High Quality Baseball Cards

Career Highlights: https://youtu.be/wLk0Ly1luAA

Kenneth Lofton (born in East Chicago, IL on May 31, 1967) is an American former Major League Baseball (MLB) center fielder. Lofton was a six-time All-Star (1994–1999), four-time Gold Glove Awardwinner (1993–1996), and at retirement, was ranked 15th among all-time stolen base leaders with 622. During his career, he played for the Houston Astros, Cleveland Indians (three different times), Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, San Francisco Giants, Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Texas Rangers. Lofton attended the University of Arizona on a basketball scholarship. The Wildcats made it to the Final Four in 1988. He did not join the school’s baseball team until his junior year. Lofton made 11 postseason appearances, including World Series appearances in 1995 and 2002 with the Indians and Giants, respectively. From 2001 to 2007, Lofton did not spend more than one consecutive season with a team. For his career, the Indians were the only team he played with for longer than one season and the only franchise he played for more than once. Lofton played 9+1⁄2 seasons with the Indians, helping the organization win six division titles. In 2010, he was inducted into the Cleveland Indians Hall of Fame. During his professional baseball career, Lofton’s single-season stolen base count led the American League (AL) on five occasions and all of Major League Baseball (MLB) three times. In 1994, he led the American League in hits. Lofton broke Rickey Henderson’s record of 33 career postseason stolen bases during the 2007 postseason. Of his base running, Frank White said, “Lofton has out-thought a lot of major-league players” and later, “a smart, complete baseball player.”

1968 World Series MVP Highlights: https://youtu.be/1dgo_xKMZls

Michael Stephen “Mickey” Lolich (Born in Portland, OR on September 12, 1940-) was the Detroit Tigers star during the 1968 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals, winning three games including Game 7 off Cards ace Bob Gibson, picking off speedsters Lou Brock and Curt Flood and hitting the only home run of his career. Lolich began his career with the Detroit Tigers and won no less than 14 games for 11 consecutive seasons, topping the 20-win mark twice. His 17-9 record in the 1968 season was overshadowed by the extraordinary rookie campaign put up by teammate Denny McLain as he went 31-6. However, Mickey peaked at the right time during the playoff as he was named the 1968 AL Babe Ruth Award winner and the World Series MVP. In 1971, Mickey led the American League in wins with 25 while also leading the AL in starts (45), complete games (29), innings pitched (372.0 and strikeouts (308) finishing second to Vida Blue in AL Cy Young voting. Lolich holds numerous Detroit Tigers pitching records and stands second on the Majors all-time strikeout list (2,832) behind Hall of Famer Steve Carlton. The three-time All-Star was the model of consistency as he had six consecutive seasons with 200 or more strikeouts (1969-1974), 1,475 Ks during that span. Mickey spent the majority of his career with the Tigers (1963-1975), spent one year with the New York Mets (1976) and finished his career with the San Diego Padres (1978-1979). Mickey Lolich wrapped up his career after compiling a 217-191 record over 16 seasons, with 2,932 strikeouts, 195 complete games and 41 shutouts while posting a 3.44 career ERA.

Fred Lynn Story – Red Sox Bios: https://youtu.be/RpRBnwz2rr0

Frederic Michael Lynn (Born in Chicago, IL on February 3, 1952-) joined the Boston Red Sox with more potential to earn a Hall of Fame career than most others after winning the 1975 American League Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player award. Fred was the first player in Major League baseball to win the ROY and MVP in the same year. The Boston Red Sox selected Freddie Lynn in the 1972 amateur draft. Lynn did not disappoint as he batted .331, collected 175 hits including a league-leading 47 doubles and adding 21 home runs, led the league in runs scored (103) and drove in 105 RBI. It was one of the greatest rookie campaigns on record and earned his first of four Gold Gloves. From 1975-1983, Freddie was named to nine consecutive MLB All-Star Games. He had tremendous success with the Boston Red Sox (1974-1980), winning an American League batting title in 1979 when hit .333 with 177 hits and 39 home runs. Boston traded Lynn in 1981 to the California Angels (1981-1984), and then played for the Baltimore Orioles (1985-1988), the Detroit Tigers (1988-1989) and the San Diego Padres (1990). In 1982 with California, Lynn won the ALCS MVP after batting .611 with 11 hits, one home run and five RBI in five game and 18 plate appearances. Freddie Lynn was a nine-time MLB All-Star and he won the 1983 All-Star Game MVP award after hitting the only grand slam in All-Star Game history. His four All-Star Game home runs are second only to Stan Musial. Injuries took their toll on the centerfielder throughout his career and he only had one season in which he played 150 games or more (1978). Fred Lynn wound up his career after the 1990 season with the Padres accumulating 1,960 hits including 388 doubles and 306 home runs, scored 1,063 runs and drive in 1,111 runs while batting .283 over his 17-year career.

