1988 CAREER-CAPPER: STEVE GARVEY

On the blog today, a 1988 "Career-Capper" for a man I will always state should be in the Hall of Fame, Steve Garvey, "new-fangled analytics" be damned:

Garvey appeared in only 27 games for the San Diego Padres in 1987, hitting .211 with 16 hits in 76 at-bats with a homer and nine RBIs.

Garvey made his Major League debut in 1969 as a 20-year-old, appearing in three games, going 1-for-3 at the plate.

Of course, we all know that the man would go on to be a perennial All-Star first baseman, and for ME, a lock for the Hall of Fame.

The fact that he was the premier first baseman in the National League from the mid-70’s through the mid-80’s, an All-Star year in and year out doesn't seem to matter to most however.
Modern metrics be damned, the man topped 200-hits six times, took home the NL MVP in 1974, won four Gold Gloves and strung together a run of 1207 consecutive games played, which is still the NL record.
The anchor of the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers teams of the era, they took over from Cincinnati as the preeminent team in the Senior Circuit in the late-70s, reaching the World Series three times over five seasons between 1977 and 1981, winning it all that final year, beating the New York Yankees and exacting some sweet revenge for their two losses in 77/78.
I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a few hundred times: the fact that this man is NOT in the Hall of Fame, representing his era of Major League baseball, is a joke. Flat out nonsense. Beyond the numbers, the personality, the leader of a team that was shattering attendance records, helping popularize the game further, the man was an All-Star year in-year out.
In my book, seeing that the most support he ever received was 42.6%, which was in his second-year of eligibility in 1994, is nothing short of a mark on what the Hall of Fame is.

 

"CLASSIC BASEBALL" CUSTOM WTHBALLS SET: STEVE GARVEY

Let's go and add "Mr. Clean", Steve Garvey to my future custom "Classic Baseball" set, celebrating the sport I have obsessed over for the past 45 years or so:

Just a nice portrait shot of the man who would anchor those great Los Angeles Dodger teams of the late-70s/early-80s.

Garvey made his Major League debut in 1969 as a 20-year-old, appearing in three games, going 1-for-3 at the plate.

Of course, we all know that the man would go on to be a perennial All-Star first baseman, and for ME, a lock for the Hall of Fame.

The fact that he was the premier first baseman in the National League from the mid-70’s through the mid-80’s, an All-Star year in and year out doesn't seem to matter to most however.
Modern metrics be damned, the man topped 200-hits six times, took home the NL MVP in 1974, won four Gold Gloves and strung together a run of 1207 consecutive games played, which is still the NL record.
The anchor of the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers teams of the era, they took over from Cincinnati as the preeminent team in the Senior Circuit in the late-70s, reaching the World Series three times over five seasons between 1977 and 1981, winning it all that final year, beating the New York Yankees and exacting some sweet revenge for their two losses in 77/78.
I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a few hundred times: the fact that this man is NOT in the Hall of Fame, representing his era of Major League baseball, is a joke. Flat out nonsense. Beyond the numbers, the personality, the leader of a team that was shattering attendance records, helping popularize the game further, the man was an All-Star year in-year out.
In my book, seeing that the most support he ever received was 42.6%, which was in his second-year of eligibility in 1994, is nothing short of a mark on what the Hall of Fame is.

That goes for Dave Parker and Dale Murphy as well!

 

WTHBALLS GUM PACK CUSTOM SET: STEVE GARVEY

Up on the blog today, my mini-card for another guy who I feel should be in the Hall of Fame, Steve Garvey, from my "Gum Pack" special set released not too long ago:

Garvey made his Major League debut in 1969 as a 20-year-old, appearing in three games, going 1-for-3 at the plate.

Of course, we all know that the man would go on to be a perennial All-Star first baseman, and for ME, a lock for the Hall of Fame.

