1972 Topps Roberto Clemente In Action

It's too bad that when Topps decided on an action shot of Roberto Clemente, it would be one of him looking at a third strike. At least that's what this card appears to show.

While I don't remember collecting cards in 1972, I've often wondered what kids thought of these "In Action" cards. Were kids happy to get this card of one of the Pirates' greatest or would they rather have pulled a regular issue card of a lesser player?

Is there anyone out there who remembers opening up a pack in 1972? I'd like to hear your thoughts.

1923 W515-2 Babe Ruth

This is the first Babe Ruth baseball card I ever got.

As a kid, I remember reading an article in a baseball card magazine about all the cards made of Ruth spanning decades. And while I knew I couldn't afford a 1933 Goudey, the article mentioned a few strip cards that were more in my price range. But where was I supposed to find one?

In the days before eBay, it wasn't so easy to find the older, rarer baseball cards.

Then I went to a national convention in Anaheim, Calif., and guess what I found? This very card of Ruth.

It's been about 25 years, but I think I paid about $20 for it. Back then, as a kid in junior high, that was the most I had ever spent on a baseball card. How could I justify paying that kind of money on a piece of paper?

I'm glad I did.

1951 Bowman Granny Hamner

So I was looking through the bargain box at the local baseball card shop a few months back and saw this beautiful Bowman card of Granny Hamner.

First, I must admit, I had no idea who this Hamner fella was. But, come on, how could I resist a card of a guy named Granny.

As it turns out, Hamner was a pretty good player and a key member of the Phillies "Whiz Kids" of the early 1950s. The shortstop was a three-time All Star and had more than 80 RBI in a season more than a few times.

Oh and by the way, he also pitched a few games.

But what's with Granny? His real name is Granville.

1975 Topps Steve Garvey

As a child growing up in San Diego, it was rare to get a Padres game on regular television. With the exception of that weekly game of the week on Saturday, it was rare to be able to tune into any baseball game.

Except for KTTV Channel 11 from Los Angeles. Much like TBS in the 80s and 90s, Channel 11 was what you watched if you wanted to watch baseball. Too bad it was the Dodgers.

I could probably name more starters in the 1980 Dodgers lineup than I could for the Padres.

And while I hated the Dodgers, one player was different: Steve Garvey.

Even before he became a Padre, Garvey was my favorite. I thought he was the best.

This 1975 Topps card has a few problems, including the fact that it is miscut. Before scanning the card, I noticed how horendous the photo quality was. Then I realized, that's baseball in 1975. It seems all my cards from 1975 look horrible.