Sports Cards Ate My Brain

 The third purchase from my Ebay gains is a mixed bag of PC needs. 1973 Topps Kaline leaves me with just the 1966 and 1968 cards needed to complete the run from 1957 to 1974.  While not a big fan of these posed batting shots I do like this, obviously, Spring Training photo of Al in sunny Florida. This nice 1962 Topps is a good addition to my Mathews collection.  I need to look for 1961 and 1963 cards to complete a run from 1957 to 1964. I looked to see what Aaron cards this dealer had and came across this 1968 Topps Game insert.  This pairs nicely with the Willie Mays card I have from this set and it's always welcome to get another Hank in my collection. These cards came from DugoutZone in Ellicott City, Maryland.

 The second part of my stimulus purchase I reserved for some Al Kaline fills: 1960 Topps.  I really enjoy the change of pace in the 1960 Topps design.  I'm not usually a fan of a horizontal set but this one works for me. 1962 Topps is probably my least favorite 1960's design and these fake swing poses never impress me. 1964 Topps.  This is a set I could see my self trying to complete after I finish my 1976.  Since I have been pretty passive in finishing the 1976 set that will probably be a while. These three cards now give me an uninterrupted Kaline Topps run from 1957 to 1965.  I need the 1966 and 1967 to fill up to my 1968 so I will probably be looking for those sometime this year.

I picked up a few 1960 to 1962 Topps Braves cards at the December show. 1960 312 - Charlie Lau Charlie was a back-up catcher most of his career.  He is more famous for becoming a hitting coach.  He worked with several stars on their stances, most notably George Brett. 515 - Stan Lopata Another back-up catcher, in 1959 Stan only hit only .104 in 48 at bats. 534 - Ken McKenzie Pitched in the minors in 1959 before being called up to the Braves in 1960. 1961 105 - Carl Willey Pitched out of the bullpen in 1960 with a 6 and 7 record. 1962 100 - Warren Spahn Warren had an average season in 1961.  Average for him, that is.  He went 21 and 13 with a 3.01 ERA and won his 300th game. 265 - Joe Adcock Joe had a great season in 1961 with 35 homeruns and 108 RBI.  1962 would prove to be Joe's last season with the Braves. 443 - Del Crandall Del only played 15 games because of injury in 1961. Next up will be a bunch of 1967 c...

I decided to organize my Braves collection by player since scanning and posting by year makes me try to come up with different things to say about the same player. I have literally do have cards from A and Z (Zuvella) to post about.  Some posts will be dedicated to one player if I have enough of their cards and they merit their own post. David Aardsma is the first major league player alphabetically but the first hitter listed is Henry Aaron.  Braves fans still consider Aaron the true Home Run King.  Turner Field is located at 755 Hank Aaron Blvd. That is until they move to Cobb County in a couple of years and I stop watching them.  (Yes, I feel that strongly about it.) I picked up most of my early Aaron cards by trade at my favorite card show and have gotten some in trades from other bloggers.  The condition of most is far from perfect but considering my budget and desire to complete years I'll worry about condition later on.  All of the cards on th...