1988 Topps

Spot Fetcher is a great dog name, right up there with Cookie Rojas and Moose Haas. Card 345 on Sports Cards Pro: https://www.sportscardspro.com/game/baseball-cards-1988-topps/scott-fletcher-345Ron Kittle gets married: https://www.mlb.com/news/ron-kittle-married-during-white-sox-game SABR bio by Bill Nowlin: https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/scott-fletcher/ Georgia Southern Hall of Fame: https://gseagles.com/honors/georgia-southern-athletics-hall-of-fame/scott-fletcher/46Sosa Trade retrospective: https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/02/t-r-sullivan-a-retrospective-on-the-harold-baines-sammy-sosa-trade.html Remember that guy? https://sports.yahoo.com/remember-guy-scott-fletcher-230626014.htmlBrooke Fletcher gets a surprise from dad - https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/brooke-fletcher-gets-surprise-dad-160058524.htmlStathead shortstops by WAR 1983-1993- https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/tiny/hiMZ2Spot Fetcher -  https://www.presidentialpetmuseum.com/pets/spot/ Last Comiskey Documentary youtube videos: https://www.youtube.com/@lastcomiskey1990/videos

This journeyman pitcher played for at least 15 teams, and that was just in the summer! Card 322 on eBay: https://ebay.io/m/aOEolbHall of Fame Card Corner: https://baseballhall.org/discover/cardcorner-1989-fleer-vicente-palaciosVicente Palacios at Greatest 21 Days: https://www.greatest21days.com/2011/09/vicente-palacios-he-did-7.html Palacios article on RetroSimba: https://retrosimba.com/2024/07/19/how-vicente-palacios-shouldered-his-way-to-success/ Video about Vicente’s nohitter (Spanish) https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cz7CumqSmKM/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet Video about Vicente from Aguilas(spanish): https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1D5yYmP8wH/Painted Cap analysis of this card: https://x.com/PaintedCap/status/1308614022514655235

He's the catcher to call when trouble's near!Card 95 on eBay: https://ebay.io/m/idD12WCard 669 on eBay: https://ebay.io/m/4HV7QDSABR bio by Mike Lassman: https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/Lance-Parrish/ Lance on the Top Tigers Countdown: https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/1/11/5283538/top-tigers-countdown-21-lance-parrish Lance tells the Tina Turner story: https://youtube.com/shorts/_EmngX_4EYE?si=mibRu-yYodpEDD5F Lance, Chet, Lou, Tram and a baby Tiger: https://www.instagram.com/p/DNjCwnZslpn/ Tigerrr Catcher Poster: https://sportsposterwarehouse.com/products/lance-parrish-tiger-catcher-1983-detroit-tigers-vintage-wall-poster-nike-incLance the Car Salesman: https://youtu.be/PIq9jjZFcqg?si=7FrcZxPp-j_C5FQT World Series blast off the Goose: https://youtu.be/fnL73KqjmW8?si=jNDvMrxIkWkYjh-b Bless You Boys Song: https://youtu.be/QTUA7g1mhcg?si=46_su9Clt7M492PF Lance and Mr. Drummond: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsA4yBT-r8gWAR leaderboard, Catchers 1979-1986: https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/tiny/rh6iJ

We have forgotten to referencethe poem about the plumsthat were inthe iceboxForgive methey were deliciousso sweetand so cold and good for throwingCard 622 on Beckett: https://marketplace.beckett.com/tripleplaysportscards_764/item/1988-topps-622-kal-daniels_49852943SABR Bio by Heath Santo: https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/kal-daniels/High School Jersey Retirement: https://sportsmic.com/eagles-baseball-legend-kal-daniels-number-retired/2020 MLB Article: https://www.mlb.com/news/kal-daniels-reds-cult-hero Kal fielding blooper: https://youtu.be/6unKL_3_Azc?si=GXjOoOH2AmutYiHVKal blast off Orel Hershiser: https://youtu.be/tM128HpYaJ4?si=131pK9WcrRFdk-0D Kal’s 1990 season review: https://youtu.be/yhSmfWtc-Bc?si=oqbSbJpmemI_dhAXMost seasons 25 homers 150 OPS+, >450 ABs: https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/tiny/8Ii5j

Face it, anyone can look scrawny next to the forearms of the Bash Brothers. Card 126T on Beckett: https://www.beckett.com/baseball/1988/topps-traded/126t-walt-weiss-xrc-3916218Card 263 Big on ebay: https://ebay.us/m/diQDu8Henry Cotto catch: https://youtu.be/9-fgOMQBdTY?si=DvWSzj-b6l2_kB4z&t=180 Walt Weiss SABR Bio by Ken Reed: https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/walt-weiss/ Walt Weiss first grand slam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5b9VRz2_Wo 1988 ALCS RBI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cjSk385Iww 1989 World Series homer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epIn_Oa8c9g 1990 Walt is taken out: https://youtu.be/cGh6TExbYjs?si=gjz9QbsSyiH-WK4_&t=106821998 All Star Game story: https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-jul-08-sp-1857-story.html Walt takedown of Jorge Soler: https://youtu.be/xb-LcvtyAd0?si=mDKP3ZWmu0lavPQD&t=133

Welcome to Season 7 of the 1988 Topps Podcast! This week, a pitcher and GM who didn't have many strikeouts, but did have a number of punch outs. Card 336 on ebay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/354828366005SABR bio by Jon Springer: https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/Ed-Lynch/ Unflattering 1987 Topps card: https://www.reddit.com/r/baseballcards/comments/t5xzw2/there_are_as_few_unflattering_photos_on_a_card_as/ Lynch vs Zonk: https://youtu.be/txJl8Gr38Ks?si=RAVIthN6A-nFWqCf&t=4222Lynch vs Mariano Duncan: https://youtu.be/VFwrYtuFMjA?si=d7ce1OdxvRoBCdIZ&t=6494Ed’s Real Estate business: https://keyselectrealestate.com/agents/ed-lynch Ed’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Surfing_Baseball_with_Ed_Lynch/videos

