Marion Not Hossa

You may not be familiar with Marion Bartoli even if you're a casual follower of tennis.  I wasn't until her improbable run at the 2013 Wimbledon Championships.  My wife and I fell in love with her quirky energy.  I just had to have a card.  I think I picked this one up on COMC.

Don't Get Smart With Me

I was basically a little kid when Get Smart was on in the mid to late 1960's, but I do remember it.  Here's what co-creator, Mel Brooks said about the show,
"I was sick of looking at all those nice sensible situation comedies. They were such distortions of life. If a maid ever took over my house like Hazel, I'd set her hair on fire. I wanted to do a crazy, unreal comic-strip kind of thing about something besides a family. No one had ever done a show about an idiot before. I decided to be the first."

I picked up this one card to add to my 1960's non-sports sets sampler.  In case you're not as old as I am, it features Don Adams as Maxwell Smart and Barbara Feldon as Agent 99.

The answer is:  Kill him on Saturday.

The classic opening sequence

A Voice Found

Back in March I posted the story of Verlon "Rube" Walker's daughters' search to connect with her father, specifically to hear his voice.  The original post is below.  Here's a recent video update:

Click here to read more.

This was going to be a simple card of the day post.  I love this image of Rube Walker in his classic Brooklyn Dodgers uniform.  By the way, it's hard not to think of another #10 from a more recent era with an even better nickname.

 1957 Topps #147

Rube had a long career in baseball.  Backing up Hall of Famer Roy Campanella he was the man behind the plate when Bobby Thomson hit the Shot Heard Round the World.  He went on to become a long time pitching coach for the Mets, including the magical 1969 season.

  All that is just fine but baseball is a tapestry and if you follow Rube's thread it leads to another Rube Walker, Al's younger brother, Verlon, who spent more than decade knocking around the minors before becoming a coach for his brother's first team, the Chicago Cubs.

Verlon was Leo Durocher's bullpen coach when he was diagnosed with luekemia in 1966.  After a period of remission the disease's return led to Rube's death on March 24, 1971.  Among those left behind was his nearly three year old daughter, Leigh Ann.  On her website, Baseball Love Story, she tells of her quest to connect to her father, particularly yearning to hear his voice.  Here's the piece that Keith Olbermann did in an effort to help her:

Sometimes baseball cards are more than pieces of cardboard.  They're links to history both communal and personal.  Good luck Leigh Ann!

Pack War -- A Harry Caray Tribute

I can't help but think how much Harry Caray would have enjoyed this season.  In his honor here's a pack war of 2013 vs. 2015 Topps Opening Day I think he would have liked.

Round 1

2013

NOICANRACNE NIWDE

I don't think Harry could pronounce Edwin's name correctly forward let alone backward.  Nice photo though.  How about a Jays-Cubs World Series, Harry.

2015

REPAH ECYRB

Monster year for Repah Ecyrb.  2015 wins round 1!

Round 2

2013

RETSEL NOJ

Cool photo of the current Cubs #2.

2015

ROLYAT LIAHCIM

Gotta go with 2013 on this one.  Retsel Noj is easy to pronounce and he is a Cub now.  Scored tied.

Round 3 

2013

NOSIHCTUH WERD

I'm glad the Jays brought back a look similar to the original.  I never liked the mean bird.  Canadian hot pack?  Not a bad name.  I'd declare the first "h" silent and pronounce it, Nosiktuh Word.

2015

NAMEERF EIDDERF

This is a tough one.  Nameerf Eidderf has a nice ring to it.  2015 by an erf.  2015 is back in front.

Round 4

2013

MAHGNILLIW HOSJ

2015

TACBOB EHT RETXAB

This one's easy.  Celebration card trumps Baxter.  I know that Bob stands for Bank One Ballpark but Bobcats eat snakes and that makes this mascot weird.  He's also creepy looking.  We're tied again, folks.  It's best two out of three.

Round 5

2013

YENRAB NIWRAD

No arguing that this card would win on looks.  I think Wrigley Wax has like 40 variations of it.  Yenrab Niwrad isn't too bad, either.  Let's check out our opponent.

2015

RODO DENGUOR

Does he have his eyes on the ball?  I think Harry might find this guy's name easier to pronounce backwards.  DB was a disappointment in the end but the Cubs don't miss him so I guess it doesn't matter.  Never go against the family.  2013 wins and can clinch with a win in round six.

Round 6

2013

OYORRA NOSNORB

Wait a sec.  Who is this guy?  Oh yeah, I didn't recognize him without his leg kick.  

2015

NAMREMMIZ NAYR

Wow, not a lot of teams represented in these two packs.  Namremmiz Nayr is pretty good but I love the name Nosnorb.  2013 has won the war.  Can 2015 win the consolation round?

Round 7

2013

OOHC OOS-NIHS

I wish Harry was here.  Say this name ten times fast---nice try.  Backwards is just impossible.

2015

ANATNAS YNNAD

Danny's had a rough season but it is a nice looking card and his name is pronounceable both ways.  2015 makes it a respectable score.  Final tally, 2013 over 2015, 4-3.

2013 Opening Day, this Bud's for you!

For Love of Chicle--Legends

Bloggers are often talking about past sets they miss.  Correct me if I'm wrong but I seldom if ever hear anyone wishing for a new set of Topps National Chicle.  The other day I stumbled upon my small stack of cards, probably from two blasters.  I do remember having mixed feelings about them when they came out in 2010.  I've yet to see an art card set that didn't have a bunch of clunkers in it.  On the other hand this set had some really nice cards.  Here's a baker's dozen featuring some of the game's legendary players.  I'd be up for 2016 Chicle.  Would you?