He was a catching prospect then. Just a 20-year-old kid from Portland, OR who seemed to have a little pop in his bat. Forty-five years ago today, as the Atlanta Braves played out the string of what would be four straight last place finishes in the National League West, Dale Murphy made his major league debut. After flying out in his first at-bat against the … [Read more...] about Catch This: Young Dale Murphy’s Back-to-Back Rookie Cards
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Newly Uncovered Fan Photos Document Night of Hank Aaron’s 715th Home Run
Hank Aaron’s 715th home run remains one of baseball’s iconic events. There have been photos and videos covering the magical moment when Aaron slammed a 1-0 pitch from Al Downing into the left-field bullpen at Atlanta’s Fulton County Stadium to pass Babe Ruth on baseball’s all-time home run list on April 8, 1974. Think you’ve seen every angle? Think again. A Virginia … [Read more...] about Newly Uncovered Fan Photos Document Night of Hank Aaron’s 715th Home Run
7 Career-Chronicling Phil Niekro Baseball Cards
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
The Model of Consistency: A Freddie Freeman Rookie Card Review
Freddie Freeman was a dual threat on the diamond as a star third baseman and star pitcher at El Modena High School in Orange, California.He signed a letter of intent to play college ball for Cal State Fullerton but when the Atlanta Braves drafted him 78th overall in the second round of the 2007 MLB Draft, Freeman passed on the college experience to make his way up through the … [Read more...] about The Model of Consistency: A Freddie Freeman Rookie Card Review
Chatting with Sid Bream: His Earliest Cards, TTM Requests and Greg Maddux
Sid Bream spent over a decade in the big leagues, playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros. He played in two World Series during his time with Atlanta and is best known for 'The Slide' in game seven of the 1992 National League Championship Series, where he scored the game winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning against his … [Read more...] about Chatting with Sid Bream: His Earliest Cards, TTM Requests and Greg Maddux
Eddie Mathews Baseball Cards Cross Two Eras
It had been ten years since the glory days of the Milwaukee Braves but Eddie Mathews, whose career began in the early 1950s when most teams still traveled by train, was still swinging on the night of July 14, 1967. In the Houston Astros lineup after a trade from the only franchise he’d ever known, Mathews climbed to a summit only six other players in history had reached … [Read more...] about Eddie Mathews Baseball Cards Cross Two Eras
Digging Dale: Youthful Murphy Memories and the Baseball Cards That Made Them Come Alive
The good guys don't always win. Let's rewind before we actually go there. Think late 1970's and early 80's. Cable TV is spreading across the country. Think a young pudgy kid who doesn't know which sport to play. Just call my mom. She'll answer the phone and tell you right away. "My son was the 'biggest' Dale Murphy fan on the planet." Actually, it was a title … [Read more...] about Digging Dale: Youthful Murphy Memories and the Baseball Cards That Made Them Come Alive
Memorable Road Trip: Georgia Card Shop Employee Snares Acuna’s 1st Home Run Ball
Luckily for Joe Webster, there isn't a lot of demand for Cincinnati Reds tickets these days, especially not in the outfield. The Atlanta area college student was so excited about Ronald Acuna's promotion to the Braves roster that he drove all night to Ohio and got himself a prime seat to watch the 19-year-old phenom play. He had the day off from his part-time job at … [Read more...] about Memorable Road Trip: Georgia Card Shop Employee Snares Acuna’s 1st Home Run Ball
Bobby Cox At 75: 6 Cards of a HOF Manager
Bobby Cox always seemed so much older when he managed the Braves, so I was more than surprised to learn that the former Atlanta and Toronto Blue Jays skipper turns “only” 75 on Saturday. He never seemed fiery either, for the most part sitting placidly on the bench. But he could agitate, as his major-league record of 158 ejections — plus three in the postseason — would indicate. … [Read more...] about Bobby Cox At 75: 6 Cards of a HOF Manager
Collecting Hank Aaron 715th Home Run Memorabilia
Few records in sports are celebrated years after they’ve been broken. In the court of public opinion, baseball’s single season and career home run marks were set in the 1960’s and 70’s; not the 1990’s and into the 21st century. Interest and value in Hank Aaron 715th home run memorabilia far outstrips anything associated with Barry Bonds’ 762nd. As the … [Read more...] about Collecting Hank Aaron 715th Home Run Memorabilia