No "Looking good, Mr. Kotter" jokes were harmed in the making of this podcast. Card 766: https://ebay.us/m/DWyMm8Traded Card 31T: https://www.beckett.com/baseball/1988/topps-traded/31t-henry-cotto-3916123Nipper the Dog Statue: https://apnews.com/article/nipper-dog-statue-albany-new-york-69a5ca4ec514f837626475b5d5264c1d Ross Jones breaks up a no-hitter box score: https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/KCA/KCA198709010.shtml Cotto makes a nice throw: https://www.facebook.com/reel/803442264937951 Henry Cotto at Beisbol 101: https://beisbol101.com/henry-cotto-caguas-criollos-cubs-yankees-mariners-marlins-and-yomiuri-giants-part-iii/Hall of Fame Card Corner: https://baseballhall.org/discover/cardcorner-1989-topps-henry-cottoCotto talks to MILB: https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-460370

The card that is the most explicit ad for undergarments in the 1988 Topps set. Card 723 on Beckett - https://marketplace.beckett.com/bakersfield_636/item/1988-topps-723-bob-kipper_88993334SABR Bio by Thomas Kern - https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/bob-kipper/ Baseball Prospectus interview - https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/12669/prospectus-qa-bob-kipper/ Charles and MJ and Vince Coleman - https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2026/04/23/charles-barkley-michael-jordan-break-silence-rift-vince-coleman/89754657007/  Wayne’s World filming locations - https://movie-locations.com/movies/w/Waynes-World.php Bob vs Daryl - https://www.instagram.com/reels/DVCHrPKEhod/ Kipper Facts from 1992 Pirates - https://bsky.app/profile/1992pirates.bsky.social/post/3lcv4ozhhoc2g

If you have evidence that Tom Sandoval tried to inspire his high school classmates to victory by telling them to "Win one for the Nipper," please contact us immediately. Card 326 on Beckett - https://marketplace.beckett.com/southpawcards_272/item/1988-topps-326-al-nipper_87706900Card 75T on eBay - https://www.ebay.com/itm/205293191459SABR Bio by Gregory Wolf - https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/al-nipper/ Thoracic Outlet Syndrome - https://www.mlb.com/news/thoracic-outlet-syndrome-facts-causes-symptoms-recovery-timeAl throws at Phil Bradley - https://youtu.be/9fJyOGF6KhA?si=WraPdYa8_T1geE2U Al throws at Daryl Strawberry - https://www.reddit.com/r/mets/comments/1rtj03s/on_this_day_march_14_1987_darryl_strawberry/ Al in the Missouri Sports Hall - https://mosportshalloffame.com/inductees/al-nipper/

For this Florida native, 100% of his career hits as a Met were game-winning doubles with 9-year-old Mark Simon in the stands. Mark joins the pod to tell us the story! Card 169 on Beckett - https://marketplace.beckett.com/item/1394/1988-topps-tiffany-169-ross-jones_9661863588 Topps Blog - https://88topps.blogspot.com/2008/02/169-ross-jones.htmlMark Simon’s Journalism Salute Podcast - https://marksimonsports.com/journalism-podcast/Mark’s 1986 Mets Rewatch newsletter - https://1986-mets-rewatch.beehiiv.com/ Rising Apple interview - https://risingapple.com/2021/10/30/ny-mets-ross-jones-exciting-time/Ross Jones IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0429182/

The 1980's were a big time for guys with 2 first names: Elton John, Billy Joel, Juan Samuel? Card 398 on eBay - https://www.ebay.com/itm/286511994193Card 705 on Fanatics Collect - https://www.fanaticscollect.com/buy-now/4f356043-1344-4d98-99af-0056e04ae582Hall of Fame Card Corner - https://baseballhall.org/discover/card-corner/1988-fleer-juan-samuelSABR Bio by Thomas J Brown Jr. - https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/juan-samuel Baseball Card Snark on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/baseball.card.snark/ Harry Kalas narrating Juan’s Highlights - https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=11711378441199831984-87 2B WAR leaders - https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/tiny/AoaDi 1989 NY Times article about Juan - https://www.nytimes.com/1989/08/15/sports/samuel-is-making-an-impact.html Juan Interviewed on the Dirt Podcast - https://youtu.be/8a4MHn8dhNM?si=9XCLe9QeCUNkjMx6 

This Team USA standout won a gold medal, played baseball in five countries, married a cheerleader, and became a stock broker. No chagrin to be found. Card #130T on ebay - https://www.ebay.com/itm/197023560084Randy from PeeWee’s playhouse - https://youtu.be/tjlFMKQ2UiE?si=Y4p1gSbTuK2tP-QM Greatest 21 Days blog about Traxler - https://www.greatest21days.com/2025/10/brian-traxler-took-fundamentals-to-9.htmlGreatest 21 Days blog about Wood - https://www.greatest21days.com/2020/04/ted-wood-added-strength-in-minors.htmlTed Wood SABR bio by Rory Costello - https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/Ted-Wood/ Chagrin Falls by the Tragically Hip - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40zlzmXvkpw

CAUTION: Sliding headfirst can lead to broken bones ... and marriages??Card 441 on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/1988-Topps-Baseball-Card-Manning/dp/B00JE215JASABR Bio by Kelly Boyer Sagert: https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/Rick-Manning/ Rex Manning Day! https://youtu.be/gf3MsD5FCug?si=r1ibnaojiUppE4CB Eck Throws Shade at Rick: https://www.reddit.com/r/baseball/comments/94es0c/dennis_eckersley_throws_shade_at_former_teammate/ The 1978 Cleveland Indians: https://www.coveringthecorner.com/2023/12/11/23996213/75-years-and-counting-the-story-of-the-1978-cleveland-indians Rick Catches the final out of Len Barker’s Perfecto: https://youtu.be/tvnkj8sbpVg?si=67kBJnhmX-ttdC0W The Baseball Bug: https://www.milb.com/news/baseball-bug-x6063 Robin Yount moves to Centerfield: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1b4mm4KgRD/Rick robs a home run: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S31r1jN6Lm4