Sharing His Wisdom: https://youtu.be/G8z0cV2blXE

Gregory Alan “Greg” Maddux (Born in San Angelo, TX on April 14, 1966-) is the only pitcher in the history of the Major Leagues to win 15 games in 17 consecutive seasons, and was the first pitcher in history to win four straight Cy Young Awards (a feat matched by Randy Johnson). The Chicago Cubs took Greg in the second round of the 1984 MLB June Amateur Draft; after numerous clubs passed over the future Hall of Famer for fear that his small physique might hinder his performance. Little did they know the gem that they had plucked out of the draft in the second round, as Maddux went on to become the winningest pitcher in the Major leagues during the 1990s with a 176-88 record, a 2.54 ERA and 1,764 strikeouts. Greg won his first of four consecutive Cy Young Awards with the Chicago Cubs (1992) before becoming the ace of the Atlanta Braves superb pitching staff that included fellow Cy Young winners Tom Glavine and John Smoltz. Greg was primarily a ground-ball pitcher, who focused more on control as opposed to velocity, which in turn induced infield hits and thereby allowing him to field numerous grounders earning him a Major League record 18 National League Gold Glove Awards.

Extremely durable and consistent, Maddux led the NL in starts seven times, innings pitched and shutouts five times, earned run average four times, wins, complete games and strikeout-to-walk ratio three times and twice in winning percentage. The Professor, as he was named for his knowledge of the game and study of batters’ habits and tendencies, used pinpoint accuracy to earn eight All-Star Game selections and four Cy Young Awards and four National League The Sporting News Pitcher of the Year awards (1992-1995). During his Cy Young streak he went 75-29 with 733 strikeouts and an incredible 1.98 ERA. Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz helped the Atlanta Braves reach three World Series (1995, 1996, 1999) and won the 1995 title over the heavy-hitting Cleveland Indians. He pitched for 23 seasons in the National League with the Cubs (1986-1992, 2004-2006), the Braves (1993-2003), the Los Angeles Dodgers (2006, 2008) and the San Diego Padres (2006-2008). Greg is one of only a handful of pitchers to record 300 wins and 3000 strikeouts and only Warren Spahn (363) has had more wins since 1920 than Maddux (355). Greg Maddux finished his career with a 355-227 record with 3,371 strikeouts and a 3.16 career ERA. In the field, Maddux won 18 Gold Gloves on a .970 career fielding percentage with 546 putouts, 1,194 assists, 98 double plays and 53 errors in 1,793 chances. Greg Maddux was nearly a unanimous selection as he entered the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014 and was enshrined alongside longtime teammate and fellow 300-game winner Tom Glavine.

Career Highlights: https://youtu.be/aiCinpTdH0k

Juan Antonio Marichal Sanchez (Born in Laguna Verde, Monte Cristi, Dominican Republic on October 20, 1937-) was renowned for his ultra-high leg kick during his windup and delivery on the mound. Marichal spent 14 seasons with the San Francisco Giants (1960-1973) and a total of 16 years in the big leagues, finishing his career doing one-year stints with the Red Sox and Dodgers, respectively. During the 1960s, the Dominican Republic native won more games than any other during that decade, including throwing a no-hitter against the Houston Colt .45s. Juan was a member of ten All-Star games and was the 1965 MLB All-Star Game MVP. Marichal led the National League in wins, complete games shutouts and innings pitched twice and led in ERA in 1969 with a 2.10 average. Juan Marichal retired with a 243-142 record posting 2,303 strikeouts and a career 2.89 ERA. Despite his amazing record during the 1960s, fellow NL pitchers Bob Gibson and Sandy Koufax often overshadowed Marichal for MLB honors. Juan Antonio Marichal Sanchez was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983.