The fact that he was the premier first baseman in the National League from the mid-70’s through the mid-80’s, an All-Star year in and year out doesn't seem to matter to most however.
Modern metrics be damned, the man topped 200-hits six times, took home the NL MVP in 1974, won four Gold Gloves and strung together a run of 1207 consecutive games played, which is still the NL record.
The anchor of the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers teams of the era, they took over from Cincinnati as the preeminent team in the Senior Circuit in the late-70s, reaching the World Series three times over five seasons between 1977 and 1981, winning it all that final year, beating the New York Yankees and exacting some sweet revenge for their two losses in 77/78.
I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a few hundred times: the fact that this man is NOT in the Hall of Fame, representing his era of Major League baseball, is a joke. Flat out nonsense. Beyond the numbers, the personality, the leader of a team that was shattering attendance records, helping popularize the game further, the man was an All-Star year in-year out.
In my book, seeing that the most support he ever received was 42.6%, which was in his second-year of eligibility in 1994, is nothing short of a mark on what the Hall of Fame is.

That goes for Dave Parker and Dale Murphy as well!

 

1977 N.L. CENTENNIAL: STEVE GARVEY

Today we add "Mr. Clean" Steve Garvey to my on-going 1977 National League Centennial sub-set, celebrating the league's 100th Anniversary of 1976, designated with a special sleeve patch as you can see in this image:

The festivities went on all season, with all teams sporting the patch, and having the All-Star game in Philadelphia for the Bicentennial celebration the nation was also celebrating.

As for Garvey, he made his Major League debut in 1969 as a 20-year-old, appearing in three games, going 1-for-3 at the plate.

Of course, we all know that the man would go on to be a perennial All-Star first baseman, and for ME, a lock for the Hall of Fame.

The fact that he was the premier first baseman in the National League from the mid-70’s through the mid-80’s, an All-Star year in and year out doesn't seem to matter to most however.
Modern metrics be damned, the man topped 200-hits six times, took home the NL MVP in 1974, won four Gold Gloves and strung together a run of 1207 consecutive games played, which is still the NL record.
The anchor of the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers teams of the era, they took over from Cincinnati as the preeminent team in the Senior Circuit in the late-70s, reaching the World Series three times over five seasons between 1977 and 1981, winning it all that final year, beating the New York Yankees and exacting some sweet revenge for their two losses in 77/78.
I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a few hundred times: the fact that this man is NOT in the Hall of Fame, representing his era of Major League baseball, is a joke. Flat out nonsense. Beyond the numbers, the personality, the leader of a team that was shattering attendance records, helping popularize the game further, the man was an All-Star year in-year out.
In my book, seeing that the most support he ever received was 42.6%, which was in his second-year of eligibility in 1994, is nothing short of a mark on what the Hall of Fame is.

That goes for Dave Parker and Dale Murphy as well!

 

NOT REALLY MISSING IN ACTION: 1970 STEVE GARVEY

On the blog today, a custom card I released months ago as part of my Series 13 set, a "not so missing" 1970 card for should-be Hall of Famer Steve Garvey:

Garvey made his Major League debut in 1969 as a 20-year-old, appearing in three games, going 1-for-3 at the plate.

Of course, we all know that the man would go on to be a perennial All-Star first baseman, and for ME, a lock for the Hall of Fame.

The fact that he was the premier first baseman in the National League from the mid-70’s through the mid-80’s, an All-Star year in and year out doesn't seem to matter to most however.
Modern metrics be damned, the man topped 200-hits six times, took home the NL MVP in 1974, won four Gold Gloves and strung together a run of 1207 consecutive games played, which is still the NL record.
The anchor of the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers teams of the era, they took over from Cincinnati as the preeminent team in the Senior Circuit in the late-70s, reaching the World Series three times over five seasons between 1977 and 1981, winning it all that final year, beating the New York Yankees and exacting some sweet revenge for their two losses in 77/78.
I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a few hundred times: the fact that this man is NOT in the Hall of Fame, representing his era of Major League baseball, is a joke. Flat out nonsense. Beyond the numbers, the personality, the leader of a team that was shattering attendance records, helping popularize the game further, the man was an All-Star year in-year out.
In my book, seeing that the most support he ever received was 42.6%, which was in his second-year of eligibility in 1994, is nothing short of a mark on what the Hall of Fame is.

That goes for Dave Parker and Dale Murphy as well!

1970'S ALL-DECADE TEAM: N.L. FIRST BASE STEVE GARVEY

We move on to the National League's top first baseman in my "1970s All-Decade Team" set, with my pick the great Steve Garvey of the Los Angeles Dodgers:

Let's see: all the man did in the 1970s was produce six 200-hit seasons, four 100-RBI campaigns, four Gold Gloves, an MVP and six All-Star nods.

