White Sox Cards

January 30

2012-01-30T10:12:00.000-06:00

1969 Topps #222 - Duane Josephson

On this day in 1997, Duane Josephson passed away at the age of 54.

Duane signed with the Chicago White Sox before the 1964 season and made his MLB debut with the Pale Hose on September 15, 1965. Josephson's best season came in 1968, when he posted career-highs in hits (107), doubles (16), triples (6), RBI (45), games (128), and was selected to the All-Star Game.

Duane was traded to the Boston Red Sox before the 1971 season. He was forced to retire during the 1972 season, due to pericarditis.

January 29

2012-01-29T09:08:00.002-06:00

2004 Topps Total #361 - Willie Harris

On this day in 2002, the White Sox obtained Willie Harris in exchange for Chris Singleton.

Team four! Perhaps Willie Harris will best be remembered for scoring the winning run in series clinching Game four of the 2005 World Series. Jermaine Dye may have drove him in, but if Willie Harris wasn't on base, the Sox may have had another World Series extra inning game on their hands. Not too shabby for someone who just got into the game as a pinch hitter and ripped a single.

January 28

2012-01-28T08:45:00.002-06:00

2007 Upper Deck #613 - David Aardsma

On this day in 2008, the White Sox sent David Aardsma to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for minor league players Willy Mota and Miguel Socolovich.

Radio broadcaster Ed Farmer favorite player (mostly because he can say Aardsma's last name like a pirate) came to the club via a trade with the Chicago Cubs, which saw pitcher Neal Cotts move to the North Side team. David had a fantastic April for the South Side in 2007, but when May hit, so did everybody else. Aardsma's number slid in May and by June 2nd, he was sent to the minors. David continued to struggle when recalled later in the month. His last game for the White Sox was July 4, 2007, against the Orioles, where he gave up three runs and made a throwing error.

January 27

2012-01-27T09:57:00.001-06:00

2010 Upper Deck #139 - Gavin Floyd

On this day in 1983, Gavin Floyd was born.

After beginning his career with the Philadelphia Phillies, Gavin was dealt to the White Sox after the 2006 season. Since joining Chicago, Floyd has matured into a decent starter, who shows flashes of brilliance. Gavin has flirted with numerous no-hit bids during his time with the White Sox. After a stellar 2008 season, Floyd has regressed in the win/loss column, but has gained a veteran presence.

Hooray Red Stripe!

2012-01-26T23:31:00.002-06:00

What do I think of the new Sunday home garb for the White Sox? Hooray Red Stripe ~~Beer~~!
In the past twenty-one seasons, throwback uniforms have become the rage. The Chicago White Sox don't have much variety in their vintage uniforms, so I love it when someone digs out the interesting relics and displays them proudly.

I am a bicentennial baby (1976 for those who are staring blankly at that reference). The first uniforms that I can remember the White Sox wearing are the lovely late 70s/early 80s numbers with the disco collars that had a pajama look to them. I remember vividly, the fan created circus uniforms (it could have been much worse) and the cursive mistake before settling on the current style of uniform.

I have seen throwbacks to 1906, 1917, 1929, 1959 and 1983 from the White Sox since the first Turn Back The Clock Game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Those are just the ones that I can remember off the top of my head. There may be more lingering out there in the recesses of the mind.

I always thought that the early to mid-seventies uniforms would make a great throwback uniform to wear during a game and I wondered why no one thought to drag them out. Now I finally get my wish, as do many others. I have heard nothing but positive response to this Sunday promotion and I can't wait until some photographs from these games start appearing on baseball cards.

January 26

2012-01-26T21:42:00.002-06:00

1956 Topps #267 - Bob Nieman

On this day in 1927, Bob Nieman was born.

The White Sox received Bob in a trade with the Tigers after the 1954 season. After spending the 1955 season and a sampling of the 1956 season, Nieman was traded to the Baltimore Orioles, along with George Kell, Mike Fornieles and Connie Johnson for Dave Philley and Jim Wilson.

While with the South Siders, Bob batted .285, which was only slightly better than his time at Detroit. Nieman went on to have his greatest success with Baltimore. Bob started his big league career with the St. Louis Browns, in 1951, which became the Baltimore Orioles in 1954, where he was eventually traded in May 1956.

January 25

2012-01-25T12:28:00.002-06:00

1990 Bowman #319 - Scott Fletcher

On this day in 1983, Scott Fletcher was traded from the Chicago Cubs to the Chicago White Sox as part of a deal that kept the White Sox from taking an unprotected Fergie Jenkins in the free agent compensation draft. Scott had two different stints with the White Sox. He played mainly at shortstop, third and second base.

January 24

2012-01-24T19:21:00.003-06:00

2010 Topps Opening Day #219 - Tyler Flowers

On this day in 1986, Tyler Flowers was born.

Tyler made his MLB debut with the White Sox in 2009 and has been an emergency backup for the past three seasons. 2012 may hold a true backup catching position for Flowers. Tyler had his first taste of starting catcher in 2011, when injuries sidelined both Ramon Castro and A.J. Pierzynski.

January 23

2012-01-23T12:19:00.000-06:00

1991 Classic #T30 - Matt Stark

On this day in 1990, the Sox signed Matt Stark.

Matt already had MLB experience when the Pale Hose signed him. Stark played in five games with the 1987 Toronto Blue Jays. Even though he was a catcher, he never appeared in a game at that position for the White Sox. In the eight games that Matt played for the Sox, after his September 1990 call up, he played five as the designated hitter and three as a pinch hitter.

Stark spent 1991 playing for the White Sox AAA team in Vancouver and never again graced the majors, but continued to play minor league ball on and off until 1999.

January 22

2012-01-22T09:58:00.000-06:00

1996 Collector's Choice #513 - Danny Tartabull

On this day in 1996, Danny Tartabull was traded to the White Sox from the Oakland Athletics for Charles Poe and Andrew Lorraine.

Danny spent one season with the White Sox, batting .254, while hitting 27 home runs and 101 RBI, playing in 132 games. It was a career resurgence for Tartabull, who had been slowed by injuries in previous years. The Sox chose not to re-sign him in 1997, which turned out to be a stroke of luck. The Phillies threw two million dollars at him, which he originally scoffed at, but thought differently when the Cincinnati Reds turned out to be the only other team interested in his services with a five hundred thousand dollar offer.

Tartabull played three hitless games with Philadelphia, broke his foot and never played again. The White Sox dodged an expensive bullet there.

January 21

2012-01-21T11:52:00.000-06:00

1987 Topps Traded #106T - Jerry Royster

On this day in 1987, the White Sox signed Jerry Royster.

While with the Sox, Jerry played at third base, left field, second base and designated hitter during the course of fifty-five games. Royster hit an unhealthy .240 with the Sox before he was traded to the New York Yankees in August 1987. Jerry was on par with the rest of the 1987 White Sox batters, as no one that season hit over .293, with most hitting in the .250 range or lower.

Royster was signed as infield insurance by GM Larry Himes. He could play second, third, shortstop and the outfield. He was the third infielder added by Himes, after Donnie Hill and Fred Manrique. After third baseman Tim Hulett was sent to the minors in June 1987, Royster platooned with Steve Lyons at third. The plan was to play Lyons against right-handed pitchers and Royster against lefties.

