Ryan Dempster Is a Stand-Up Guy

Ryan Dempster is back with the Cubs as assistant to the general manager.  I'm glad about that.  Ryan has always seemed to be a quality guy who commits to whatever he's doing whether it's being a relief or starting pitcher, taking care of his family, being a good teammate or as is the case here -- trying to make people laugh.

Good Luck Ryan Dempster

Ryan Dempster announced yesterday that he would not be pitching in 2014 and hinted at retiring.  A great competitor and a class act, he was my favorite Cubs in recent years.  I wish him well.

Hot Stove, Frozen Brain

The other day I was thinking about one of my favorite former Cubs,  Ryan Dempster.  I know he was traded last summer to the Rangers but I couldn't recall what had happened with him after the season.  A quick check on the interweb gave me the answer -- he signed a two-year contract with the Boston Red Sox.  At this time of year, and into the early part of each season I often find myself saying, "I didn't know he was with them now".  With 30 teams making trades and dozens of free agents I guess it's forgivable to miss some moves.  Does this ever happen to you?

Anyway, speaking of Ryan Dempster I recently added some cards to my collection, which has reached a modest 80+.  Good luck in Beantown, Ryan!

Good Luck Ryan Dempster

My favorite Cub player of the last decade has been pitcher Ryan Dempster.  It's been speculated since practically the beginning of the season that he'd be traded by August.   It was no surprise then, when he was dealt to the Rangers the other day. Though I've stopped collecting most of the other Cub players from the "Piniella  era", I have been adding to my Dempster collection.  Here are the latest three cards from this year's Allen and Ginter.

Blow Out the Candles May 3

Pitcher Charles "Red" Ruffing was born in Granville, IL on this date in 1905.

 1983 Cramer Baseball Legends #109

 1991 Conlon Collection #227

Pitcher Eppa Rixey was born in Culpeper, Virginia on this date in 1891.

Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster is celebrating his 35th birthday today.

 2009 O-Pee-Chee #391

Singer/songwriter and activist Pete Seeger is celebrating his 93rd birthday today.

Do It Yourself COMC Packs #24 Ryan Dempster

I recently had 8 months worth of Check Out My Cards purchases shipped.  I divided the 153 cards into 35 groups.  I like to think of these as hand picked "packs".   I'm posting them in random order.  "Pack" #24, seven cards, was $3.00 including shipping.

Ryan Dempster is my favorite current Cub, as much for his personality as his performance.  For the second, and most likely last year in a row he's the Opening Day starter.  He's facing Strasburg for the Nats so I hope he's ready. UPDATE:  Dempster pitched 7-2/3 of two-hit ball with ten strikeouts but the bullpen blew the game and the Cubs lost 2-1.  It's going to be a long season.

Here's a rare  card of a smiling Ryan Dempster.  

8 From 5 = Cubs

Matthew at Number 5 Type Collection was giving away cards recently and I was the lucky winner of a stack of Cubs cards.  The Cubs last won the World Series in 08 (yes, haters, 1908), so I chose my favorite 8 cards.  Actually I have one more that I'm saving for it's own post.

Ryan Dempster is my favorite current Cub and I am actively collecting his cards.  This is one I didn't have.  It's numbered to 2007.  For a guy with tons of personality his cards are really boring.  At least in this one he's got a weird expression on his face.  I don't know if it's intentional.

DeRosa was a  guy I wish the Cubs had kept.  I guess he's with the Nationals this year, his 7th team in 9 years.

Bobby's still in the Cubs organization but was assigned to the minors again.  I'll always remember a radio interview he did with Hall of Famer Ron Santo who, probably because he couldn't remember his name, kept calling Scales, "Big Boy".

I always appreciate the old guys.  This is Riggs Stephenson.

Let's play two!

Hate the Drake but I love this card.  Did you remember that the Cubs played in their pajamas in the 70's and 80's?  And check out the great mustache!

Great shot of Fonzie in his home run trot.  If you ask nicely I'll bet Wrigley Wax would tell us what game this is from.

It's the pride of the Hanshin Tigers, Matt Murton.  Here's his profile from Japan.

Thanks Matthew!