Seems like a no-brainer to me for this pick!
The anchor of the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers teams of the era, they took over from Cincinnati as the preeminent team in the Senior Circuit in the late-70s, reaching the World Series three times over five seasons between 1977 and 1981, winning it all that final year, beating the New York Yankees and exacting some sweet revenge for their two losses in 77/78.
I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a few hundred times: the fact that this man is NOT in the Hall of Fame, representing his era of Major League baseball, is a joke. Flat out nonsense. Beyond the numbers, the personality, the leader of a team that was shattering attendance records, helping popularize the game further, the man was an All-Star year in-year out.
In my book, seeing that the most support he ever received was 42.6%, which was in his second-year of eligibility in 1994, is nothing short of a mark on what the Hall of Fame is.

Modern metrics be damned, get this man in!

EXPANDED LEAGUE LEADERS: 1979 N.L. RBI's

Up on the blog today, we have the top three RBI men of the National League in 1978 proudly displayed on a 1979 “expanded league leader” card:

 

Of course we begin with the RBI-man of the era, Cincinnati Reds All-Star George Foster, who took home his third straight RBI crown in 1978 with 120, this after a monster 1977 season that saw him drive home 149.

Foster was just the man at the plate during his incredible three-year run between 1976 and 1978, taking home the MVP Award in 1977, finishing runner-up in 1976, helping the Reds to championships in 1975 and 1976, and becoming the first player since Willie Mays in 1965 to top 50 homers in a season, with his 52 in 1977.

Incredibly, the man was not just a home run hitter, as he would top a .300 batting average four out of five seasons between 1975 and 1979, with a .281 average in between.

In second place with 117 RBIs, a man that was in contention for all three Triple Crown stats, Pittsburgh Pirates great Dave Parker, who just happened to also be the N.L. batting champ for the second year in a row in 1978.

Parker was also a force at the plate in the late-70’s, winning the MVP in 1978, helping the Pirates to a championship in 1979, while also hitting not only for power, but for average as well, with five straight seasons of above-.300 averages between 1975 and 1979.

I still cannot understand how people do not think he is not a Hall of Famer! It’s not just about total stats, but the fact that he reached that elite level that goes beyond stats, like Steve Garvey, who is also a Hall of Famer in my book!

…And speaking of Steve Garvey, he finished third in the league with 113 RBIs in 1978, just two off his career best set a season earlier!

Garvey was as consistent as they came then, reaching 200+ hits six of seven seasons between 1974 and 1980, while driving in 100+ runs five times, 20+ homers five times, and a .300+ average seven out of eight season between 1973 and 1980.

Just a machine who hit for average, with some “pop”, driving in runs while guiding the Los Angeles Dodger team to four World Series appearances, winning it all in 1981 over my beloved New York Yankees.

Three guys right here that hit homers, drove in runs by the bunch, and also hit for average. Top notch!

EXPANDED LEAGUE LEADERS: 1979 N.L. BATTING

Good day everyone!

Up on the blog today, we move on to 1979 in my on-going “Expanded League Leaders” thread, showcasing the top three players in each category on a league leader card, beginning with the top three hitters in the National League for 1978:

 

We begin with Pittsburgh Pirates slugger Dave Parker, who took home his second straight batting title with a .334 average, following his .338 number the year before.

Parker was in the prime of his career, also chipping in 30 home runs and 117 runs batted in with 23 stolen bases to take home the league MVP Award.

He would not disappoint in 1979 either, as he would hit .310 with 25 homers and 94 RBIs while collecting 193 hits and scoring 109 runs, helping the team to a World Championship with the fan favorite “We Are Family” club.

This is a Hall of Famer in my book! I will never waiver on this.

In second place with a .316 batting average, another guy who I feel is a Hall of Famer, Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Steve Garvey, who put in another “Garvey-esque” season with 202 hits, 89 runs scored, 21 homers and 113 runs batted in.

It was the fourth of his six 200-hit seasons, while also posting his third 20+ homer campaign, as well as third 100+ RBI campaign.

Analytics be damned, there is no way anyone can convince me this guy isn’t a Hall of Famer considering for the better part of a decade he was THE N.L. first baseman, which carries a lot of weight in my eyes.

Just behind Garvey with a .315 batting average in 1978, underrated Houston Astros star Jose Cruz, who put in another great under-the-radar year with 178 hits, 83 runs batted in and 79 runs scored.