Billy “Trouble” Martin: https://youtu.be/qKaoQ8_rQEM

Billy Martin, byname of Alfred Manuel Martin, (born in Berkeley, CA on May 16, 1928, —died Dec. 25, 1989, near Fenton, N.Y.), American professional baseball player and manager whose leadership transformed teams on the field, but whose outspokenness and pugnacity made him the centre of controversy. At the age of 18 Martin began playing baseball in the minor leagues. He batted and threw right-handed and began playing for the American League New York Yankees in 1950, where he played mainly at second base. Not an outstanding player, he was, however, aggressive and a great player in crucial games, such as the 1952–53 World Series games won by the Yankees. After being traded to the Kansas City Athletics (later the Oakland Athletics) in 1957, he played with five different clubs up to 1961. From 1962 to 1964 Martin was a scout for the American League Minnesota Twins, the last team he played for, and a coach (1965–67). He then managed the Twins to first place in their division (1969) but was fired by the owner for insubordination. Martin then managed the American League Detroit Tigers to second, first, and third place in their division (1971–73) but again was fired for differences with management. Managing the American League Texas Rangers (1973–75), Martin brought the team from last place in 1973 to second place in 1974 but was again fired in mid-season 1975 in a dispute with management over trading policy. He managed the New York Yankees in five separate periods over a number of years, winning the World Series in 1977. Martin’s volatility and frequent contretemps with principal Yankee owner George Steinbrenner resulted in his five firings (the last in 1988). From 1980 to 1982 Martin managed the Oakland Athletics, bringing the team from last place in 1979 to second place in 1980 and to first and second place in 1981 (the season was split because of a players’ strike).

Could Not Be Stopped (Hall of Fame Highlights): https://youtu.be/pNUB1Hr8_4k

Edgar Martínez (born in New York City on January 2, 1963), nicknamed “Gar” and “Papi”, is an American former professional baseball player and coach. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a designated hitter and third baseman for the Seattle Mariners from 1987 through 2004. He served as the Mariners’ hitting coach from 2015 through 2018. Martínez grew up in Dorado, Puerto Rico. Not highly regarded as a prospect, he signed with the Mariners as a free agent in 1982, and was given a small signing bonus. He made his major league debut in 1987, but did not establish himself as a full-time player until 1990, at age 27. In the 1995 American League Division Series, he hit “The Double”, which won the series and increased public support for Mariners baseball as they attempted to fund a new stadium. He continued to play until 2004, when injuries forced him to retire. Martínez was a seven-time MLB All-Star, five-time Silver Slugger, and two-time batting champion. He is one of 18 MLB players to record a batting average of .300, an on-base percentage of .400, and a slugging percentageof .500 in 5,000 or more plate appearances. The Mariners retired his uniform number and inducted him into the Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame. Martínez was elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2019.

Amazing Year (1997): https://youtu.be/DVI_DroOcrA

Constantino “Tino” Martinez (born in Tampa Bay, FL on December 7, 1967) is an American former professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, and Tampa Bay Devil Rays from 1990 through 2005. He also served as a hitting coach for the Miami Marlins in 2013. His nickname is The Bam-tino, which came from a home run in game 1 of the 1998 World Series. Formerly a third basemanand first baseman, Martinez was the first round draft pick for the Seattle Mariners in 1988 out of the University of Tampa where he starred during his time on campus. He began his Major League career in 1990 and played for the Mariners, New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, and Tampa Bay Devil Rays, before rejoining the Yankees in the 2005 season. During his 16-year MLB career, he scored 1,009 runs, drove in 1,271 runs, and hit 339 home runs. He had 100 or more RBI in six different seasons and was twice named to the All-Star team.

