1973 Topps Roberto Clemente

While I am more than happy to have a few of these cards in different conditions, this example makes me sad, and not because of the many pinholes.

It was on this day, 36 years ago, that the baseball world lost one of its finest players.

Clemente died on December 31, 1972, in an airplane accident while helping earthquake victims in Nicaragua.

While I did not get this cards from its wax pack, I can only imagine the feelings its original owner felt after opening that pack and getting the recently-departed superstar.

Happy and sad, I guess.

1976 Topps Nolan Ryan

All that you need to know about Nolan Ryan in 1976 is what is written on the back of this card: 

"Nolan hurled 4th no-hitter of career, 6-1-75. Fanned side on 9 pitches twice. Had 19 K's in one game."

This is a nice card of a great pitcher in the prime of his career.

This Topps issue is starting to grow on me. What's your favorite card from 1976?  This is a pretty good one.

1961 Topps Roger Maris

This card has all the makings of a poor old baseball card.

There are plenty of creases, some staining and what even appears to be pencil marks. It even has a little glue on the back. Oh, and it's off center.

But what a great card to have.

1961 was a banner year for Roger Maris as he would overtake Babe Ruth as the single-season home run king.

1960 wasn't such a bad year either: Maris was the AL's MVP that year, his first with the Yankees.