This tough Texan was a two-time MLB All-Star, but will forever be a Superstar. Card 113 on Beckett - https://marketplace.beckett.com/cardgallery_900/item/1988-topps-113-kelly-gruber_31263128SABR Bio by Mark Davis - https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/kelly-gruber/ Inside the Fog Home Run - https://youtu.be/zNANPZgcZGc?si=1gbwYaLVa7ay9A-GKelly with the First Blue Jays Cycle - https://youtu.be/_sgfrVqQ4EQ?si=PAO3kHtiyA6tJRZGKelly on Superstars - https://mopupduty.com/blast-from-the-past-kelly-gruber/Kids in the Hall reference Kelly - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzjJ27yaeyI Kelly hits an ALCS Homer - https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=3113518208760610A World Series Triple Play…or was it? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4MO4v5-zPUKelly made the tag - https://ik.imagekit.io/mopupduty/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/gruber-triple-play.jpg World Series HOmer - https://www.mlb.com/video/gruber-s-game-tying-homer-c31116859?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-shareWorld Series face plant - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBvnmgeOmo0Kelly interviewed after he was traded - ​​ https://youtu.be/Msw8Zn0a__E?si=8it0-ezlQ7mbtlxRKelly is rude in 2018 - https://www.cbc.ca/sports/baseball/mlb/kelly-gruber-innappropriate-comments-1.4708196 Kelly interview in Athletic - https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/392391/2018/06/14/20-questions-with-former-blue-jay-kelly-gruber-on-singing-water-skis-and-an-old-stance-he-just-will-not-surrender/

If your minor league manager tells you you're getting sent on the next plane down to Kinston, check the ticket before you get too upset. Card 576 on Beckett -  https://www.beckett.com/baseball/1988/topps-tiffany/576-tommy-hinzo-39158371989 LA Times -​​ https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-03-16-sp-1810-story.htmlTommy on Brett Davis Unleashed - https://www.facebook.com/IQPodcasts/photos/a.116370870008228/129760832002565/

"A rolling stone gathers no moss" is a clever proverb credited to Erasmus, but we like the modern version: "Minor league pitchers should not cancel their apartment leases mid-season"Card 643 on Beckett - https://marketplace.beckett.com/item/21/1988-topps-643-rocky-childress_26981142Greatest 21 Days - https://www.greatest21days.com/2010/02/rocky-childress-back-to-bend-354.html?m=0Halifax Explosion at the Maritime Museum - https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/what-see-do/halifax-explosion/vincent-coleman-and-halifax-explosion Canadian Heritage Minute -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rw-FbwmzPKo Rappin Rodney - https://youtu.be/mWTKhQzQl1A?si=LTXJW4ln36-f5JGSSunset Plumbing Videos - https://www.youtube.com/@sunsetplumbingofbend6859

This Hall of Famer is emphatically NOT the pride of Vermont, but he is one of our host's all-time favorites. Card #385 on Beckett - https://marketplace.beckett.com/ziggys_672/item/1988-topps-385-carlton-fisk_32570197Card #321 on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Baseball-Topps-White-Leaders-NM-MT/dp/B0F561QTDTSABR Bio by Brian Stevens - https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/carlton-fisk/ Fisk vs Deion article - https://andscape.com/features/deion-sanders-carlton-fisk-fight-yankee-stadium/Fisk in the National Portrait Gallery - https://npg.si.edu/blog/carlton-fisk-tough-guyFisk’s page at the Hall of Fame - https://baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/fisk-carlton 1991 Topps Fisk Card - https://lifetimetopps.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/1991-topps-best-action-fisk.jpg Fisk Hall of Fame speech, all 37 minutes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUjfOUy5jnwThat Home Run, you know the one - https://www.mlb.com/video/top-postseason-hrs-carlton-fisk?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share How a Rat led to that iconic waving shot - https://youtu.be/eMtFUN6vXug?si=MgTIQBT1_9Qrion11981 White Sox Opening Day at Fenway - https://www.mlb.com/video/fisk-s-opening-day-monster-homer-c63708483?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share Fisk makes a bang bang double play - https://www.mlb.com/video/running-it-back-to-a-crazy-play-at-the-plate?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share Fisk and Deion squabble - https://www.mlb.com/video/fisk-s-confrontation-with-deion?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share 1991 All-Star Game Pudge makes a tag - https://www.mlb.com/video/fielder-throws-out-clark-at-home-c530298483?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share

Some lessons, like "Don't foul the ball off your own eye," have to be learned the hard way. Card 428 on Beckett - https://marketplace.beckett.com/threestarssportscards_925/item/1988-topps-428-john-shelby_43464379Briggs Card Company on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586280361464 Sarasota Magazine Interview with Shelby - https://www.sarasotamagazine.com/news-and-profiles/2024/03/john-shelby-mlb SABR Bio by Malcolm Allen - https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/john-shelby/ Shelby with a World Series RBI - https://youtu.be/N9g21AxcbGg?si=xgDfquia5OxpzzCK&t=5969 Shelby Robs Fisk - https://www.mlb.com/video/shelby-robs-fisk-of-extra-bases-c37202907?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-shareShelby catches the final out 1988 NLCS Game 4 -  https://www.mlb.com/video/shelby-catches-final-out-c25631733?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share Shelby catches the final out of 1988 NLCS Game 5 - https://www.mlb.com/video/shelby-s-catch-ends-game-5-c494898583?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-shareShelby vs Clemens - https://youtu.be/zMJ3lXj-thA?si=m48TpfssEvfa8HuRShelby vs Frazier Standoff! https://youtu.be/jKQ66Ghuthw?si=Ndjp8wbjOtM8ss-o 

