Catching knuckleball specialist Phil Niekro was an adventure. "Niekro struck out a hitter once and I never touched the ball," recalled Bob Uecker. " It hit me in the shinguard, bounced out to Clete Boyer at third base and he threw out the runner at first." "Knucksie" carved out a 24-year career baffling hitters with his fluttering tosses. Sometimes he was virtually … [Read more...] about 7 Career-Chronicling Phil Niekro Baseball Cards
1979 topps baseball
Lou Whitaker’s Earliest Cards as Tigers Great Awaits Hall Call
From the late 1970s to the early 90s, you knew who would be playing second base for the Detroit Tigers. Like the fellow prospect who occupied shortstop for about the same amount of time, he was a steady presence, whether the Tigers were really good, really bad or just average. You could find Lou Whitaker baseball cards in packs of Topps cards every year, too. … [Read more...] about Lou Whitaker’s Earliest Cards as Tigers Great Awaits Hall Call
40 Years Later, High-Grade Ozzie Smith 1979 Topps Rookie Cards High in Demand
From 1982 until his retirement after the 1996 season, Ozzie Smith was the face of the St. Louis Cardinals. During that time, he was named as an All-Star in every season, save for 1993. Ironically, that season he batted .288, which was one of the highest averages of his career. However, Smith's earliest cards feature the defensive standout with the San Diego Padres, his … [Read more...] about 40 Years Later, High-Grade Ozzie Smith 1979 Topps Rookie Cards High in Demand
Vintage Pack Facts: 1979 Topps Baseball
With challenges to is long-held monopoly now underway, Topps opted to do some branding with the design of its final baseball card set of the 1970s. For the first time in a regular issue set, they put their logo on the front of each card. Not much else had changed from the year before, but there was one other difference kids noticed right away. This week's edition … [Read more...] about Vintage Pack Facts: 1979 Topps Baseball
Editor’s Blog: Recalling the Frenzy of 1979 Topps Test Comics
The card companies issue multiple sets per month these days. The sport doesn't even have to be in season for some new product to hit the market. That's not exactly a revelation. The flood of products really began in the 1990s. The contrast between modern era and the world of collectors of current releases back in the late 1970s is mind-boggling and one unique, one-and-done … [Read more...] about Editor’s Blog: Recalling the Frenzy of 1979 Topps Test Comics
Vintage Set of the Week: 1979 Topps Baseball
In July of 1979, adults around the world kept one eye on the heavens as they strapped on their Skylab helmets, waiting for America's first space station to crash back to earth after six years in orbit. While collectors may have had an easier time focusing on more grounded events, courtesy of another compelling Major League Baseball season, the 1979 Topps baseball cards they … [Read more...] about Vintage Set of the Week: 1979 Topps Baseball