Virtual Bike Tour of Baseball Sites - Dallas Texas

My last stop was Arlington. Today I (virtually) rolled into Dallas. There were quite a few major league players born in Dallas. I'll list a few.Ernie Banks

There's nothing I can add to all that's been written about Ernie Banks. His 19 year career stretched from 1953 to 1971. For most of that time I was either too young to appreciate baseball or not much of a fan so I don't remember ever seeing him play. He was elected into the Hall of Fame in 1977. He was born in Dallas in 1931. I don't have any cards from his playing days but have several post-career cards.

2006 Topps Heritage Flashbacks

2005 Topps Heritage Flashbacks

2001 Topps HD Images of Excellence

Wes Bankston

Bankston was born in Dallas in 1983. He was the Devil Rays 4th round draft pick in 2002 although never played for them. He appeared in 17 games for the A's last year hitting .203. He was a free agent signing for the Reds last fall and is currently playing for the Reds AAA club in Louisville. Not much of a career so far but I have this cool card of his.

2002 Topps 206 Polar Bear

Jason Jennings

Jennings was born in 1978 and was the Rockies 1st round pick in 1999. He was 58-56 with a 4.68 ERA in 6 years with the Rockies. Not too bad for pitching in Colorado. The Astros traded Taylor Buchholz, Jason Hirsh and Willy Taveras for him in December 2006. That was a lot of talent to give up and the trade wasn't much liked in Houston. He was 2-9 for the 2007 Astros and hurt most of the year. He left for the Rangers after that season via free agency. I don't have many Astros cards of him. 2002 was his best season (he was 16-8) so here's a 2003 card.

2003 Topps Opening Day

Clayton Kershaw

Kershaw is a young Dodgers pitcher. And by young I mean he was born in 1988, making him 21. He is 8-6 with a 2.89 ERA for the Dodgers this year.

2009 Topps Allen & Ginter

Keith Moreland

Moreland was born in Dallas in 1954 and was the Phillies 7th round pick in 1975. He played 4 years with the Phillies (1978-1981) as backup for catcher Bob Boone. It was good enough to get him into the 1980 World Series. In 1981, the Phillies traded him to the Cubs for pitcher Mike Krukow. It was a good move for him as he was a starter, mostly in the outfield, for the Cubs. In 6 seasons he hit .281 with 100 home runs.

1980 Topps Burger King

1981 Donruss