When this speedster was in his prime, there were fireworks every time he was on base. It's Episode 250! Thank you for listening! Card #260 on Beckett - https://marketplace.beckett.com/bigmacsportscards_709/item/1988-topps-260-vince-coleman_21227922Card #1 on Beckett - https://marketplace.beckett.com/item/900/1988-topps-1-vince-coleman-rb_31263029SABR Bio by Zac Petrillo - https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/vince-coleman/The Tarp eats Vince - https://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/benjamin-hochman/35-years-ago-the-day-the-tarp-ate-vince-coleman/article_5e47b555-a52b-5106-9d17-58b5303ca0f5.html?mode=nowapp Vince MLB’s most exciting player - https://www.mlb.com/news/vince-coleman-mlb-most-exciting-player-one-season Vince Beats Miami on the gridiron - https://x.com/Stitch_Head/status/1643482155962753025?s=20 Inside the Park Vince - https://youtu.be/Xs2wZ5JY6qU?si=a7m1AuenH9Qsr-u9 https://sqdc.st/s/yimYv2x7 minutes of pickoffs - https://www.mlb.com/video/chris-welsh-s-17-pickoff-attempts?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share 8 minutes of RBI Vince - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0j5hbY5id8

This left-hander turned his 1989 NL Cy Young into a fat contract worth 13 million packs of Phillies' Franks. Card #482 on Beckett - https://marketplace.beckett.com/cardinvestors_1277/item/1988-topps-482-mark-davis_86912470Hall of Fame Card Corner for this card: https://baseballhall.org/discover/cardcorner-1988-topps-mark-davis A Sad $13 Million Man - https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-06-08-sp-781-story.html SABR Article about Mark’s First Win: https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/july-30-1983-mark-davis-earns-first-win-for-giants-with-shutout-of-rival-dodgers/ Hot Dog ad: https://youtu.be/dOfFdykWS5M?si=p4XKfvZfqW2nuNqe Mark in the 1989 All Star Game: https://youtu.be/g8SErfKgyFo?si=VR79KEnGXi8eI9UU&t=7711 

This 6-time Gold Glover caught everything, whether it was drive to the gap in right or a great deal at Taco Bell! Card #424 on Beckett -  https://marketplace.beckett.com/threestarssportscards_925/item/1988-topps-424-dwayne-murphy_43464375SABR Bio by Dan Schoenholz - https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/dwayne-murphy/Hall of Fame Card Corner - https://baseballhall.org/discover/cardcorner-1988-donruss-dwayne-murphy Archived article about Hammer lawsuit - https://web.archive.org/web/20070817071129/http://www.millslawfirm.com/media-15.html1982 Topps Blog post about Dwayne- https://1982topps.blogspot.com/2014/04/card-29-dwayne-murphy.htmlDwayne the Football coach - https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-06-25-sp-8439-story.htmlMark Langston on Sabrina - https://bsky.app/profile/1988toppspodcast.bsky.social/post/3ma4swh2gfc2p DUAAAAANE - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BI-aDjb2sAA Murphy and Norris Gold Gloves - https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/mike-norris-and-dwayne-murphy-of-the-oakland-athletics-news-photo/1125839394 1980 A’s season in Review - https://youtu.be/hWcYNNgef50?si=r7VRX_mc9NwKpJqi&t=923 1981 Taco Bell Commercial - https://youtu.be/bdAeBULUbI8?si=fkAuHGwPJVMJZDHAKlingon Pop Warrior on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/TheKlingonPopWarriorjenbom 

The 1952 classic, "Botch-a-me," by Rosemary Clooney, is a play on "Bacia me" which means "kiss me" in Italian. It has nothing to do with a guy named Butch. Card #737 on Beckett - https://marketplace.beckett.com/hooplasportscards_1082/item/1988-topps-737-butch-wynegar_82605424Hall of Fame Card Corner - https://baseballhall.org/discover/cardcorner-1978-topps-butch-wynegarSABR Article about Butch’s big year - https://sabr.org/journal/article/butch-wynegar-from-single-a-to-the-major-league-all-star-game-in-one-year/1986 Article about Butch leaving NY - https://www.upi.com/Archives/1986/08/04/New-York-Yankees-catcher-Butch-Wynegar-who-left-the/9117523512000/BP interview with Butch - https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/8101/prospectus-qa-butch-wynegar/ Minor League Interview - https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-350176Twins Daily article about Early Butch - https://twinsdaily.com/forums/topic/70808-butch-wynegar-had-an-incredible-two-year-start-to-a-13-year-career/ Opening Day Homer - https://youtu.be/EV5g8PD7-Us?si=KVjevlzyMeJV3qF8Twins, Yankees, Angels

This "dandy little glove man" is one of only 15 players in MLB history to complete an unassisted triple play. Card  #71T on Beckett - https://marketplace.beckett.com/bigmacsportscards_709/item/1988-topps-traded-71t-mickey-morandini-oly-xrc_3220964088 Topps Blog - https://88topps.blogspot.com/2008/10/71t-mickey-morandini.htmlBuy us a coffee? https://buymeacoffee.com/1988toppspd BallNine interview - https://ballnine.com/2023/03/09/mickey-morandini/ Mickey the Ace’s obstacle - https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/06/sports/baseball/baseball-aces-obstacle-on-way-to-hall-of-fame-mickey-morandini-a-268-hitter.html Mickey’s high School Coach interviewed - https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/hsother/2020/04/15/mickey-morandini-bob-oberdorf-leechburg-blue-devils-philadelphia-phillies-chicago-cubs-toronto-blue-jays-wpial-baseball/stories/202004150028 Tony Lucadello SABR Bio - https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/tony-lucadello/ Mickey’s Unassisted triple play - https://www.mlb.com/video/morandini-turns-triple-play-c26319797 Mickey hits a NLCS Triple off Maddux - https://www.mlb.com/video/morandini-s-two-run-triple-c31254281?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share Mickey hit in the head with a Blauser throw - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wW1Oa9ISIrk

