Hidden in my Collection - 1975 Topps Dave Winfield

I have had this card for probably 16 or 17 years. I can't remember where I got it, I mean I know my mom bought it for me, but I'm not sure if I got it from the card shop that ended up becoming the one I help out at, or the other card shop that was in Winston-Salem at the time. I kept this with my Cal Ripken collection, because for a long time, it was the oldest card in my collection.
I'm a big fan of the 1975 Topps set. I love the funky colors. I really believe that this set is probably in the top 5 all-time when it comes to best sets that Topps has put out. I like it when they throw a curveball and come out with a 'different' design. This one is right up there, along with the wood bordered sets of 1962 and 1987, or the burlap 1968s. Along with the design, the set also has some sweet cards in it, namely the George Brett and Robin Yount rookie cards. Building the set was difficult because it is very popular among collectors, so many of the cards hold a premium, but I was able to finish the set in less than a year.
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Dave Winfield was an awesome player as well, hitting over 400 home runs and collecting 3,000+ hits. This is his second-year card, so it didn't come too cheap, but Mom did well on it, as always. When I put the 1975 set together, I got a separate Winfield so the one Mom got me stayed in its righful place, stored with my other 'treasures.'
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Finally, I enjoy the old school Padres uniform. I don't know why, but I've always enjoyed their old brown and yellow helmets. I hear their stadium and the City of San Diego are beautiful, as I have had several friends who have visited there. I'd definitely like to at some point.

1955 Topps #48 - Bob Kennedy

Bob Kennedy (b. 1920 - d. 2005) was a right fielder and third baseman for the White Sox, Indians, Orioles, Tigers and Dodgers. He won the World Series in 1948 with the Indians. He played in the majors for 16 seasons and ended his career with 1,176 hits, 63 homers and a .254 average. He also managed the Cubs from 1963 to 1965 and the A's in 1968.

(DECEASED 28)

(MANAGER 6)

1955 Topps #47 - Hank Aaron

I've been waiting to write this one, but what can I say about the True Home Run King that hasn't already been said?

One of the greatest baseball players of all time, Hank Aaron (b. 1934) played from 1954 to 1976 for the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves and the Milwaukee Brewers. He has an amazing list of accomplishments:

• 1957 World Series Champion
• All Star from 1955 to 1975
  
• 1957 NL MVP
• 3 Gold Gloves
• 3,771 Career Hits
• .305 career average
• 755 Home Runs (Damn you Barry Bonds)
• 2,297 RBIs (MLB Record)
• 6.856 total bases (MLB Record)
• 1,477 extra base hits (MLB Record)
• 17 seasons with 150 or more hits (MLB Record)
• Uniform Number 44 retired by the Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers
• Elected to Hall of Fame in 1982 on his first ballot with 97.83% of the vote (6th best all-time; behind Tom Seaver, Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripken, Ty Cobb and George Brett)

Amazingly, Aaron never hit more than 47 home runs in a season. Instead he was a model of consistency. He hit 40+ home runs in 8 seasons. He led the league in home runs 4 times, 3 of them were with 44 homers... maybe he should have chosen uniform number 50 or something? He led the league in hits twice and was the league batting champ twice.

(HALL OF FAME 7)

1955 Topps #46 - Ted Kazanski

Ted Kazanski (b. 1934) played from 1953 to 1958 for the Phillies. He ended his career with a .217 average and 14 home runs. He once hit an inside the park grand slam and started a triple play in the same game.

TTM Success - Monte Irvin

Ok, so I am really late in posting this, but it was my intention to get this done when I got it in May. Oh well, better late than never.
Irvin cost me $20 for a ball, but it was a donation to a college that he supports, so that was ok. So far, I have only paid for one TTM, that being Irvin. I have autographed baseballs from the 6 oldest living hall of famers (MacPhail, Doerr, Feller, Irvin, Musial and Kiner) and 12 living hall of famers total (Aaron, Kaline, B. Robinson, Marichal, Palmer and Ripken). I also have Phil Rizzuto, which I got pretty cheaply. Pretty cool, right? I'm debating on who I want to send off next for TTMs. I heard that Schoendienst doesn't do TTM. I'd like to try Earl Weaver soon. George Brett would be good. Vin Scully or Bob Uecker too. So many choices.

1955 Topps #45 - Hank Sauer

Hank Sauer (b. 1917 - d. 2001) was a feared power hitter in the early 1950s. I had to verify his birthdate with 2 different websites, and it appears that the back of his card is wrong. Sauer was the 1952 NL MVP after hitting 37 homers and leading the league with 121 RBIs. He played from 1941-1942, 1945 and 1948-1959 for the Reds, Cubs, Cardinals and Giants. He had a career average of .266 and 288 homers. One must wonder if he may have gotten some consideration for the Hall of Fame had he not had to fight in World War II.

(DECEASED 27)

Virgil Trucks TTM Part 2 - The Book

So, after I got my awesome TTM back from Virgil Trucks (which you can read about here), I thought I should send him a thank you note and a check for $30 for a copy of his book.
The book arrived today, which was a really nice surprise in my mailbox when I got home. Inside the book were two autographed cards, like the one seen below. Since my wife is from Detroit, I'm giving her the other one.

Also, inside the book, Mr. Trucks left me a note thanking me again for ordering the book, wishing me well for the holidays and saying that it was his pleasure to sign the book for me, which he did. So, by my math (courtesy of UNC-Charlotte), that's 7 Virgil Trucks autographs. I'm just amazed at how awesome this guy has been. Words cannot describe what an asset Mr. Trucks is to baseball, and to America. I encourage everyone to send Mr. Trucks a note of appreciation for his contribution to the game. At 93 years old, he is definitely giving back to the game that he loves. Thank you Virgil Trucks for being such a gracious person!!! I hope you all enjoy!