The Continuing Saga: 1971 Topps

Reader Don S. sent me a lovely stack of '71 Topps last week and I've been looking at them again and again. There aren't any stars [one Hall of Fame coach] in this group but nearly each card has its own unique story to tell. And away we go:

Somewhere in the 1970 season someone decided it would be cool to wear a jacket/wind breaker and then put their jersey over the top of it...Everyone was doing it:

Without a doubt this is the coolest non-Thurman Munson card in the set.

One of the great horizontal shots...unfortunately we get what looks to be a swing-and-a-miss as you can just barely make out the baseball in the catcher's right hand.

Some fresh faced rookies:

A Giant Glove Sighting:

Airing-Out the Pits:

Bob Johnson wants you to "put the lotion in the basket!"

Photo Shopping Before There Was Photo Shopping:

There's a lot of talk about the best/worst photo shopping job in this set and without a doubt this Tom Bradley is the best/worst that I've seen.

"I've Got A Bat"

"Oh Yeah, I've got 2 bats!"

"What's Going On In The Background?"

Are those nuns behind Jim Ray? Is Bob Spence fielding grounders in front of soccer net?

And by the way, the name "Chico Salmon" is a top 10 all-time name.

Hi, I'm Dave Campbell. I, unfortunately, have one of those really close face shots from this set. I don't get to hold a bat or glove or pretend like I'm swinging or throwing. Just me, my hat, my giant face, and my very loopy signature.

"Hey guys, the Topps photographer is here, grab your gloves and strike a pose."

Walt "Smokey" Alston...managed four Dodgers World Series Championship teams...in the Hall of Fame...as a player he played in only one major league game. That was with the St. Louis Cardinals and in his one at bat he struck out.

Lowell Palmer is Bee Man:

A card that might make Stats on the Back jealous...nope, after taking a look at his want list he's already got this one...:

In a series known for its photography, the team shots seem to be pretty disappointing. Thurman Munson is in there somewhere.

With this group of cards I've crossed the 20% complete hurdle. Thanks again Don.

Complete Set: 752 cards

159/752 = 21.14%