While this veteran hurler threw righty, lefty, starter, reliever, and closer, there was one jam he couldn't get out of: 1988 Topps Picture Day. Card #369 on Beckett - https://marketplace.beckett.com/item/709/1988-topps-369-greg-harris_21228031SABR Bio by Bill Nowlin - https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/greg-a-harris/Bob Brittain cards on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TTMBob64 Switch Pitcher article from Hall of Fame - https://baseballhall.org/discover/switch-pitchers-caught-a-piece-of-history 1981 Tides card - https://marketplace.beckett.com/item/434/1981-tidewater-tides-tcma-23-greg-harris_31782349 Greg pitches ambidextrously! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4ozn8kaTTU Greg and Venditte - https://wpln.org/post/a-switch-pitcher-the-nashville-sounds-have-one-and-his-6-fingered-glove-is-awesome/

Fine, he didn't invent "The Wave," but he was still a very good pitcher. Card #80 on Beckett -  https://marketplace.beckett.com/cardgallery_900/item/1988-topps-80-mark-langston_61023426Krazy George unleashes The Wave - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sqGxQoORYE Hall of Fame Card Corner - https://baseballhall.org/discover/CardCorner/1990-Fleer-Mark-LangstonSI Langston signs his big contract in 1989 - https://vault.si.com/vault/1989/12/11/rich-mans-game-with-the-collapse-of-collusion-and-with-clubs-prospering-as-never-before-baseball-salaries-are-now-out-of-sight1989 SI Article about Mark - https://vault.si.com/vault/1989/04/24/a-wanted-man-when-the-talk-is-trade-the-name-heard-most-often-is-that-of-seattles-mark-langstonIs it Safe to Throw a Breaking Ball? - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10293565/Mike Witt Closes out Combined No-Hitter - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29jZckxXli0 Mark discusses his heart attack - https://youtu.be/KhJmU2Rjw-s?si=c_Lw8HcM8WxUhtpY&t=103 Mark pitches in Letterman’s hallway - https://youtu.be/04zpzh22BSo?si=oVTVL0w-b1kmTz49 Tino Martinez hits a Grand Slam - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsP21Taiu0EMariners, Angels, Padres, Expos

The member of the 1997 World Series-winning Florida Marlins who most resembles a Les Miserables character. Card #506 on Beckett - https://marketplace.beckett.com/item/900/1988-topps-506-john-cangelosi_31263472John interviewed for MILB - https://www.milb.com/news/herd-chronicles-john-cangelosi-career-included-plenty-of-hits-stolen-b-309537676John talks about 1997 World Series - https://www.mlb.com/news/john-cangelosi-reflects-on-1997-world-series-winRick Cerone’s YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAKT__QBx7KzxL_b589fhTg Adam Darowski talks about the 4000 Hit Club https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lwFzvM8240 Most Rookie stolen bases since 1920 - https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/tiny/blrn8 Cangelosi Pitches - https://www.mlb.com/video/cangelosi-pitches-scoreless-9th-c539434683

This Jersey-born catcher was chosen instead of Bo Derek for a fashion ad and had a #1 hit on the country charts (in Syracuse.)Card 561 - https://marketplace.beckett.com/cardshack_727/item/1988-topps-561-rick-cerone_15842271Card 27T - https://www.sportscardspro.com/game/baseball-cards-1988-topps-traded/rick-cerone-27tHall of Fame Card Corner - https://baseballhall.org/discover/CardCorner-1978-Topps-Rick-Cerone SABR Bio by Steve Friedman - https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/rick-cerone/ A Long Run Home - https://youtu.be/XenZSo3tnwA?si=d-gZQojJVO4CnLDTNJ News story about Long Run Home - https://www.nj.com/yankees/2023/06/the-wild-story-of-a-nj-baseball-legends-long-forgotten-country-song.html Line drive kills a rally - https://youtu.be/g__TmBglW9U?si=KZbZbqE0NSFg4js8&t=5785 10 Jeans ads - https://youtu.be/tNUbjCDXHHs?si=5bTStbCRJyw1m9b8 Rick Shuts up George - https://youtu.be/awQtGTg8XX4?si=_FKaItH5P4TO8nWIGeo Cities site - https://www.geocities.ws/cesarano/ceronesings.html NJ News story about Rick - https://newjersey.news12.com/positively-new-jersey-yankees-legend-dishes-on-little-known-singing-stint

We've got a new jingle! If you want to win, here's what they say: Just start Rick Mahler on Opening DayCard 706 on Beckett -https://marketplace.beckett.com/gamesandcards_87/item/1988-topps-tiffany-706-rick-mahler_30276986Rick on Opening Day - https://www.si.com/mlb/braves/news/rick-mahler-thrived-on-opening-day-for-the-bravesRick in Santurce - https://beisbol101.com/rick-camp-and-rick-mahler-santurce-crabbers-imports-and-atlanta-braves-teammates-part-i/ Hall of Fame Card Corner -  ​​https://baseballhall.org/discover/cardcorner-1982-donruss-rick-mahlerRick’s Obituary - https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/2005/03/03/rick-mahler-dies-at-51/31685396007/

Meet Flan, the coolest guy in the set. SABR Bio by Bob Webster - ⁠https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/Tim-Flannery/⁠ Card 513 on Beckett - https://marketplace.beckett.com/gamesandcards_87/item/1988-topps-513-tim-flannery_3057062488 Topps Blog - https://88topps.blogspot.com/2008/06/513-tim-flannery.htmlFlannery in 1984 NLCS - ⁠https://youtu.be/H5qOcuKn4oU?si=iOUFTnOhYlgeXg_d⁠ 1988 Fleer Surfboard card - ⁠https://baseballdimebox.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-gems-of-junk-wax-pt-51-1988-fleer.html⁠ Flannery as the Mascot - ⁠https://www.mlb.com/news/tim-flannery-gets-ejected-dresses-as-mascot⁠ Flannery sends Pagan home - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SjFx0h-v5M Bochy and Flannery, The Odd Couple - https://youtu.be/fqEQUOmcvo0?si=hXRIjugeOvGXU5Hk NY Times story about Tim - https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/14/sports/baseball/tim-flannery-lunatic-fringe.html Waiting on a Miracle - https://youtu.be/ZDzwdbcDM14?si=7MjO4B3o2b3bqjAU 

