#162 1981 Home Run Leaders

1981 Home Run Leaders's 1982 Topps card, thumbnail

Obviously, this is one of the coolest cards in the set when you’re an eight year old and I dubbed it “the card of five stars”. You’ve got 5 of the best players AND they’re the home run leaders! It all starts with Mike Schmidt, who led the National League in homers for the fifth [...]

#313 John Harris

John Harris's 1982 Topps card, thumbnail

I’m trying to figure this card out. Is that pop rocks? Sunflower seeds? Pistachios maybe? Gum? I doubt Topps would show a player dipping into their chewing tobacco. Whatever the case, John Harris could be mistaken for a fan instead of a pro ball player.

#469 Ed Ott

Ed Ott's 1982 Topps card, thumbnail

When I was a kid, I was always fascinated with Ed Ott’s name. It’s not just short, it’s different. Both parts of his name end with a sudden jolt of stop. In hindsight it’s very appropriate, considering that his career was suddenly cut short.

#357 Butch Hobson

Butch Hobson's 1982 Topps card, thumbnail

Butch Hobson had a couple good years playing for Boston in the late 1970′s, but came to the end of his major league career in 1982. A short career filled with some bright moments, is a longer and better career than most get to experience.

#251 Fred Lynn

Fred Lynn's 1982 Topps card, thumbnail

This photo of Fred Lynn seems to be from spring training ’81, soon after he was traded to the Angels and just before his career would become an example of how ballparks can have an affect on a player’s production.

#134 Dan Ford

Dan Ford's 1982 Topps card, thumbnail

“Disco Dan” Ford was traded to the Orioles in January ’82 and proceeded to have the worst season of his career up to that point. Very disappointing to Baltimore fans, since Dan was hailed as a star slugger who’d be the bulk of the offense.

#55 Rick Burleson

Rick Burleson's 1982 Topps card, thumbnail

The first of a trio of related cards, Rick Burleson was a star shortstop entering the ’82 season, having already been an All-Star 4 times and just won his first silver slugger award. But an injury during the April 17, 1982 game, would change his career forever.

#702 Steve Renko

Steve Renko's 1982 Topps card, thumbnail

Everybody’s featuring a Steve Renko card on their blog this month. First it was 1980 Topps. Then last week it was 1976 Steve Renko. Just yesterday the ’75 Topps Renko showed up. He’s the “in thing” right now for no explicable reason, so I’ve gotta get in on this too.