Jerry was a popular player in the clubhouse and thought that the 1987 White Sox were the best group of guys he had played with, at the time he was traded. The Sox obtained pitcher Ken Patterson and infielder Mike Soper from the Yankees. Pat Keedy took Royster's roster place on the Sox, as manager Jim Fregosi liked Keedy's versatility.

January 20

2012-01-20T13:27:00.000-06:00

1966 Topps #486 - Tommy John

On this day in 1965, Tommy John came to the White Sox from the Cleveland Indians in a three team trade that also saw Tommie Agee and Johnny Romano land on the White Sox. Cam Carreon was traded to Cleveland by the Sox and Jim Landis, Mike Hershberger and Fred Talbot were traded to the Kansas City Athletics in the deal. The Indians got Rocky Colavito from the Athletics in the three team deal.

Tommy spent seven seasons with the White Sox, compiling a 2.95 ERA with the Pale Hose with an 82-80 record, fifty-six complete games, twenty-one shutouts, eight hundred eighty-eight strikeouts and three saves.

January 19

2012-01-19T09:20:00.000-06:00

2006 Upper Deck Special FX Purple #566 - Pablo Ozuna (/150)

On this day in 2005, the White Sox signed Pablo Ozuna.

Pablo appeared in a career high 70 games and also had career highs with 203 at-bats, 56 hits, and 11 RBI. Ozuna also had 14 stolen bases including a steal of home. During Game 2 of the 2005 ALCS, A.J. Pierzynski advanced to first base on a controversial dropped third strike call. Ozuna pinch ran for him, stealing second base on the second pitch of the at bat to Joe Crede. Ozuna scored the game winning run on a double by Crede.

January 18

2012-01-18T15:04:00.002-06:00

2011 Topps Update Cognac Diamond #US196 - Philip Humber

On this day in 2011, Philip Humber was waived by the Oakland Athletics and claimed by the Chicago White Sox.

Humber responded by having the best year of his career, to this point. Philip forced the Sox to keep him in the rotation, leading to a six man rotation that lasted a good chunk of the 2011 season. Humber crushed a career high 21.2 innings pitched with the Kansas City Royals in 2010, by pitching 163 inning with the White Sox in 2011.

January 17

2012-01-17T08:53:00.000-06:00

1960 Topps #256 - Dick Brown

On this day in 1935, catcher Dick Brown was born.

Brown came to the White Sox through a trade with the Cleveland Indians, which saw Norm Cash, Bubba Phillips and John Romano go to Cleveland and Minnie Minoso, Don Ferrarese and Jake Striker come to Chicago. Dick only played in sixteen games with the White Sox in 1960 and batted a career low .163. Brown had seven hits, three home runs and five RBI for Chicago. He continued his career with the Detroit Tigers and Baltimore Orioles before being forced to retire due to a brain tumor, which eventually claimed his life at age 35.

January 16

2012-01-16T12:28:00.002-06:00

1972 TCMA The 1930s #86 - Jo-Jo Morrissey

On this day in 1904, Jo-Jo Morrissey was born.

In fourteen games, Jo-Jo made three errors as a fielder. During a May 27 game against the Detroit Tigers, while replacing Jimmy Dykes at third base, Jo-Jo made an error that cost the game for the White Sox, when he allowed three runs to score. He was more adept at making errors in the field than being a prolific batter. He managed only seven hits, but made the most of them by getting six RBI, scoring three runs and walking twice. In an impressive feat, Morrissey only struck out three times. It wasn't enough to overcome his poor fielding as he hit a career low .184 for the White Sox in 1936, his last year in the majors and his only with Chicago.

January 15

2012-01-15T13:54:00.003-06:00

2011 SP Legendary Cuts #162 - Roger Peckinpaugh (06/10) (Auto)

On this day in 1927, Roger Peckinpaugh came to the White Sox in a trade with the Washington Senators. The Senators received Sloppy Thurston and Leo Mangum in exchange for Peckinpaugh.

Roger batted .295 for the Pale Hose in 1927, which would be his final year of playing in the majors. He only appeared in sixty-eight games, with sixty of those at shortstop. The next year, Peckinpaugh started his managerial career with the Cleveland Indians.

January 14

2012-01-14T16:00:00.002-06:00

1996 Fleer #76 - Mike Sirotka

On this day in 2001, Mike Sirotka was dealt to the Toronto Blue Jays, along with Brian Simmons, Kevin Beirne and Mike Williams for David Wells and Matt DeWitt.

Damaged goods and underwhelming performances highlighted this trade. Dubbed "shouldergate", Mike Sirotka arrived to the Blue Jays with shoulder problems, which contributed to Sirotka never pitching again. It also sparked outcry from Toronto GM Gord Ash, which caused Bud Selig to rule that the trade stood as is.

Neither team really benefited from the trade, as David Wells had his worst year since 1994, in his lone year with the White Sox. Wells only won five games for the Pale Hose, which is only slightly better than the zero games played with the Jays for Sirotka.

January 13

2012-01-13T10:46:00.000-06:00

1993 Conlon #747 - Aaron Ward

On this day in 1927, the New York Yankees traded Aaron Ward to the White Sox for Johnny Grabowski and Ray Morehart.

Aaron would only spend one season with the Sox and it would be his last productive season in the majors, batting .270 in one hundred forty games. Before the 1928 season, Aaron was selected off of waivers by the Cleveland Indians and appeared in just six games with the Tribe. He faded into the minors until his retirement as a player in 1933.

January 12

2012-01-12T17:27:00.003-06:00

2001 Pacific Extreme LTD #93 - Cal Eldred

On this day in 2000, the White Sox dumped problem child Jaime Navarro onto the Milwaukee Brewers with pitcher John Snyder for Cal Eldred and Jose Valentin.

Cal helped shape the 2000 playoff bound White Sox by showing the grit and determination to play through injury and the tenacity to put hardware in his elbow to help his team. After starting the 2000 campaign 10-2, Eldred, who had a history of elbow problems, had a screw put into his elbow in the fall. He petered out with the White Sox in 2001, but he caught on with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2003 and played three more seasons.

January 11

2012-01-11T20:30:00.002-06:00

1931 W517 #43 - Art Shires

On this day in 1930, a lawsuit against Art Shires was dropped for a settlement of $500.

On December 28, 1928 a 53-year-old man from Shreveport, Louisiana man died from head injuries after being hit by a baseball thrown by Shires on May 20, 1928 in a game between Waco and Shreveport. Shires had allegedly thrown the baseball in anger at a group of disapproving Shreveport fans. On March 27, 1929, Shires was sued by the dead man's wife for $25,411. One day after the lawsuit was reported in the papers, Art was exonerated by a grand jury on March 29, 1929.

Art Shires played for the White Sox from 1928 until 1930.

January 10

2012-01-10T17:34:00.003-06:00

1992 O-Pee-Chee Premier #328 - Steve Sax

On this day in 1992, the White Sox acquired Steve Sax from the New York Yankees for Melido Perez, Domingo Jean and Bob Wickman.