The Eyes of Texas were upon him... and Steve Goodman thought he should keep his eyes on the ball. Card 416 on Beckett -https://marketplace.beckett.com/cardgallery_900/item/1988-topps-tiffany-416-keith-moreland_52217595Card 72T on ebay - https://www.ebay.com/itm/256599166743?chn=ps&mkevt=1&mkcid=28&google_free_listing_action=view_item&srsltid=AfmBOorX-wMs_y7VE54PdANUHAJtW5heoqxpLVAZqPyt4M3gHYLi7WkzXpEBrian Dayett’s RIP Baseball Obit - https://ripbaseball.com/2025/09/19/obituary-brian-dayett-1957-2025/ Baseball Hall of Fame Card Corner - https://baseballhall.org/discover/card-corner/1981-donruss-keith-moreland1975 Keith Moreland photo - https://www.facebook.com/bruce.weirauch/photos/keith-moreland-1975/10226878910590919/ Keith has a health scare - https://www.kvue.com/article/sports/ncaa/longhorns/ut-baseballs-keith-moreland-shares-his-story-of-survival/269-56a334e1-2c57-4197-ba7a-95d307ce41d8 Keith in the Longhorn Hall of Honor - https://texaslonghorns.com/honors/hall-of-honor/keith-moreland/724 Keith drives in a run in the World Series - https://youtu.be/oU687r6KCIs?si=4DJ8l_KVuvP_TVAN&t=10346 Keith charges Ed Lynch - https://youtu.be/txJl8Gr38Ks?si=RAVIthN6A-nFWqCf&t=4222 Keith does a Drug PSA - https://youtu.be/8lJDoEjTb-0?si=5QTSiX2W39hJOm8q Steve Goodman’s A Dying Cubs Fan’s Last Request - https://youtu.be/7xBxZGQ1dJk?si=mukizA86X6UlytPz 

Clutch hitting defined: this guy hit two home runs the night he was supposed to be laid off, saving his job and probably 10 more years of solid Quad-A ball. Card 136 on Beckett - https://marketplace.beckett.com/cardgallery_900/item/1988-topps-tiffany-136-brian-dayett_52217315Newsweek Obit - https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/former-yankees-cubs-outfielder-passes-away-2126503MILB interview with Brian - https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-17914562 Brian hits a double -  https://youtu.be/atkHXEDH73o?si=HMFczPED3HuE0L8u Brian hits a grand slam - https://youtu.be/TFnSF7ZcoQY?si=job7EfZ2m-v_rHCU Brian’s Obituary - https://www.watsonfhtn.com/obituaries/Brian-Kelly-Dayett?obId=45239942Charlene Kuzma’s Obituary - https://www.heritageofandover.com/obituary/charlene-kuzma

Counterintuitively, when Rod Carew says your pitching is "Little League Slop," it probably means you are doing something right. Card 725 on Beckett - https://marketplace.beckett.com/ziggys_672/item/1988-topps-725-mike-boddicker_32570532SABR Bio by Bill Johnson https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/Mike-Boddicker/ SABR Game story about Boddicker’s World Series win - https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/october-12-1983-orioles-knot-world-series-on-mike-boddickers-gem/ Baseball Prospectus interview - https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/9805/prospectus-qa-mike-boddicker/ Hawkeye Hall of Fame - https://hawkeyesports.com/hof/class-of-2024/mike-boddiker Baseball Hall of Fame Card Corner - https://baseballhall.org/discover/cardcorner-1984-donruss-mike-boddicker Boddicker ends 1983 ALCS Game 2 - https://youtu.be/IlOOwoaiNYQ?si=imlQaGVxXLDkdg4_&t=7947 Boddicker Ks Schmidt to end World Series Game 2 - https://youtu.be/YbBzLXq4MEY?si=gW8ct02IHtEmmNOP&t=9945

This controversial pitcher closed off opportunities for women umpires for decades by opening his big mouth. Card 151 on Beckett - https://marketplace.beckett.com/baseballcardconnection_794/item/1988-topps-151-bob-knepper_34326495SABR Bio by David E. Skelton - https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/bob-knepper/Hall of Fame Card Corner - https://baseballhall.org/discover/card-corner/1989-topps-bob-knepperWhere did all the Bobs go? - https://www.mlb.com/cut4/where-did-all-the-bobs-in-baseball-go-c301633434 "Careless and Insensitive" - https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/06/18/Houston-Astros-pitcher-Bob-Knepper-who-called-the-National/7331582609600/Knepper apologizes - https://www.efootage.com/videos/108045/knepper-statement-sexist-commentsBob in the SI Vault - https://vault.si.com/vault/1988/06/20/some-say-no-leica-astro-lefty-bob-knepper-has-a-decidedly-controversial-focus-on-the-world-but-his-pitching-this-year-is-right-on-targethttps://tht.fangraphs.com/tht-live/25th-anniversary-pitcher-misses-perfecto-in-debut-by-one-pitch/Article about Female Umpires - https://baseballhall.org/discover-more/stories/baseball-history/woman-in-blue

Jeff from Two Strike Noise joins David for a Giants game and a pack of legends. Two Strike Noise - https://twostrikenoise.podbean.com

A card so great, we just had to sing about it.Card 102T on Beckett - ⁠https://marketplace.beckett.com/threestarssportscards_925/item/1988-topps-traded-102t-nelson-santovenia_67275693⁠Kenny Williams and Jerry Krause -  https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/how-jerry-krause-before-he-built-a-dynasty-with-michael-jordan-was-shaped-by-his-time-in-baseball/ Nelson and Bill and Ted - https://ultimateclassicrock.com/nelson-bill-and-ted/ Miami Hidden Ball Trick - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j45ztPQ6i2I⁠ Article about the Grand Illusion - ⁠https://miamihurricanes.com/news/2007/04/13/205542924-2/⁠ Canadian Baseball Network (behind paywall) - https://www.canadianbaseballnetwork.com/canadian-baseball-network-articles/2015/5/7/santovenia-hopes-to-make-mo-town Nelson's Coaching Biohttps://mdcathletics.com/information/directory/bios/Nelson_Santobenia

