Mike Schmidt. (1979). $400

1979 Topps #610 – Value: $350.00 – Grade: 8

Career Highlights: https://youtu.be/bqfPn5hWJsU

#28 of the Top 100 Players

Michael Jack Schmidt (born in Dayton, OH on September 27, 1949) is an American former professional baseball third baseman who played 18 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Philadelphia Phillies. Schmidt was a 12-time All-Star and a three-time winner of the National League (NL) Most Valuable Player award (MVP), and he was known for his combination of power hitting and strong defense. As a hitter, he compiled 548 home runs and 1,595 runs batted in (RBIs), and led the NL in home runs eight times and in RBIs four times. As a fielder, Schmidt won the National League Gold Glove Award for third basemen ten times. Schmidt was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1995 and is widely considered to be the greatest third baseman in baseball history. Having an unusual batting stance, Schmidt turned his back somewhat toward the pitcher and rocked his rear end back and forth while waiting for a pitch. By standing far back in the batter’s box, he made it almost impossible to jam him by pitching inside. Schmidt was one of the best athletes of his era; teammate Pete Rose once said, “To have his body, I’d trade him mine and my wife’s, and I’d throw in some cash.”

Published by 1jimburton

Been married to Karen for 51 years! Father to Garrett (40) and Sarah (47). Grandfather to Ava (18) and Lila (16). Have developed the following Wordpress blogs over the past three years: All-Time Greatest Music, High Quality Baseball Cards, High Quality Basketball Cards, High Quality Football Cards, High Quality Ice Hockey Cards and USA Traveling Tips. Written one book called A World with Heart. Also, after retiring from a career in Hospital Facilities management, I have been doing K-12 substitute teaching. Also, coached U13-U16 boys and girls basketball teams for over 25 years. Last, learned to be a master at hand-carving and painting signs. The largest of which is 4’ x 6’ is a logo for Marathon Motor Works hanging over their main entrance in Nashville (it took three months to complete).

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