Easily regarded as one of the worst trades for the Sox, Steve Sax didn't hit out of the .230 range for his duration with the South Siders. His fielding took a little bit of a dip from his days with New York, but it regressed to levels of his Los Angeles days.

Sax took a back seat to Joey Cora at second base and Tim Raines in left field by 1993. Steve never played in a postseason game in 1993, despite being on the roster all season.

January 9

2012-01-09T18:18:00.002-06:00

2010 Historic Autographs "In Memory Of" Update - Ray French

On this day in 1895, shortstop and second baseman, Ray French was born. Ray played briefly for the White Sox in 1924. He mostly played at shortstop, but played three games at second base for the Pale Hose. He managed 20 hits and 11 RBI, while batting .179.

Ray was purchased from the Brooklyn Robins on April 16, 1924 and played his last game on July 10, 1924.

January 8

2012-01-08T12:06:00.002-06:00

1984 Donruss #379 - Julio Cruz

On this day in 1984, the White Sox re-signed free agent Julio Cruz.

After being the spark plug for the 1983 "Winning Ugly" team, the Sox signed Julio to a new contract in 1984. Unfortunately, Cruz did not return to form and slowly trailed off of his hot '83 finish. This was one of the reasons why the 1984 team underperformed and the beginning of a slow decline that would last for the rest of the decade.

The Sox finally cut ties with Julio before the 1987 season, but the damage was done and the Sox would find themselves near the cellar of the American League West until strong drafts led to a Pale Hose resurgence in 1990.

January 7

2012-01-07T12:26:00.002-06:00

1916 M101-4 #96 - Jack Lapp

On this day in 1916, the White Sox purchased Jack Lapp from the Philadelphia Athletics.

Jack would only play forty games for the Sox, hitting .208, in what would be his last year in the majors. Lapp was a second string catcher behind Ray Schalk. Jack's final game was October 1, 1916, during a doubleheader in Cleveland. The 1916 White Sox finished two and a half games back of the Boston Red Sox. He was cut from the White Sox due to ill health.

Lapp died on Friday, February 6, 1920, at the age of thirty-five, from pneumonia, in his home at 4229 North Franklin Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during the night.

January 6

2012-01-06T17:14:00.002-06:00

2006 Topps Heritage #84 - A.J. Pierzynski

On this day in 2005, Sox GM Kenny Williams bites the bullet and signs A.J. Pierzynski, despite the ugly rumors that persist about the hard nosed catcher.

The signing turned out to be a stroke of genius, as Pierzynski was a helpful teammate and one of the driving forces behind the surprising World Series Championship year for the White Sox. Controversy follows A.J. wherever he goes, it seems, as he gets in the middle of nearly every play.

A.J. was in the middle of a dropped third strike debacle, a few fights and many interesting calls. Pierzynski may be the most knowledgeable man on the field at all times, but that, like many other facets involving A.J., is in the eye of the beholder.

January 5

2012-01-05T14:50:00.001-06:00

2011 Bowman Prospects #BP38 - Eduardo Escobar

Happy birthday to Eduardo Escobar, who made his MLB debut with the White Sox in 2011.

Escobar had turned heads as a minor league standout, and put up respectable numbers in very limited appearances in 2011. Appearing in games as a pinch runner, pinch hitter and shortstop, Eduardo managed two hits in seven at-bats. He appeared in nine games in his first season.

January 4

2012-01-04T15:56:00.002-06:00

1949 Bowman #191 - Joe Haynes

On this day in 1941, the White Sox purchased Joe Haynes from the Washington Senators. Joe went on to play with the White Sox through 1948.

While with the Sox, Haynes led the AL in games and games finished in 1942, was the AL ERA champion in 1947 and made his only All-Star appearance in 1948.

Joe was traded to the White Sox by his future father-in-law, Washington owner Clark Griffith.

January 3

2012-01-03T17:10:00.002-06:00

2007 SP Rookie Edition #126 - Gustavo Molina

On this day in 2000, Gustavo Molina was signed as an amateur free agent by the Chicago White Sox. Gustavo made his MLB debut with the White Sox in 2007. He was on the opening day roster due to an injury to backup catcher Toby Hall.

Gustavo was 1-18 with one RBI during his tenure with the White Sox. His lone hit came at U.S. Cellular Field against the New York Yankees. Once Toby Hall came back, Gustavo was sent down and was eventually picked up on waivers by the Baltimore Orioles. After the Orioles, he has played for the Mets, Red Sox and Yankees.

January 2

2012-01-02T11:07:00.002-06:00

1976 Chicago's Greats - Bill Veeck

On this day in 1986, Bill Veeck died from cancer, after a lengthy smoking habit. While he is most associated by his contributions with the White Sox, most people have no idea how influential he was all over the game.

When Bill was a child, his father became president of the Chicago Cubs. As a young lad, Bill came up with the idea of growing ivy in the Wrigley Field outfield. This brainstorm helped to define Wrigley Field and is one of the first things that pops into people's heads when they think of the Cubs home field.

While with the Cleveland Indians, Veeck signed Larry Doby to a contract, effectively making Doby the first black player in the American League. He also signed Satchel Paige, making him the oldest rookie in MLB history.

Working with the St. Louis Browns, Veeck hired Eddie Gaedel to pinch hit and allowed the fans to manage a game, which the Browns won, snapping a four game losing streak.

In 1959, Veeck was head of a group that took over the White Sox. He installed the now famous exploding scoreboard and electric blowers to clear home plate of dirt. Bill was forced to sell his shares of the team in 1961, due to poor health, but returned in 1975.

This time, Veeck pulled memorable stunts like having the team wear shorts during three different games and the ill-fated Disco Demolition. He also created the template for the rent-a-player mentality that would become popular with some owners, when he signed star players to one year contracts, in 1977. Veeck would be responsible for reinstating Minnie Minoso two separate times. One of the most enduring stunts that Veeck pulled out of his hat was convincing announcer Harry Caray to sing "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" for the fans during the seventh inning stretch. A reluctant Caray agreed and it became a staple of Harry's schtick, which he moved to the Cubs booth a few years later.

January 1

2012-01-01T15:54:00.002-06:00

1984 Topps #405 - LaMarr Hoyt

Happy birthday to LaMarr Hoyt, who in 1983, helped lead the White Sox to the AL West division title. This was the first time since 1959 that the Sox made the playoffs. That year, LaMarr won the AL Cy Young award and the AL TSN Pitcher of the Year.

Hoyt came to the organization with Oscar Gamble in 1977, as part of the Bucky Dent deal with the Yankees. He was dealt to the Padres after the 1984 season for a package that included a young shortstop named Ozzie Guillen.

LaMarr ran into drug problems that derailed his career, but he eventually rebounded from those woes and is currently drug free and working in the White Sox organization as a roving instructor.

Cards That Never Were #53

2011-12-10T20:58:00.000-06:00

1984 Fleer Update - Bucky Dent

Well past the days of postseason heroics, Bucky Dent was released from the Texas Rangers on April 2, 1984. Later in the season, he signed a contract with the Yankees, where he became a household name years earlier. Finding himself released from a contract with the Yankees shortly after, without appearing in a MLB game, Bucky signed with the Kansas City Royals.