If there are three true outcomes in baseball, this Mariners bomber had two of them (the HRs and Ks) nailed.Card 285 on Beckett - https://marketplace.beckett.com/item/1082/1988-topps-285-jim-presley_53873437Escambia Mascot Riots in 1976 New York Times - https://www.nytimes.com/1976/03/07/archives/racial-animosity-turns-to-violence-in-pensacola-fla-on-issue-of.html Opening Day Walk Off Grand Slam - https://youtu.be/b34n3DBbiIg?si=rFPrEBtb43HJ_O6g 2nd Walk off Grand Slam - https://www.mlb.com/video/presley-s-walk-off-slam-in-11th-c1709636783 2016 Interview with Jim - https://www.kvue.com/article/sports/one-on-one-with-express-coach-jim-presley/269-270797388 

Inside: Everything you ever wanted to know about the 2005 World Series-winning Chicago White Sox. RIP Bobby JenksCard 559 on Becketthttps://marketplace.beckett.com/baseballcardconnection_794/item/1988-topps-559-ken-williams-rc_343269101988 Topps in Sports Illustrated https://www.si.com/collectibles/the-five-essential-baseball-cards-of-1988-topps Leadbelly in Lincoln, NE https://getleaded.com/ SABR Bio by Bill Prudenhttps://sabr.org/bioproj/person/ken-williams/SABR Bio of the other Ken Williams by Joseph Wancho with poemhttps://sabr.org/bioproj/person/ken-williams-2/Base path anticshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SInxwZTZp8&t=1s2005 ALCS dropped third strike?https://youtu.be/9Tn5CQ9vyYQ?si=fRkkNbwQcxAPRkgiWilliams on race and racism in America in 2020https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U9nJ7S9KeI

Before this defensive specialist became a legendary manager in the Dominican League, he was almost a landmark trade in Yankees' history.Card 547 on Beckett - https://www.beckett.com/baseball/1988/topps/547-felix-fermin-3915004Baseball Hall Card Corner - https://baseballhall.org/discover/cardcorner-1988-topps-felix-fermin Pablo Cruz and the death of Alfredo Edmead - https://www.si.com/mlb/2021/06/18/alfredo-edmead-jr-pablo-cruz-life-after-death-daily-cover Mariano for Felix Fermin? https://www.mlb.com/news/mariano-rivera-almost-got-traded-to-mariners Felix makes a sweet double play - https://youtu.be/AjGcyaQ3N0o?si=MBhrvVJzDfk7ChzH Felix shows great range - https://youtu.be/nqelGxZjj_8?si=7J_i2gKdVtePp05J

Plain and simple, he had the best-known name, face, and sideburns of 1980s baseball and baseball cards. Base card #300https://marketplace.beckett.com/item/1082/1988-topps-300-don-mattingly_53873452Record Breakers #2https://marketplace.beckett.com/cardgallery_900/item/1988-topps-2-don-mattingly-rb_62538603All Star #386 on eBayhttps://www.ebay.com/itm/225908282343World of Baseball Don Mattingly - https://baseballcards.substack.com/p/1988-topps-world-of-baseball-don SABR Bio by James Lincoln Ray - https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/Don-Mattingly/Don’s HOF Case at MLB https://www.mlb.com/news/don-mattingly-hall-of-fame-caseDon’s 1987 Topps Birthday Mystery - https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/29043681/cracking-birthday-mystery-don-mattingly-1987-topps-baseball-card Don talks about the Hit Man poster - https://youtu.be/1iRtD14A9Io?si=dMwC5kZb8426ZaCu   Don and Niekro in a New Coke Ad - https://youtu.be/OxjZfs3OUmM?si=4jnF0NzCM_l7QTHq 1989 SI Article - https://vault.si.com/vault/1989/02/06/the-hit-man-hits-back-after-his-most-trying-year-as-a-yankee-don-mattingly-is-now-back-home-in-indiana-preparing-to-attack-the-upcoming-season 1995 ALDS Home Run - https://youtu.be/LrAU5Kxnr04?si=6MzcQxKMzuh-7McZ

Of all the celebrities named Moose, the most famous is probably the actor / Jack Russell Terrier who played Eddie on Frasier. RIPCard #606 on Becketthttps://marketplace.beckett.com/item/1082/1988-topps-tiffany-606-moose-haas_66153931SABR Bio by Dennis Degenhardt - https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/moose-haas/ Hall of Fame Card Corner 1981 Moose Haas - https://baseballhall.org/discover/CardCorner-1981-Topps-Moose-Haas1985 UPI Article about Moose- https://www.upi.com/Archives/1985/07/01/Off-the-field-Bryan-Edmond-Moose-Haas-is-a/1092489038400/ Game Used Jersey - https://www.memorabilia.expert/shop/1987-moose-haas-game-worn-as-jersey/ 1982 ALCS Don Baylor Grand Slam - https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1aAj8BTcqJ/

Little known fact: Tina Turner originally wanted to write a song called "Personal Catcher" about backups who create that trusted relationship with ace pitchers, but she couldn't get the lyrics to fit her melody. She went with "Private Dancer" instead, and the rest is history. Card 566 on Becketthttps://marketplace.beckett.com/item/900/1988-topps-566-charlie-obrien-rc_27922483Charlie’s Sabr Bio by Steve West https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/charlie-obrien/ Brian Boru https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Boru Charlie’s SI Cover https://www.autographwarehouse.com/images/products/detail/CharlieOBrienSI.JPGCharlie Keeps his career alive at SI https://vault.si.com/vault/1999/04/26/catch-as-catch-can-the-angels-charlie-obrien-uses-all-his-tricks-to-keep-his-career-alive Charlie’s Book at Texas A&M Press https://www.tamupress.com/book/9781623492922/the-cy-young-catcher/Popular Mechanics story about Charlie’s mask https://www.popularmechanics.com/adventure/sports/a236/1283166/ Puck Junk the evolution of Baseball goalie masks ​​https://puckjunk.com/2018/03/29/the-evolution-of-baseballs-goalie-mask/ 1995 NLCS Homerhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyiGRE7eRRs 

