Tennis Icon Bud Collins Dies at 86

Legendary tennis journalist and TV commentator Bud Collins died today at age 86.  I still follow tennis but not as much as I did in my younger days when Bud was THE voice of tennis.  Bud had a true passion for the game.  Here's the link to his obituary at The Boston Globe.

These are two of my favorite cards from my small tennis collection.

Rags Not Riches

This is a really nice portrait of former Yankees pitcher  and longtime Giants pitching coach Dave "Rags" Righetti.  I may be preaching to the choir but to me it proves the point that a card's worth is not always measured in dollars and cents

Here's the card:

Leap Day Babies

 Today is a special day for some of you out there.  I must be weird to only see your actual birthdate come up just once every four years.  I don't know if it makes you feel special or bums you out.  Here are three legends and one current player who belong to your club.

I don't know if this was just a mistake or if there has ever been any confusion over "Flip's" birthdate.

 

A notable current player born on Leap Day:

Mister Baseball

The other day Shoebox Legends posted a beautiful Al Kaline autographed card.  It got me thinking.  If Al Kaline is "Mr. Tiger" and Ernie Banks is "Mr. Cub" who would wear that title for all the other teams.  

I came up with the following list.  The choices were strictly what players came to mind.  I did no research and I'm not saying that any of them are the greatest ever to play for their team, although many arguably were.  There were some teams I stuggled with and a couple where I simply passed.  I combined a number of teams who transplanted and separated at least one. Bear in mind that my choices are influenced by my age (50's) and location (Chicago, North Side).  I'd love to hear what you think.   Where did I go wrong?  Who did I miss?  (BTW all of the cards pictured are from my collection.)

Mr. Diamondback

Mr. Brave

Mr. Oriole

Mr. Red Sox

Mr. White Sox

Mr Cub

Mr. Red

Mr. Indian

Mr. Rocky

Mr Tiger

Mr. Marlins

Mr. Astro

Mr. Royal

Mr. Angel

Mr. Dodger (Brooklyn)

Mr. Dodger (LA)

Mr. Brewer

Mr. Twin

Mr.Expo

Mr. Met

Mr. Yankee

Mr. A's

Mr. Phillie

Mr. Pirate

Mr. Padre

Mr. Giant

Mr. Mariner

Mr. Cardinal

Tampa Bay Rays


Mr. Ranger


Mr. Blue Jay

Mr. National