. Then, two years later, he laid an egg. SABR Bio by Justin Nowell Billy’s 1986 NLCS Homer Billy and Dave Smith's corked bat Reds Hot Billy goes 3-3 in 1990 World Series Game 1 Billy goes 4-4 in World Series Game 2 Billy’s World Series bat at the ⁠⁠HOF⁠⁠ Games Done Quick: Speedrun of Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg

In 1986, the top player in terms of WAR in the National League was Mike Scott. #2 was Rick Rhoden. What? Card 185 on Beckett SABR Bio By Paul Hofman Rick fights former teammate/1st Base Coach Rick in Daytona Beach Rick in Florida Sports Hall of Fame Rick on the PGA Tour

This hard-throwing reliever was as comfortable at the free throw line as he was on the mound. Card #359 on Beckett 1983 Topps Blog Timeline of Tim SABR Bio by Rory Costello   Tim’s first MLB at bat in the World Series Tim talks about Legion Ball

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 Bal...

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...

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 intervie...

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 https://marketplace.beckett.com/item/1082/1988-topps-traded-50t-bob-horner_56440165Sabr Games Project about the brawl - https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/august-12-1984-braves-padres-brawl-leaves-17-players-ejected-in-one-game/ The Brawl vide...

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 Ja...

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 C...

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 @Pirate...

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 198...