Appearing in eleven games, mostly as a defensive replacement at shortstop and third base, Bucky was able to manage three hits and one RBI between August and September in the 1984 season. After the 1984 season, Bucky was released from his contract with the Royals and his MLB playing career ended.

Dent ended his career with the team his Yankees defeated two years in a row to advance to the World Series, in 1977 and 1978. The Royals bested the Yankee team he was on in 1980, to advance to the World Series. The Royals did win the Western Division in 1984, but lost to the Tigers in the playoffs. Dent did not participate in any of those games. In fact, his last game was on September 11, 1984 against the Twins. Bucky came in as a defensive replacement in the sixth inning for John Wathan, who pinch hit for Buddy Biancalana. Dent was lifted in the eighth by pinch hitter Leon Roberts, who was replaced in the field by Onix Concepcion.

Buehrle Is A Marlin

2011-12-07T16:09:00.002-06:00

Mark,

I've thoroughly enjoyed your time in Chicago. We (as the collective of players and fans) have experienced the best of times and times that were probably best forgotten. Yet, your calm, cool and grace always poked through. There are too many highlights that I will remember from your time here to start listing them all. I'm sad to see you go, but I can understand your decision. And I thought St. Louis was the only team that could wrangle you away from the White Sox! I'll still collect your cards and I will follow your career with great interest. I, and the rest of Chicago, will sure miss you. We will never forget you.

~ Steve Gierman
White Sox Cards

Santo In, Minoso Denied

2011-12-05T21:42:00.002-06:00

I could say a lot about the Hall of Fame committee's vote, but I won't. Instead, I'll say congratulations to the ghost of Ron Santo and his loyal supporters. I've said it before, and I'll say it again... Ron Santo, the player, deserves to get into the Hall of Fame, as do other excellent players that repeatedly get overlooked.
For a great read on why Minnie Minoso got the shaft again, read Jim Margalus' excellent article.

2012 WSC Hall Of Fame Ballot

2011-11-29T16:57:00.000-06:00

Here's a Hall of Fame that anyone can vote for: The White Sox Cards Hall Of Fame.

You can vote for as many or as few players as you want. The rules are the same as the MLB Hall of Fame. 75% of the vote will get a player in. At least 5% of the vote will keep a player on the ballot for next year. A player has to be away from the White Sox for a minimum of five years for ballot consideration. If a player cannot get 75% of the vote after 15 tries, he is taken off the ballot.

Last ballot, first baseman Frank Thomas was voted into the WSC Hall Of Fame. Who will make it in this year?

The 2012 ballot includes a player for each positional spot on the field, a designated hitter, a manager, and pitching has been split into spots for starter, middle relief and closer.

Luis Aparicio - SS (2nd year)
Harold Baines – OF (2nd year)
Nellie Fox – 2nd Base (2nd year)
Oscar Gamble - DH (2nd year)
Ed Herrmann - C (1st year)
Frank Isbell – 1st Base (1st year)
Joe Jackson - OF (2nd year)
Fielder Jones – OF (2nd year)
Al Lopez – MGR (2nd year)
Gary Peters - P (2nd year)
Bobby Thigpen - P (1st year)
Robin Ventura – 3rd Base (2nd year)
Hoyt Wilhelm – P (1st year)

Voting will be through February 14, 2012, with the results announced shortly after. You can vote on the right sidebar. Any position left open due to election or cuts will be filled by another player next year.

The results should prove interesting. Have fun!

What I'm Thankful For This Year

2011-11-24T11:28:00.000-06:00

In no particular order...

Family
Friends
Health
New job
Better new job
Restarting my education
New relationship
Not abandoning this blog
A new direction for the White Sox
At least one company still makes baseball cards
Becoming a published author
Happiness after sadness
Reading everyone else's card blogs
The feeling of a freshly opened pack of cards
Watching "Garfield's Thanksgiving" on DVD today
Watching "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" on DVD right after
Secretly wishing that my dinner consisted of buttered toast, pretzel sticks, popcorn and jelly beans

Hope everyone has a growing list of things to be thankful for this year!

Everybody Wants My Jack Lamabe

2011-10-16T16:29:00.003-05:00

Let's see here...

A 1990 Ozzie Smith for my 1967 Jack Lamabe...

NO!!!

A 1974 Brewer and a 1978 Brewer for my 1967 Jack Lamabe...

Closer, but still no. I do like the fact that this potential trader didn't try to unload worthless junk wax on me, but the answer is no. I need the 1967 Jack Lamabe for my team set. Someone will have to do a lot better to wrangle this card away from me.

I'm already preparing its spot in my binder.

An Explanation

2011-10-08T21:36:00.001-05:00

Blog posts have been significantly down on this site the past few months. Many of you may think that it was tied into the White Sox painful dive into mediocrity at about the same time. No. It's just a coincidence. The truth is, a lot of changes have been happening on my end. And no, I have not become a Cubs fan. Thank you for your concern.

A chain reaction of events have kicked off an unexpected path. Well, not so much unexpected. Let's say severely delayed. The timing was unexpected.

I plan to still finish off the Season Pass cards, but they are not a top priority for me. Things will still be posted here, but not with the same type of frequency as before. At least for the time being.

I want to thank the few people that have sent packages in the past month. I have really appreciated them, but I haven't had time to fully dive into each package. I'm just starting to pick apart a package sent by Project '62. That was sent back in late August.

The catalyst was my fiancee, or rather my ex-fiancee now. We both needed to concentrate on getting our own lives in order and for some odd reason, she was convinced that we couldn't do that while still being engaged. It came out of left field for me, but I can still respect that. Mind you, I am not happy about it, but I can respect it. I can appreciate that we're just as good of friends as before, just not together.

As luck would have it, I landed a job right after that. My employment has been sporadic the past few years and the hours each day of filling out applications finally paid off. I was a little out of my comfort zone with the job I did get, driving a taxi, but I really enjoyed the work. A monkey wrench in the works was the area. I was driving in the Cicero/Berwyn area, which was fine, but I wasn't overly familiar with the area. Thank heavens for GPS! The real problem was the pay. To say it was inconsistent would be comparable to claiming that the Pope was Catholic. Most days, I barely made enough to cover the lease and the gas that I used. With travel time to and from work, we're looking at a fourteen hour day. It wasn't the best situation, but it was work and I stuck with it. The people (passengers and co-workers) I met on that job were all great and I am a better person for meeting them.

At the same time, I went back to inquire about how close I was to an Associates degree at my local community college. I was intending to start in the spring semester and work my way through the core classes that I still needed. Well, when I met with an advisor, I found that I had accumulated 87 credits. I knew I had a lot, but I didn't think it was that many. As it stands, I have four classes to complete and I will have my degree.

Many nights, while waiting for fares to call in, I spent my time studying the college catalog. I plotted my course and found a short term class that started in November for one of my four remaining classes. Unfortunately, that one was full up, but I found an alternate short term class at an extension center in Blue Island and I'll be starting that class on Monday.