A quiet yet steady hitter for over 10 years, Cruz gave the Astros an anchor in the middle of their line-up who could hit for average, show some “pop” in his bat, and drive in runs until the late-80’s.

A great trio of batters here, two of which I believe should have their place in Cooperstown, while all three collected over 2000 hits over their careers.

EXPANDED LEAGUE LEADERS: 1978 N.L. RUNS BATTED IN

On the blog today, we move on to the National League’s top three RBI men of the 1977 season, with an “expanded 1978 league leaders” card in my on-going thread:

 

Of course, when we talk about 1977 in the N.L. we usually begin with all-world Cincinnati Reds slugger George Foster, who took home an MVP Award that year for his incredible season that saw him lead the Majors with 149 RBIs along with his 52 homers, 124 runs scored and .631 slugging percentage while batting .320 on 197 hits.

The man was a force that season, following up on a brilliant 1976 campaign that saw him finish runner-up in the MVP chase to teammate Joe Morgan as they both helped the Reds to their second straight championship.

In second place with 130 RBIs, Philadelphia Phillies thumper Greg “The Bull” Luzinski, who had the misfortune of having his best MLB season in 1977, as he once again finished second in the MVP race to a Red, as he did in 1975 to Joe Morgan.

Luzinski hit 39 homers to go with those RBIs, scoring 99 runs while hitting .309 with 35 doubles and 329 total bases for the N.L. East champion Phils, his third season in a row topping .300.

Easily overshadowed by his N.L. counterparts, as well as his own teammate in Mike Schmidt, it’s easy to forget he was one of the most feared sluggers of his era.

In third place with 115 RBIs, Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star first baseman Steve Garvey, who had the “usual” season fans grew accustomed to from their first sacker.

Garvey hit a career-best 33 homers that season, with 192 hits, 91 runs scored and a .297 batting average, smack in the middle of an incredible seven-year run that saw him reach 200 hits six times, top .300 six times, 100 RBIs five times and 20 homers five times.

The man was THE N.L. first baseman for my generation, and the fact that he is not in the Hall is amazing to me, new baseball metrics be damned.

There we have the top RBI men of 1977, celebrated on an “expanded” league leader card as part of a very fun thread for the blog!

REVISITING A BLOG POST FROM NINE YEARS AGO: A 1979 DO-OVER FOR STEVE GARVEY

Thought it'd be fun to revisit an early "do-over" I created for the blog, this one from August of 2013 when I re-imagined Steve Garvey's 1979 card, which irked me since there's a catcher's head in front of "Mr. Clean" in the original. So here goes:

My re-do

As issued by Topps

 

Here's my original write-up for those of you who joined the blog afterwards:

I wasn't the biggest fan of the 1979 set for it's design. There was something about the layout that bothered me big time, even as a kid way back when.
There were also a ton of boring, and I mean BORING photos used that year. Just bland shots that made for a less than desirable set in my eyes. I guess I got spoiled by four straight nice card sets in the 1975-1978 editions.
However, I generally did like a bunch of the all-star cards that year, especially (as written before) the Carew and Brett cards. The Larry Bowa card was another one that stuck with me as well.
There was something about that all-star banner that enhanced even a card that would have been "bleh" without it (like the Don Money card).
Sadly, Topps blew it with their Steve Garvey card that year. Just another one of those boring pictures that was easily forgotten.
Looks like Garvey was in between pitches during an at-bat against the Giants. That's catcher Marc Hill in the forefront.
Ho-hum.
Anyway, I've redesigned the card with a shot of Garvey at the plate, waiting for a pitch. Just a nicer shot of him with some decent color going on. Hope you all agree.
On a side-note: I have to say, I am STILL amazed that Garvey did not garner more support among Hall of Fame voters when he was eligible for induction. Yeah, I've read all the books that detailed who is worthy and who isn't, and how Garvey wasn't as good as his stats make it seem.
But I still have to disagree on his Hall omission. As a kid growing up in the 70's and 80's, Garvey was THE National League first baseman. And the way I saw it, and still do, the player who came to dominate a position during an era of the game should get into the Hall.
I'm sure many of you don't agree, especially with all the "new" stats that are worshiped these days.
But to me, guys like Garvey and Dave Parker are Hall of Famers. They made an impact on the game during their careers that should be honored with a plaque in Cooperstown.
If Jim Rice gets a nod, why not these two?
Anyway, my little rant for today. Take it for what it's worth (really not much, admittedly).

