Random Cards of the Week January 21, 2012

Card #14,729
1989 Topps #563 Bill Schroeder

In the dictionary, at the definition of "Square jawed" they have a picture of this guy.

Card #15,884
1992 Ultra #254 Mike LaValliere

I think this is my favorite year for Ultra, a set that, over the years, I've never warmed to. For those of you who don't know, Mike's nickname was "Spanky".

Card #14,136
2009 Topps 206 #35 Erik Bedard

I posted a card from this set last week, complaining about, among other things, that every card had the exact same simulated stain on the back. If you're not familiar with the set check out last week's card here.

Card #19,025
2004 Topps Cracker Jack Mini #82 Xavier Nady

The 2004 Topps Cracker Jack set is one of my favorite sets. This is one of the parallel mini cards. I believe that this is where Topps first featured simulated stains on the card backs of simulated old cards. They did it much better here than on the set above.

Card #20,272
1990 Topps #489 Nick Leyva

The late 1980s and most of the 1990s were dark days for the Phillies. Nick led the Phillies to a 77-85, 4th place finish in 1990. Lets have a show of hands, do you love the 1990 Topps design?

Card #12,635
2000 Crown Royale #63 Roger Cedeno

Pacific produced some of the most flamboyant cards in the early 2000s. This set was die-cut and had silver foil on the rays between the sections of the crown.

Card #23,030
2006 Topps #20 Bob Abreu

Bobby was traded to the Yankees with Cory Lidle in August 2006 for people you never heard of, including Carlos Monasterios. Topps generally called Abreu, Bobby, on their cards but other companies often just called him Bob. Sometimes he was Robert. This makes if difficult if you're cataloging cards in a database. I have him listed as Bob throughout, no matter what it says in his card.

Card #19,998
2010 Topps 206 #114 Alex Rodriguez

I think this is a better design than the 2009 set and out damned spot, out!

Card #18,261
2010 Topps Allen & Ginter #75 Jayson Werth

By making incremental changes each year, Topps has managed to keep Allen & Ginter popular.

Card #21,562
1997 Stadium Club #79 Gregg Jefferies

This could have a great action shot. Jefferies is really stretching for the throw. What looks like Alex Arias of the Marlins (who would be a Phillie in 1998) is busting a gut to reach 1st ahead of the throw. Is he safe or not? Unfortunately, the giant name thing they had on 1997 Stadium Club makes it impossible to tell. Maybe Jefferies' maniacal look on the back while bunting makes up for the front a bit.