One on One with Howie Rose: https://youtu.be/SNAJnEsbD3s

Jonathan Trumpbour Matlack (born in Cleveland, OH on January 19, 1950) is an American former professional baseball player and coach. He played in Major League Baseball as a left-handed pitcher from 1971 through 1983 for the New York Mets and the Texas Rangers. The three-time All-Star was named the 1972 National League Rookie of the Year and was a member of the 1973 National League pennant-winning New York Mets team. Matlack led the National League in shutouts in 1974 and 1975 and, ranks in the top 10 among Mets pitchers in wins, complete games, ERA, strikeouts, shutouts and innings pitched. In 2020, Matlack was inducted into the New York Mets Hall of Fame.

Don Drysdale (see his card with Sandy Koufax, previous listing)

Friend’s teammates on 1960 Pirates: https://youtu.be/yG2vd3O9ttI

Robert Bartmess “Bob” Friend (Born in Lafayette, IN on November 24, 1930 – February 3, 2019) was the first pitcher to ever lead the league in ERA (2.48) while pitching for a last place team as his Pittsburgh Pirates went 60-94 in 1955. During his 15-year career, Bob had nine seasons with 10 or more wins including a league leading 22 victories in 1958. However, he also led the National league in losses twice in 1959 and 1961 with 19. Friend was a very durable starter, averaging 32 starts and 11 complete games in Pittsburgh for 15 years (1951-1965) before finishing his career in New York with the Yankees and the Mets (1966). He led the National League three times in starts, twice in innings pitched, losses and batters faced and once in ERA, wins, shutouts and earned runs. Bob’s best year came in 1958 when he led the league in wins (22), starts (38), hits allowed (299) and earned runs (112) while striking out 135 and posting a 3.68 ERA earning Cy young and MVP consideration. He was also three-time National League All-Star. Bob went 0-2 in his only postseason, but won the World Series with the underdog Pittsburgh Pirates in 1960 over the New York Yankees. Bob Friend ended his career with a 197-230 record, 163 complete games, 36 shutouts, 11 saves, 1,734 strikeouts and a 3.58 career ERA in 602 games. Friend is the only pitcher in Major League history to lose more than 200 games (230), while winning less than 200 games (197).

Michael Francis “Mike” McCormick (Born in Peoria, IL on September 29, 1938-) is a retired left-handed Major League Baseball pitcher who played 16 seasons, and captured the 1967 National League Cy Young Award. He also holds the distinction of having surrendered Hank Aaron’s 500th home run in 1968. The New York Giants signed McCormick in 1956 as a “bonus baby,” ushering straight into the big leagues that season, at the age of 17. In 11 total seasons with the club (1956-1962, 1967-1970), including following them to San Francisco, McCormick was 107-96. A trade to the Baltimore Orioles (1963-1964) left Mike with a 6-10 record and ended with a trade to the Washington Senators, where he managed a slightly better 19-22 record over two years. His return to the Giants in 1967 proved to revitalize the pitcher, and saw him lead the league in wins while going 22-10 with a 2.85 ERA. He also held the distinction of having defeated every NL team (other than the Giants) that year. That season, Mike became the first pitcher in Giants’ franchise history to win the Cy Young Award. In the middle of the 1970 season, McCormick was traded to the New York Yankees, who released him before the start of the next season. He then signed with the Kansas City Royals, with whom he played only four games in 1971 before retiring. With a 134-128 lifetime record, he also had a 3.73 ERA in 484 games.

Stanley Wilson Williams (Born in Enfield, NH on September 14, 1936- ) was a right-handed pitcher who spent time as a starter and reliever. He played for the Los Angeles Dodgers (1958-1962), New York Yankees (1963-1964), Cleveland Indians (1965-1969), Minnesota Twins (1970-1971), St. Louis Cardinals (1971) and Boston Red Sox (1972). At 6’5″ and 230 lbs, Williams was a power pitcher who earned the nicknames “Big Daddy” and “The Big Hurt.” He was a significant contributor to the Dodgers World Series team in 1959 and earned his lone All-Star appearance in 1960. Williams retired after the 1972 season with a 109-94 record and 3.48 ERA. He went into coaching after his playing days ended and won a World Series title with the Cicninnati Reds in 1990.