1978 ALL-STAR GAME 1979 HIGHLIGHT CARD

Up on the blog today, we go and celebrate the 1978 Major League All-Star game with a 1979 highlight card, something I always wished Topps did as a kid since the Midsummer Classic was a downright HOLIDAY for me back then:

 

 

The game, held at San Diego Stadium on July 11^th, saw the A.L. jump out to a quick 3-0 lead going into the bottom of the third inning, something they always seemed to do back then, before the N.L. answered back with three runs of their own.

It would remain 3-3 heading into the bottom of the eighth before the game’s eventual MVP, Los Angeles Dodgers star Steve Garvey, led off the inning with a triple of the New York Yankees’ Goose Gossage, setting up an inning that saw the A.L. fall apart, eventually giving up four runs before the dust settled, resulting in yet another N.L. win, 7-3.

Gossage was credited with the loss while Chicago Cubs reliever Bruce Sutter got the win, and Steve Garvey taking home his second All-Star game MVP, first taking home the award in 1974.

It was the seventh straight win for the National league in the All-Star game, and it was KILLING me as I was still waiting for my American League to win a game since I started watching the sport a few years earlier.

Little did I know I’d still have to wait until 1983 to see a win, thanks to Fred Lynn and his grand slam, which had me almost take down the chandelier hanging in my parent’s living room at that time.

1974 ALL-STAR GAME- 1975 HIGHLIGHT CARD

On the blog today, we move on to the 1974 Major League All-Star game celebrated on a 1975 card, in my on-going thread that should wrap up in a few weeks:

 

For the 1974 "Midsummer Classic", all eyes were on the Los Angeles Dodgers up and coming star first baseman Steve Garvey, who was a write-in vote to start the game, and did NOT disappoint the Three Rivers Stadium fans.

While the American League stars were held to two runs on four hits, Garvey himself went 2-for-4 at the plate with a run scored and an RBI, helping the N.L. to yet another victory, 7-2.

N.L. starter Andy Messersmith allowed two runs in his three innings, while the rest of the staff blanked the A.L. on two hits over the last six innings.

It was the third of what would eventually be eleven straight All-Star wins for the N.L., with the A.L. finally winning one in 1983.

EXPANDED LEAGUE LEADERS- 1975 N.L. RUNS BATTED IN

Moving on to the National League and their top three Runs Batted In kings of 1974 celebrated on my 1975 "Expanded League Leaders" thread today:

 

We begin with the top RBI man of the National League for 1974, Cincinnati Reds legend Johnny Bench, who topped the league in that category for the third time in five years, with his 129.

He had yet another wonderful season for the Reds, scoring a career-best 108 runs, while hitting 33 homers and leading the league with 315 total bases, all good enough for a fourth place finish in the MVP race by season's end.

Behind him with 116 RBIs in 1974, the new elite slugger on the scene, Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Mike Schmidt, who made his presence known with his first home run title to go along with a league-leading .546 slugging percentage, getting named to his first All-Star team while finishing sixth in the MVP race.

Of course, we all know now that the man would go on to top 100+ RBIs eight more times before he was done, along with eight home run titles, and most importantly three MVP Awards.

Let's not forget, the man also had some wheels in the beginning of his career, swiping 23 bases that season, followed by 29 in 1975.

In third place with 111 RBIs in 1974, the league's MVP, who had himself a fantastic first full season in the Big Leagues, Los Angeles Dodger first baseman Steve Garvey.

Garvey had quite a year, helping the Dodgers reach the World Series, collecting 200 hits, scoring 95 runs, with 32 doubles, 21 homers and a .312 batting average while making his first All-Star team and picking up the first of his eventual four Gold Gloves.

Not too shabby a trip right here!

1978 SPECIAL SUB-SET- "1977 30-HOME RUN CLUB" STEVE GARVEY

On the blog today, the next 1977 slugger who reached the "30 Home Run Club" for that season, none other than "should be" Hall of Famer (in my eyes) Steve Garvey of the Los Angeles Dodgers:

Garvey hit 33 home runs for the National League champs, the only time he reached 30+ for a season in his career actually.