After I figured out what I needed to still accomplish at a community college, I started to think about where I wanted to go after. I settled on a path that most people I've met have told me I am a natural for; therapist. Specifically an LCSW. After researching costs and programs, I settled on Governors State University. I should be entering their psychology program the fall of 2012, barring the use of grants.

While I was happy to be working, I was displeased at the cab job. The stability was not there and I needed a steady paycheck if I was to get my schooling done. Having so many credits, I was not eligible for assistance. Like the other 87 credits, I would have to pay for them out of pocket.

I e-mailed an old boss, mostly out of desperation, to inquire if there were any clients available that I could work with. I used to work with disabled HIV patients. The work was rewarding, but the last client I had turned into a 24/7 job that was on call. I had gotten sucked into going well beyond the scope of my job description. By the time the client required full time hospitalization, I was burned out.

Shortly after that, I started this blog, struggled with dead end or short term jobs, and got my writing career off to a non-paying beginning. All while it was harder to get and keep even the crappiest job because of the declining economy.

As luck would have it, my old boss called me back a few days later. He had a client looking for help, although it was about forty-five minutes from my house, without too much traffic. I accepted it and began the process of meeting the client. After a pleasant phone call and a great visit, the client approved me and I start that job the same day I start my class in Blue Island. So, I'll be working during the day and going to class at night. I still have the cab job, if I feel like taking a slim chance for extra pocket money.

Serendipity must be working overtime. My new job is slightly over three miles from where I'll be going to school next fall and the client has agreed to work around whatever school schedule I have. Things are definitely on an upswing, but all this activity sadly leaves less time for this blog. The good thing is that I haven't abandoned this blog. It is something that I love to do and I get great enjoyment from this extension of my hobby. It just has to be left mostly on the back burner for awhile.

In addition to two jobs and school, I'm still writing short stories and continuing work on my various novels that I have half written. Another short story will be published in an upcoming anthology called Code Z, available through KnightWatch Press.

I've even inquired on getting the band back together... again. Not just to play and recall our past glories from the garage, but to actually flesh out some of the reams of lyrics that I have written over the years. I have grandiose ideas and I'll be a happy man if a few of them actually make it past my brain someday.

To make matters more complicated, during all this transitioning, the White Sox manager situation came to a head and blew up, leading to the short lived Don Cooper era. Although some say that the Don Copper era will continue under the figurehead of Robin Ventura. We'll see how that scenario plays out.

So... yeah. That's what has been going on here on my end, which has been disrupting the natural flow of the blog. When I settle into a routine, expect a little more content. Until then, feel free to explore the over 2,000 previous posts. You never know what you may find. Like cards trapped in jars and an original WSC Venture Bros adventure.

Card Spotlight: 10-7-11

2011-10-07T19:50:00.000-05:00

1990 Toys "R" Us Rookies #28 - Robin Ventura

When the White Sox were searching for their new manager, I would have lost many bets with the choice of Robin Ventura. Not only was he not on my radar as a potential candidate, he was on nobody's radar, except for Kenny Williams.

If the White Sox were looking for the anti-Ozzie, I think they found it. Honestly, I don't recall ever hearing Robin Ventura speak during his playing days. The only act of impulse I remember him doing ended up in a headlock and a migraine. I have no doubt that he was a great teammate. That was accurately on display during his entire playing career. How does that translate to manager? I have no idea.

Imagine my surprise, while relaxing and fishing on the Chain O' Lakes yesterday, when text after text popped up letting me know that Ventura was named the new Sox manager. Apparently, everyone and their sibling wanted to try to be the first to tell me breaking White Sox news. I appreciate that.

What kind of a manager will Robin Ventura make? We'll see next year. The aspect of the hiring that bothers me a little is the lack of any type of coaching experience at the major or minor league level. The hire is interesting, nonetheless. People doubted Ozzie's ability to manage, but he also had a little bit of coaching experience under his belt. Hopefully, Ventura can prove the doubters wrong. Only time will tell.

Ozzie Exits Early

2011-09-26T23:12:00.000-05:00

I was driving a friend to a Big & Tall store in Orland Park, when we heard a press conference on the radio, back in November 2003. Ozzie Guillen had just been hired to manage the White Sox. While my friend was skeptical, I turned to him and said, "Now the White Sox will win the World Series".

Of course my friend laughed and thought I was a little crazier than usual. I was dead serious and within two seasons, my prophetic statement had come true.

The next six seasons were about pursuing a repeat of that magical season, where everything went right. There were good teams in that time. Some overachieved and came up short, others fell apart when it counted, and others underachieved to an astonishing degree, which proves that no matter how good things look on paper, the human element always trumps the best laid plans.

Love him or hate him, everyone can agree that Ozzie Guillen was never boring. He was truthful, sometimes to a fault. He tried to deflect the media's wrath away from his players. Ozzie was a protector, in that respect.

The events of tonight have been building for a long time. The timing of everything is odd. With only two games left, Ozzie wanted (and was granted) his release. Rather than manage two more games, Ozzie walked away, and presumably Joey Cora will fill in the rest of the season. This is the only part of this release that I find unsettling. Joey Cora is a great baseball mind and would make a great manager, but it feels like Ozzie didn't get exactly what he wanted, so he picked up his ball and asked to go home.

Fortunately for the Sox, the warning signs have been there and plans are in place for 2012. Kenny Williams is tight lipped about the potential plans and that's exactly the way it should be. While Ozzie chewed a reporter out this evening for talking before he was finished speaking, Kenny looked like he was on the verge of tears. I can only imagine what Jerry Reinsdorf was going through today.

It's been a tough season for White Sox fans in 2011. A promising season turned into a bevy of spectacular meltdowns. Changes will be made for 2012, but as to what exactly, we will all have to wait awhile.

So long, Ozzie. It's been a fun ride, but like all fun things, they have to end sometime. I'm glad it lasted as long as it did.

Card Spotlight: 9-23-11

2011-09-23T17:08:00.000-05:00

1912 T207 - Morrie Rath

Morrie Rath is one of several MLB players to commit suicide. Why do I bring this up? I mention it because I have had two family members and a few friends' family members commit this selfish act in the past decade. In 2007, my uncle, who I was extremely close to, left this world in this manner. In 2008, a cousin also chose this path.

For the second consecutive year, I will be participating in the AFSP Out Of The Darkness community walk. It will be held on Saturday morning, September 24th, in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. While I won't be raising any money this year, I will be supporting others who are. The annual event raises money for AFSP's vital research and education programs to prevent suicide and save lives, increase national awareness about depression and suicide, advocate for mental health issues, and assist survivors of suicide loss.

While we do not live in a perfect world, things are never as bad as they appear in the moment. Time heals, if you allow it. There are no answers to the tragic endings of suicide. It is fruitless to speculate the why after the fact, but where we can help is in prevention.

WSC Birth Years: Shane Lindsay

2011-09-14T13:04:00.000-05:00

Card #100 - Shane Lindsay

Born: January 25, 1985

Shane spent time in the Rockies, Yankees and Indians minor league organizations before signing with the White Sox in 2011. Lindsay spent most of the season in the minors, before being called up by the Pale Hose in September 2011. He made his MLB debut against the Tigers on September 2nd, striking out one and walking one in one inning of work.

