These Guys Are Not Oddballs (Maybe One) But the Cards Are

 It never ceases to amaze me how many cards I've never seen.  These are the athletes from a limited edition set of 30 cards published in 1993 by Freedom Press.  Maybe if I was a collector of one of these six guys I would have discovered them long ago.  I am curious to know if any of you are familiar with them.  Do you own any of the cards?  If so, why did you buy them?  

1993 Freedom Press High School Heroes #5 Billy Martin

1993 Freedom Press High School Heroes #6 Thurman Munson

1993 Freedom Press High School Heroes #7 Reggie Jackson

1993 Freedom Press High School Heroes #8 Reggie Jackson

1993 Freedom Press High School Heroes #23 Patrick Ewing

1993 Freedom Press High School Heroes #24 Patrick Ewing

1993 Freedom Press High School Heroes #22 Mike Schmidt

1993 Freedom Press High School Heroes #15 Joe Montana

1993 Freedom Press High School Heroes #16 Joe Montana

Blow Out the Candles May 16

Second baseman and manager Billy Martin was born in Berkeley, California on this date in 1928.

I may not have been the best Yankee to put on the pinstripes, but I am the proudest.

 "Most people miss the great part mental outlook plays in this game."

"If liking a kid who will never let you down in the clutch is favoritism, then I plead guilty." - Casey Stengel on Martin as a player

"I have no idea why I liked him so much. We never could figure it out. Me and Whitey Ford and Billy were all so different. That's why we got along so well." - Mickey Mantle in the Washington Times (12/29/1989)

"Everything looks nicer when you win. The girls are prettier. The cigars taste better. The trees are greener."

"I really love the togetherness in baseball. That's a real true love."

"The day I become a good loser, I'm quitting baseball. I always had a temper. I think it's nothing to be ashamed of. If you know how to use it, it can help. Temper is something the good Lord gave me and I can't just throw it out the window." - Billy Martin in the Sporting News (10/26/1968)

Pitcher Rick Reuschel is celebrating his 63rd birthday today.

Rick didn't look much like an athlete but he managed to win 214 games in a 19 year career.  He was a three time All-Star and won two Gold Gloves.  At age 39 he went 19-11 for the Giants.  He was in the middle of a follow-up 17-8 record in the photo below.

 Hard to see Rick as a Yankee.

Pitcher Jack Morris is celebrating his 57th birthday today.

Jack finished his career with a 254-186 record.  He was a five time All-Star and won 4 WS Championships with three teams, Tigers, Twins and Blue Jays.

Outfielder Dave Philley was born in Paris, Texas on this date in 1920.

Billy Ball