Welcome to Season 6 of the 1988 Topps Podcast!In 1932, Australian farms were threatened by an increase in the population of the emu, a large flightless bird. The Australian military tried to cull the flocks of emus for 40 days, but ultimately failed in a debacle that would come to be known as The Great Emu War. #597 on Becketthttps://www.beckett.com/baseball/1988/topps-tiffany/597-gene-garber-3915858SABR Bio by Dan Masseyhttps://sabr.org/bioproj/person/Gene-Garber/Garber irked by modern gamehttps://lancasteronline.com/sports/baseball/mlb/elizabethtown-native-gene-garber-irked-by-aspects-of-baseball-today-commentary/article_5228dabe-985f-11e8-90b0-2f795df2f570.htmlGene ends Rose streakhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1sm1rOUfTgHOF Card Corner - 1975 Toppshttps://baseballhall.org/discover/card-corner/1975-topps-gene-garberThe Curse of Gene Garberhttps://assets.sbnation.com/assets/752808/ATL18_v1-1.pdfBuy us a coffee?http://coff.ee/1988ToppsPd

When ... the ... Card has a guy that looks like all of the guys, that's Fiore (that's Fiore)When the card of the day comes from Team U.S.A. that's Fiore (that's Fiore)Bells will ring for the Pope ting-a-ling-a-ling and you'll sing "Vita bella"He's a Sox fan at heart, and to us that means he's quite a fella! * Card 38T on eBay* Induction video into College Baseball Hall of Fame and Mike's speech* Mike interviewed about his experiences in Omaha* Greatest 21 Days* University of Miami Hall of FameThis is the final episode of Season 5. Five years down, only 15 to go? New episodes return soon. Thank you for supporting the show! https://buymeacoffee.com/1988toppspd

This All-Star Rookie had his life saved by a call to the pen, er, apartment. Card 229 on Becketthttps://marketplace.beckett.com/item/1036/1988-topps-229-jeff-musselman_44463551SABR Bio by Malcolm Allenhttps://sabr.org/bioproj/person/jeff-musselman/Jeff at Harvard talking about sobrietyhttps://www.thecrimson.com/article/1993/11/2/come-back-to-life-sobriety-and/The Fall of '87https://garejoyce2022.substack.com/p/the-fall-of-87-and-the-fail-of-2017M.U.S.C.L.E.http://blog.uofmuscle.com/34574/what-is-a-muscle-figure/The Jersey Devilhttps://pinelandsalliance.org/learn-about-the-pinelands/pinelands-history-and-culture/the-jersey-devil-and-folklore/

This Stanford grad from Montana had one good season on the mound in Baltimore -- then had a change of plans after a snowy night in Idaho. Card 782 on eBayhttps://www.ebay.com/itm/156065903677Watch the Diamond King now! https://www.thediamondkingmovie.com/ Listen to Cement City about Donora, PA - https://www.cementcity.org/ SABR Bio by Malcolm Allen - https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/jeff-ballard/ Ballard in Montana - https://www.montanaseniornews.com/jeff-ballard/Ballard’s double ball found - https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidseideman/2018/01/11/big-leaguer-recovers-priceless-baseball-25-years-later/ Looking back at Ballard’s 1989 - https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/95581/cold-takes-jeff-ballards-luck-ran-out/ The Athletic finds out that Ballard is in The Office - https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3271009/2022/05/10/tiktok-sleuth-movies-tv-clips/ Why Not song - https://youtu.be/jSAohY4o-0E?si=y3mhS263zcpU8fLn

The third-best baseball player of all time born in Donora, PA. * Card 443 on Beckett* SABR Bio by Charles F. Faber* Braves at Mets, Apr. 11, 1987* Donora Smog Disaster* Grandma's Reds Scorebook Griffey entries*Reds 1976 All-Star Game highlights* Griffey wins the 1980 ASG MVP* Father-Son back to back jacks* Ken and Buddy* Stan and Ken and Donora, PA

Although the 1987 rookie season for "Benz" was a good one, there is no proof that he was the inspiration for the 1988 No. 1 hit "Mercedes Boy" by Pebbles. * Card 96 on Beckett* Sabr Bio by Bill Nowlin* Catching up with ⁠Benz* Todd Benzinger 1987 Highlight video* Benzinger hits a big homer in 1988* Todd catches the final out of 1990 World Series

Legendary artist Dick Perez and filmmaker Marq Evans join the pod to talk about their new movie "The Diamond King" along with Dick's favorite Donruss Diamond King card, the 1995 Chili Davis.* Card 15 on Beckett* Card 32T on Beckett* Watch The Diamond King, opening April 25, 2025!* Diamond King trailer* SABR Bio by Rory Costello* Chili signs with the Angels in 1987* 1991 World Series Homer* JD Davis: "Chili is my Dog"* Chili Bowl Mullet Man at the Video Store

True, Lloyd McClendon holds the all-time single series record for batting average and on-base percentage in a playoff series. But his Little League World Series performance makes that look like child's play. Plus: MLB needs to stop caving to pathetic authoritarians who would like to paint over baseball history in a ugly shade of white. * Card 220 on Beckett* The story of Legendary Lloyd in SI* Full video of the 1971 LLWS Final!* Valpo Mag on Lloyd* Indiana story on Lloyd* Grandma's Scorebook: First Game, First Hit* Lloyd literally steals first* Stathead Search: Career Playoff OPS, 10+ PA* Little League Hall of Excellence

A managerial rookie card! This Cuban national played every field position and was an All-Star in both leagues. Definitely not a bozo. * Buy Me a Coffee, especially when we're sick* Card #97T on Beckett* SABR Bio by Peter Gordon* The questionable hats* Stathead Search: WAR 2B 1971-1973* Gene Mauch talks about Cookie* Cookie and His Cupcakes: Mathilda* Cookie's 1972 All-Star Homer* Cookie shoves an ump