Shane became the first Australian born player to pitch for the White Sox, when he made his debut, furthering the worldwide diversity of the Sox staff and players.

Lindsay had a disastrous second outing, where he gave up seven runs to the Tigers, but he has settled down in subsequent appearances. During the offseason, Shane plays for the Melbourne Aces of the Australian Baseball League.

Mr. 2,000 Part Two

2011-09-08T22:19:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to Juan Pierre on his 2,000 career hit!

Card Spotlight: 9-2-11

2011-09-02T12:11:00.001-05:00

1972 Topps #746 - Lowell Palmer

Joe Cool on a diamond.

Card Spotlight: 8-26-11

2011-08-26T12:42:00.002-05:00

2010 Upper Deck #130 - Paul Konerko

Let's highlight the most consistent White Sox hitter of the 2011 season. Whether he's bashing homers or playing through pain, Konerko has brought his "A" game from day one of the season.

Recently, Paulie got his 2,000th hit, making him the latest to accomplish that feat in a White Sox uniform. If Konerko wasn't on the White Sox this season, there would be no hope, however slim it may be, of still contending. Those hopes dash away with each game given away, but they still remain, largely due to the consistency of Paul Konerko.

2011 WSC Season Pass - Card #126

2011-08-25T16:04:00.000-05:00

2011 WSC Season Pass - Card #125

2011-08-25T16:02:00.000-05:00

2011 WSC Season Pass - Card #124

2011-08-25T16:00:00.001-05:00

Mr. 2,000

2011-08-23T23:37:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to Paul Konerko on his 2,000th hit!

Random Card #44

2011-08-23T00:17:00.001-05:00

2011 Topps Opening Day #125 - Adam Dunn

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rage at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Card Spotlight: 8-19-11

2011-08-19T21:55:00.002-05:00

1980 Topps #291 - Randy Scarbery

Just a quick card to keep the Card Spotlight rolling. Enjoy!

Just A Quick Note

2011-08-18T07:57:00.003-05:00

The Season Pass cards will be delayed a bit, while I focus on the start of a new job. Don't worry, they'll all be there, but I have to put them on the back burner temporarily. The plan is to be all caught up with them by the middle of next week.

Congrats, Jim Thome!!!

2011-08-15T22:09:00.002-05:00

Congratulations on your 600th career home run!!! You're a classy guy and I loved the time that you were in Chicago.

Random Card #43

2011-08-15T11:09:00.002-05:00

1973 Topps #261 - Pat Kelly

The powder blues of the early seventies and the dominating red colors of the White Sox uniform are just the capper on this card. The awkward, but surprisingly sweet smile is the real draw here. The draw for some will be the overhang of Yankee Stadium in the background, perfectly framing the left side of the photo. There are so many little cool details, I'll leave it to you to discover them all.

2011 WSC Season Pass - Card #123

2011-08-14T17:37:00.000-05:00

2011 WSC Season Pass - Card #122

2011-08-14T15:01:00.000-05:00

2011 WSC Season Pass - Card #121

2011-08-13T11:17:00.000-05:00

Card Spotlight: 8-12-11

2011-08-12T20:12:00.002-05:00

1994 Conlon #1003 - Sad Sam Jones

It's been a busy day and didn't have time to post earlier, so I thought I'd treat everyone to one of my favorite sets. This card came towards the end of the run, but the quality and care is still evident.

One of the great players with great nicknames, Sad Sam Jones, graces this card, as well as a few others in the set. There's one difference... this one shows Sad Sam in a White Sox uniform!

Enjoy the vintage photo on a sharp looking card and I'll get back to game, so I can post the latest WSC Season Pass card later. Sad Sam Jones. Just stare at him.

2011 WSC Season Pass - Card #120

2011-08-11T22:55:00.000-05:00

Why I Didn't Go To The National

2011-08-11T21:36:00.002-05:00

Many people have wondered why I didn't go to the National this year. It's a valid question, since it was practically on my doorstep. The main reason was money. Looking for steady work, that actually is attached to a paycheck, is difficult in the current economy. I've always prided myself in being a dependable worker, who usually does more than his fair share of the work. I know my strengths and weaknesses and don't try to kid myself about them.

Even with a sterling work history, with years long stretches at jobs and overlapping time at these jobs, it's been a struggle to stay afloat financially. Many people are in the same boat I am and unless you know someone, chances are you will be overlooked on the job front. I still keep plugging away every day and I know my luck will turn around. The law of averages is with me. Until then, I am forced to be frugal. My collecting has been mostly through trades this year. It satisfies my need for a hobby and it brings people closer together.

I just picked up my first two packs of cards in three months. I thought I needed a little pick me up, so I treated myself to a rack pack of Allen & Ginter and a rack pack of Topps Lineage. There was really nothing too special in either, but I did manage to find an Alexei Ramirez A&G card, so I'm happy. There's nothing like opening a pack of cards. Even though it was a couple of pretty dull packs, it felt magical opening them after such a long absence.

The overall reason was financial, but that's never stopped me from finding a way. The other reason I did not attend was medical. Somehow, I developed a nasty ear infection that knocked me off my feet for a few weeks. There was a reason for less posts during the last few weeks and that was it.

The ear infection has cleared up and things are starting to return to some normalcy, medically speaking. I expect the financial situation to improve sooner rather than later. Things (with the exception of one very recent private matter that some of you know about) have been looking up and I see no reason why that trend shouldn't continue.

The short answer is that I didn't have the spare cash and I was sick. The longer answer is a little more complicated, but it all boils down to essentially the same aspects. The fact of the matter is that I have been to card shows but I have never been to the National. I intend that to change soon. If not next year, shortly thereafter. And maybe I'll have some cool freebies to give out when that happens. Only time will tell.

2011 WSC Season Pass - Card #119

2011-08-11T10:56:00.000-05:00

WSC Birth Years: Jason Frasor

2011-08-10T11:46:00.001-05:00

Card #99 - Jason Frasor

Born: August 9, 1977

Jason was drafted into the Tigers organization in the thirty-third of the 1999 draft. After being traded to the Dodgers in 2002, he was converted from a starter into a reliever. He was then traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in 2004 for Jayson Werth.

It was with the Blue Jays where he finally made it to the majors. Eventually, in 2011, he surpassed Duane Ward in number of appearances for Toronto. A week and a half later, Jay was traded to the White Sox, along with Zach Stewart, for Edwin Jackson and Mark Teahen, in what became a salary dump for Chicago.

In Frasor, the Sox got a tough competitor, who will battle the hitters with every pitch. Ozzie Guillen used to hate for his team to face Jay because he gave the Sox hitters fits. Now, he's giving the Pale Hose opponents fits.

Jason is a south side native, who grew up rooting for the Cubs. He shed those allegiances and has given his all for the South Side. Frasor gives the Sox another option besides Jesse Crain in the late innings and has worked out better than expected since coming over.