Turns out it was perfect timing as he joined fellow teammates Dusty Baker, Ron Cey and Reggie Smith to become the first team in Major League history to have four such home run hitters in a season.

Garvey was humming through the mid-70's, driving in over 100 runs five times, collecting 200 or more hits six times, and taking home five Gold Gloves.

I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a few hundred times: the fact that this man is NOT in the Hall of Fame, representing his era of Major League baseball, is a joke. Flat out nonsense. Beyond the numbers, the personality, the leader of a team that was shattering attendance records, helping popularize the game further, the man was an All-Star year in-year out.
In my book, seeing that the most support he ever received was 42.6%, which was in his second-year of eligibility in 1994, is nothing short of a black mark on what the Hall of Fame is.

GIMMIE (MY OWN) DO-OVER- 1978 DODGERS 30+ HOMER HIGHLIGHTS CARD

I came across this great image of the 1977 Dodgers 30-home run club and decided it was perfect to re-do one of my own, my 1978 “Highlights of the 1970’s” card that was created for the blog a long time ago:

For those who never saw it, this was the “original” I created some five years ago:

Though the feat has been accomplished since this groundbreaking feat in 1977, it is STILL a rarity.
Here’s my original write-up of it all from that initial entry in 2014:
“Here's a highlight from the 1970's that always wowed me as a kid: the 1977 Dodgers with FOUR players hitting 30 or more home runs in the same season.
Not until these four sluggers achieved this was it ever accomplished in Major League history.
Call me nuts, but this feat deserved a card in the mighty 1978 set in my book.
Think of all the classic slugging teams throughout history up until that point ('27 Yanks, '61 Yanks, '56 Reds, '64 Twins), and this team was the first to do it.
Steve Garvey, Reggie Smith, Dusty Baker and Ron Cey.
Four "thumpers" who powered the Dodgers into the World Series against the Yankees by combining for 125 homers and 398 runs batted in all on their own!
Not until the home run days of the late 1990's/early 00's did another team also match the 1977 Dodgers.
In 1995 the Rockies accomplished this feat in the first of what would be FOUR TIMES in the next five years, with the 1997 Dodgers also having four players attain those lofty numbers.
Since then, a handful of other teams have reached the now watered-down milestone in team-power, but when the 1977 Dodgers did it, it was big stuff.
Big enough for the Los Angeles team to even feature a picture of the four sluggers under the L.A. Scoreboard with "30" emblazoned in lights.
You think Topps could have found a little room to fit a card like this in their set instead of an Oscar Zamora or Dennis Blair! (No offense to those ex-players).

NICKNAMES OF THE 1970'S" "MR CLEAN" STEVE GARVEY

Next up in the “Nickname of the 70’s” parade is one of my favorite players from the era, “Mr Clean” Steve Garvey, who earned the alias early in his career because of his seemingly “squeaky-clean” image:

Though he’d go on to tarnish that image later in life, pretty much derailing his political ambitions post-baseball, he was indeed the poster child for the All-American boy from the moment he came up to the Majors through the early-80’s.
Hey, I don’t judge, so we’ll leave that aside and get to the fact that he was the premier first baseman in the National league from the mid-70’s through the mid-80’s, an All-Star year in and year out.
Modern metrics be damned, the man topped 200-hits six times, took home the NL MVP in 1974, won four Gold Gloves and strung together a run of 1207 consecutive games played, which is still the NL record.
The anchor of the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers teams of the era, they took over from Cincinnati as the preeminent team in the Senior Circuit in the late-70s, reaching the World Series three times over five seasons between 1977 and 1981, winning it all that final year, beating the New York Yankees and exacting some sweet revenge for their two losses in 77/78.
I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a few hundred times: the fact that this man is NOT in the Hall of Fame, representing his era of Major League baseball, is a joke. Flat out nonsense. Beyond the numbers, the personality, the leader of a team that was shattering attendance records, helping popularize the game further, the man was a an All-Star year in-year out.
In my book, seeing that the most support he ever received was 42.6%, which was in his second-year of eligibility in 1994, is nothing short of a mark on what the Hall of Fame is.