2011 WSC Season Pass - Card #118

2011-08-10T01:06:00.000-05:00

2011 WSC Season Pass - Card #117

2011-08-09T02:08:00.000-05:00

2011 WSC Season Pass - Card #116

2011-08-07T23:18:00.000-05:00

WSC Vintage: Walt Kuhn

2011-08-07T19:53:00.001-05:00

Card #41 - Walt Kuhn

Walt signed with the White Sox in February 1912. He would play parts of three seasons with the Pale Hose, ending in 1914. Kuhn made his MLB debut on April 18, 1912 in a game against the St. Louis Browns. Regular catcher Billy Sullivan had great faith in Walt's abilities and supported him in his rookie campaign.

By 1913, Kuhn was given the starting catcher position, showing great promise, but by August, he had lost the starting job to future Hall of Fame catcher, Ray Schalk. After that, a series of injuries limited Walt's playing time. His MLB career caught stealing percentage is 45.54% and compares with Ivan Rodriguez.

In 1915, he was sold to the minor league Oakland Oaks and resumed his minor league career. While, finding some success in the minors, Kuhn was drafted into the army in 1918. While Sgt. Kuhn was in combat training in San Antonio, Texas, his roommate snapped him with a towel, as a joke, causing a permanent blindness in his right eye. Walt was honorably discharged after the incident.

After his MLB career was over, Kuhn joined the Dallas Police Department and took over as player/manager of the Modesto Reds. Walt died in 1935, from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, presumably brought on by his failing health.

2011 WSC Season Pass - Card #115

2011-08-07T02:41:00.000-05:00

2011 WSC Season Pass - Card #114

2011-08-06T18:03:00.000-05:00

Card Sotlight: 8-5-11

2011-08-05T16:08:00.000-05:00

1991 Topps Box Bottoms #F - Carlton Fisk

When I discovered that there were baseball cards on the bottom of the boxes in the grocery store, I quickly made friends with any and all employees. I asked if I could take the display box home. Most were fine with it, as long as the box was empty. Sometimes they put the caveat of purchasing a pack of cards with my free empty boxes, which was completely fine.

I discovered this in 1990. Ever since that point, I've made it a point to look at the bottoms of my boxes of cards. You don't see much of that today. I guess it has something to do with the demands of collectors that their cards be in pristine condition and pre-cut. You know, silly things like that. Don't get me wrong, these things are important, but I think collectors today get too caught up in condition for a card that is printed enough times to be a cheaper alternative to kitty litter.

I understand the need for it. I can get persnickety on condition and have rejected cards for the collection because I thought they were too poor of condition for my lofty standards. I get it. I really do. I fall into the same trap as everybody else. When I need a reality kick, I just dig out the cards that I cut out and collected as a kid.

This 1991 Topps card of Carlton Fisk is one of those cards. I thought I did such a careful job cutting out each card. I know I took special care in cutting out a Fisk card. I can see jagged edges everywhere on the card. In fact, I think I still own the pair of scissors that I cut the card out with, even though it was twenty years ago. I can take a look at those uneven edges and instantly be brought back to the stalking the aisles of local grocery and drug stores, making my rounds to see what boxes were empty and were ready for me to be picked up.

Occasionally, I was usurped by another enterprising collector, who beat me to the punch and snagged the box before I rode my bike to that particular store. I get the same feeling when I get sniped at the last second on eBay. It's annoying, but not the end of the world. There will always be another cards on the horizon. Another card to chase down. A never ending cycle, if you will.

People can get consumed by the sheer immenseness of the hobby. When it gets too complicated, the fun vanishes and one starts to wonder why they got into collecting in the first place. If the answer is money, you will be facing bitter disappointment. If everyone made money off their cards, then the card shop wouldn't be dying a slow death. I think back to all the card shops that were within biking distance of me twenty years ago. There must have been over a dozen. Now, there's only one.

A lot has changed in twenty years. I try to hold on to the same ideals that I did back then. I think I do pretty well with that. When it comes to collecting, I try to keep it fun. People lose that more often than you think. Bring it back to the basics that hooked you in the first place. From there, it's a lot of joy.

2011 WSC Season Pass - Card #113

2011-08-05T00:41:00.000-05:00

2011 WSC Season Pass - Card #112

2011-08-04T08:08:00.001-05:00

2011 WSC Season Pass - Card #111

2011-08-03T03:37:00.000-05:00

My White Sox Obsession

2011-08-02T16:46:00.000-05:00

A short while ago, I contacted Jeff from My Sports Obsession about a possible trade. We both collect White Sox cards and I had a bunch that were not on his list. If only he could hit a few cards off of my list, things would be great.

I have an abundant amount of White Sox cards, so I don't expect a lot of hits off of my list. It is pretty extensive, but save for a few pesky commons here and there, a good chunk of the list is unlikely to be in the average collection. I've been finding that logic to be faulty lately, as more traders have come up with stuff that blows my mind. I really couldn't ask for a better community to be a part of. People always tend to amaze me, in a good way.

My encounter with Jeff's list prompted me to finally join Zistle. I'm slowly putting my collection on there. It's not perfect, but it will do to help me get a more accurate assessment of my collection.

But enough about the wonders of Zistle, on to the wonders of the cards Jeff sent over.

1975 Topps
422 - Brian Downing
624 - Jim Otten (Rookie Pitchers)

2004 Studio
52 - Frank Thomas

2006 Topps Opening Day
90 - Mark Buehrle

2008 UD Documentary
1868 (June 13th)
3290 (August 3rd)
3291 (August 5th)

2009 UD Icons
16 - Carlos Quentin

2010 Bowman Draft
BDPP21 - Rangel Ravelo

2010 Bowman Platinum
81 - Gordon Beckham

2010 Topps 206
37 - Gordon Beckham
214 - John Danks

2010 Topps 206 Mini Polar Bear
217 - Alex Rios

2011 Bowman
196 - Brent Morel
211 - Gregory Infante

2011 Bowman Chrome Prospects
BCP74 - Jim Gallagher

2011 Bowman Prospects
BP74 - Jim Gallagher
BP95 - Addison Reed

2011 Gypsy Queen
116 - Jake Peavy

2011 Topps Heritage
214 - Chris Sale

Thanks, Jeff! I'm now closer than ever to completing the 1975 Topps set and you managed to finish off a few pesky sets for me. I'll be mailing your package off tomorrow. I hope you enjoy your cards as much as I've enjoyed the ones that you sent over.

2011 WSC Season Pass - Card #110

2011-08-02T02:30:00.000-05:00

2011 WSC Season Pass - Card #109

2011-08-01T13:49:00.000-05:00

2011 WSC Season Pass - Card #108

2011-07-31T04:02:00.000-05:00

2011 WSC Season Pass - Card #107

2011-07-30T01:22:00.000-05:00

Card Spotlight: 7-29-11

2011-07-29T18:34:00.000-05:00

2000 Topps #139 - Brook Fordyce

I'll admit that I don't remember too much about Brook Fordyce on the White Sox. I do remember that he had a mini radio show on one of the AM sports radio stations when he was with the White Sox. I do remember having a strong opinion about him (I liked him on the Sox), but for the life of me, I can't recall any single memory of his playing days.