1975 IN-ACTION: STEVE GARVEY

Next up in my ongoing 1975 “In Action” card sub-set is Hall of Famer (I will say that until it’s true!) Steve Garvey, who was the reigning National League MVP when this card would have found its way in packs, ready for the world:

Garvey just led the Los Angeles Dodgers to the World Series, where they were over-matched by three-peat champs the Oakland A’s.
The 1974 season would be the first of his six 200-hits years, along with the first of his five 100-RBI, six 20+ Home Run, six .300 B.A. and four Gold Glove seasons.
The 10x All-Star would go on to retire in 1987 with 272 homers, 2599 hits, 1308 runs batted in and a .294 batting average over 19 seasons, with only 11 of them full seasons.
The man was solid, day in and day out, and for the life of me, even though baseball has been my passion for over 40 years now, I will not understand the arguments AGAINST him for the Hall of Fame.
I...just...don’t...get...it.
The man was clearly a better player than about two dozen men in the Hall at the moment, the Veteran's Committee made sure of that.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD- 1975 SUB-SET

Next up in my ongoing awards sub-series through the 1970’s is a 1975 card celebrating the MVPs of the previous season, Steve Garvey of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Jeff Burroughs of the Texas Rangers:

In the National league, Steve Garvey had his breakout season, getting written-in to start the All-Star game that Summer, on his way to a season that saw him collect 200 hits, 21 homers and 111 runs batted in for the eventual N.L. Champs.
He would go on to log 200 or more hits in six of seven seasons between 1974 and 1980, while driving in 100 or more runs five times, while collecting five Gold Gloves.
A perennial all-star for the era, it still amazes me that he is not in the Hall of Fame. Sometimes it’s more than just numbers or the modern Sabermetrics.
Sometimes it should also include players who came to almost represent his era by his play, his stature, etc. And guys like Garvey, Dave Parker and Jack Morris fit the bill for me.
But hey, "I ain't votin'", so it's all for naught.
In the American League, former 1969 overall #1 pick Jeff Burroughs followed up a very nice 1973 season with an even better one in ‘74, leading the league with 118 runs batted in while hitting 25 homers and batting a career-high .301 while leading the team to a second place finish in the A.L. West.
He would go on to put together a solid 16-year career, even hitting a career-high 44 home runs in 1977, though overshadowed by the exploits of George Foster.
Nevertheless, Burroughs finished his career with 240 homers and a .261 batting average while driving in 882 over 1689 games.

FUTURE STAR- STEVE GARVEY

Here’s the next “Future Star” card in my imagined 1978 sub-set, Los Angeles Dodger great Steve Garvey, who put together (in my opinion) a Hall of Fame career that had him as the National League all-star first baseman ten times, eight of them consecutively:

Coming out of Michigan State University, Garvey went on to rack up the hits, the awards and the accolades over his 19-year career.
The National League M.V.P. In 1974, he reached 200+ hits six times, 100+ runs batted in five times, and batted .300+ seven times.
The four-time Gold Glover would also finish in the Top-10 in M.V.P. voting four times during his career, including a second place finish behind Dave Parker of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1978 to go along with his award from ‘74.
By the time he retired in 1987, he collected 2599 hits, 272 home runs, 1308 runs batted in and a .294 career average with five World Series appearances, including one championship in 1981.
In the post-season he batted .338 with 75 hits and eleven home runs with 31 runs batted in spread over 55 games!
Call me crazy, but when he retired I pretty much figured he was a LOCK for the Hall, expecting him to even be a first or second-year inductee!

#400's DURING THE 1970's FOR MY 400th POST

Another personal milestone for this blog, the 400th post in just about a year, and we all know what that means: profiling every card numbered "400" in Topps' sets through the 1970's.

Let's jump right in and take a look shall we?

1970: Denny McLain

 

 

I always thought Denny McLain was somewhat of a chameleon since he had two "looks" as a ballplayer: the geeky bespectacled guy you see here on this card, the the chubbier, no-glasses dude later on.

Really did look like a completely different person later on.

Anyway, this card catches McLain at the height of his career, two straight Cy Young Awards, a 30-win season and a world championship with the Tigers in 1968.

A decent card in an otherwise bland set.

1971: Hank Aaron

 

 

Bleh. Kind of boring card for "Hammerin' Hank".

Maybe I'll redesign this one in the future.

Hank Aaron still had a few really good seasons left in him when this card came out, and was on his way to baseball immortality in just a few short years.

It wasn't just about his home runs. The man's career totals in hits, runs, R.B.I.'s, total bases, you name it!

I've always loved the fact that Aaron's career was one of excellent consistency. He never had the MASSIVE season that everyone seems to have.

This guy (like an Eddie Murray) just had all-star seasons every single year for about 20 years.

1972: Tony Oliva

 

 

Just coming off of his third batting title, and first since he exploded on the baseball scene his first two years in the mid-60's.

Oliva sadly is one of those "what could have been" had he avoided injuries that plagued him throughout his career.

Nevertheless, the man was a hitting machine, and besides his three batting titles, he lead the American League in hits five times, doubles four times and even slugging percentage once (in 1971) before he hung them up after the 1976 season.

Nice card of the Twins legend.

1973: Gaylord Perry

 

 

Love this card!

Perry was coming off of his first Cy Young season, posting 24 wins for the lowly Cleveland Indians.

Great in-game action shot.

Perry of course would go on to win 300 games, overtake Walter Johnson for the all-time strikeout mark (before being topped a few times over since), and eventually get himself inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1991.

1974: Harmon Killebrew

 

 

Another great card!

Killebrew at the plate, ready to "jack" another ball out of the park at the tail end of his career.

All the guy who they'd call "Killer" would do in his career is blast 573 homers, have eight 40+ home run seasons, and lead his league in positive offensive categories 15 times.

Besides being voted A.L. M.V.P. in 1969, Killebrew would also finish in the top-5 in voting five other times throughout his 22 year career.

1975: Dick Allen

 

 

I think you all know by now how much I love Dick Allen!

I've always liked this card, with Allen in the filed wearing his batting helmet.

Winner of the Rookie of the Year in 1964, Most Valuable Player in 1972, and a league leader in one offensive category or another 12 times, the "Wampum Walloper" was an awesome player and an awesome character who STILL isn't as appreciated as he should be in my eyes.

351 home runs in only 6332 career at-bats! Think about that for a minute.

1976: Rod Carew

 

 

Even though this card just has a shot of Carew in the dugout, I've always thought this was a "classy" card of the seven-time batting champ.

Just love the colors all-around on this card.

Smack in the middle of his hitting domination, it would be one year later when he caught everyone's attention as he flirted with the magic .400 mark in 1977, finishing at .388 and an M.V.P. award.

3000 hits, a .328 career average, and the Hall of Fame in 1991 (along with the 1973 card above!).

1977: Steve Garvey

 

 

The very first card I was in "awe" of as a kid.

What a nice card, and I'm not 100% sure, but I'm almost positive this was the first time I really understood what that extra banner at the bottom really meant when I pulled this card out of a pack as an eight year old in 1977.

Love the photo Topps went with.

I still don't truly understand the extreme lack of support Garvey received for Hall of Fame induction when he was eligible.

THE all-star first baseman for the National League for over a decade, six 200-hit seasons, an M.V.P. in 1974 (along with a second place finish in 1978), and five National League pennants.

Throw in five 100-R.B.I. Seasons, 2599 career hits, 272 homers and four Gold Gloves, I feel you have to have him in Cooperstown if you have guys like Jim Rice and Jim Hunter in there.

1978: Nolan Ryan

 

 

Great card, great set, great player!

What else can we say about Nolan Ryan?

Just about ready to jump ship in Anaheim when this card came out, he'd go on to become the first player to average over $1 million a year, top the WORLD in no-hitters and strikeouts, and become a legend of legends when it comes to "power-pitchers".

As a side note: I did always think he looked a bit weird with those blank looks he'd always sport on cards. 

1979: Jim Rice

 

 

Nice card of Rice beaming a million dollar smile coming off of his incredible 1978 M.V.P. year where he managed to lead the league in both home runs AND triples (how freaking cool is that?).

Rice would eventually make it into the Hall of Fame in 2009 known as perhaps the most feared hitter in the game in the late-70's and early-80's along with Dave Parker and George Brett.

A monster at the plate: 2400+ hits, 382 homers, 1451 runs batted in and a .298 lifetime average.

Five times would he finish in the running for Most Valuable Player besides the year he took it home.

So there you have it: all ten cards numbered "400" in Topps' 1970's sets, celebrating my 400th post on this blog.

Hope you're all enjoying the blog after about a year.

It's really beyond fun for me to work on it, and I hope to keep it going well beyond the 500th, dare I even say 1000th post!

Thanks for reading so far…