I'm guessing that Mark Johnson and Charles Johnson (no relation) took away most of those memories. In fact, I was probably blinded by the fact that Harold Baines came back to the Sox, along with his replacement Charles Johnson, that Fordyce was just a distant but pleasant memory buried in the nooks and crannies of my mind.

This is one of the reasons why I enjoy collecting cards. It jogs my memory. Players that I liked, but were only a blip on my radar, can instantly be remembered, even if those memories aren't so clear. I remember Brook Fordyce over such catchers as Chad Kreuter and Charlie O'Brien and Robert Machado. I suppose that's the important thing. Pleasant, fuzzy memories can be a good thing. Someday, they may coax a better memory.

Trading With Morgan

2011-07-28T19:06:00.002-05:00

This has been sitting on my desk since the weekend, but I've been a little under the weather since then, so excuse my lateness.

Before any more time slipped by, I wanted to thank Morgan for sending me a few White Sox cards. Ranging from 1992 to 2011, most were pesky thorns in my side that just didn't make the journey to my collection... until now.

The most interesting card of the lot would have to be the 1992 National Convention promo of Frank Thomas for a magazine called Profiles In Sports. Honestly, I don't remember ever seeing the magazine, but a little online search produced images of Nolan Ryan and Mickey Mantle as other cards offered in the promotion.

The scanner doesn't do the card justice. That pale yellow color that dominates the card is actually a blinding rainbow of foil colors in even the dimmest light. It's a nice precursor to the shiny rainbow foil explosion that would happen just a few short years later.

Thanks, Morgan! The cards you sent over were great! I'm hoping to drop off your package at the post office tomorrow. I think you'll be happy with what you find in there.

2011 WSC Season Pass - Card #106

2011-07-27T17:25:00.000-05:00

Welcome Home, Jay Frasor

2011-07-27T11:11:00.002-05:00

I've been lobbying for years for the White Sox to pick up Jason Frasor and it's finally happened. The Sox traded for Jay and starter Zach Stewart from the Toronto Blue Jays and part with Edwin Jackson and Mark Teahen.

I'm one of the few White Sox fans who liked Teahen. He is a great guy and very funny, but he is overpaid for what he does and his style of play is very frustrating. Edwin Jackson is also a great guy and can go deep into games. The downside was a high pitch total and the potential for derailment at any time. The most annoying part is that they could have been so much more with a little consistency.

Alejandro De Aza was called up and is starting in center field today. This should help stabalize the outfield a little more. Teahen was a nightmare in the outfield and no picnic at the corner infield positions. This is definitely an upgrade.

Jason Frasor is a hard thrower, who knows how to get batters out. He should fit right in with what the ideal Sox bullpen should be.

Welcome to the White Sox, Jay! I'd say you'd love it here, but growing up in the south suburbs, you already know that.

2011 WSC Season Pass - Card #105

2011-07-27T01:21:00.000-05:00

2011 WSC Season Pass - Card #104

2011-07-26T02:09:00.000-05:00

Favorite Cards: San Diego Padres

2011-07-25T20:54:00.000-05:00

1985 Topps #2 - Steve Garvey (Record Breaker)

When I was a kid, I devoured any statistical information I could about baseball. I was enamored with records being broken and the odd little things that always seem to pop up in the sport. With that ravenous appetite for math, it's hard to believe that it was my worst subject.

By 1985, I was into cards collecting for my third season. The 1985 sets were ones that I obsessively collected. Topps and Fleer were the ones that I bought regularly. For some odd reason, I could never find a pack of Donruss in the mid-eighties. I gobbled up cards, stickers, rub-downs... anything that had baseball players on it, I bought. I even purchased a few packs of Topps 3-D, but could't figure out what to do with them. They always got ruined, so I think I stopped at three packs.

Fleer and Topps always provided a thrill when opening a pack. I loved the special cards of Fleer and I loved the subsets in Topps. Topps was especially ripe with subsets in 1985. I can remember being thrilled each time I got a Father/Son or a Draft Pick card. It started an appreciation of Shawn Abner, that I still cannot explain fully to this day. I've brought out my love of Shawn Abner before, or should I say, Johann Gambolputty de von Ausfern-schplenden-schlitter-crasscrenbon-fried-digger-dingle-dangle-dongle-dungle-burstein-von-knacker-thrasher-apple-banger-horowitz-ticolensic-grander-knotty-spelltinkle-grandlich-grumblemeyer-spelterwasser-kurstlich-himbleeisen-bahnwagen-gutenabend-bitte-ein- nürnburger-bratwustle-gerspurten-mitz-weimache-luber-hundsfut-gumberaber-shönedanker-kalbsfleisch-mittler-aucher von Hautkopft of Ulm.

The cards that combines all of my interests were the Record Breaker cards in the 1985 Topps set. I would study each one for what seemed like hours. Sure, I loved the Fisk card. It was a huge commodity around my neighborhood. The card that captured my attention more than any other of that subset was Steve Garvey. Yes, an errorless streak is impressive, but I was more concerned with how the front of the card looked.

I know know that the background is from inside the stadium, but as a kid, I could never figure out what the blurred object was in the background. That blob fascinated me to no end. At first glance, it looked like the setting sun was behind Steve Garvey. The yellow, brown an orange color scheme on the uniform just seemed to reinforce that glance. My imagination back then was limitless and this card will always remind me of that.

Most people see a card that with a slightly out of focus picture, with a fantastic player, just standing there, who accomplished an amazing feat, but I see the innocence of my youth and the unimaginable amount of possibilities that were ahead.

Win This Card!

2011-07-25T19:07:00.003-05:00

Do you want to win a free 1952 Topps style Nellie Fox card? Click here and identify a player by answering a few questions about the 1952 Topps set. Good luck. We're all counting on you.

2011 WSC Season Pass - Card #103

2011-07-25T00:58:00.000-05:00

Red Herrings

2011-07-24T23:35:00.000-05:00

In my quest to see an example of every White Sox card, I run into some strange sights. The more I try to understand the mentality of some releases, the more I get confused. Just when I think I have everything figured out, something that shouldn't be appears.

While researching the 1910 E271 Darby Chocolates set, I noticed that Patsy Dougherty had a card. Through internet research, I found an expired auction for the uncut card. There was "Pat", as he was called on the card, in all his glory. I could add another one to the list.

Upon closer inspection, I noticed Patsy wearing a New York Highlanders uniform. What makes this especially odd is that Dougherty last played for New York in the middle of the 1906 season. Ever since then, he had been with the Chicago White Sox. In fact, in most candy sets, Patsy Dougherty is the only White Sox player to have a card. This left me puzzled. It's not like I can get in my time machine and ask someone from 1910 why this is. Then, I discovered this ad from 1906.
No, it has nothing to do with the cards or 1910. Instead, it lists the company address as in Baltimore, Maryland. This would lead me to believe that either the date on the candy is wrong or the company has an east coast bias, like ESPN.

Under closer inspection, I didn't need to look any further than the box. It mentions Baltimore and on the Sam Crawford side there is a 1910 copyright date. I guess I'll chalk it up to wanting regional players on their packaging to sell more chocolates. Still, it's curious that the company would use a player who only played the equivalent of two seasons with the Highlanders. Could it be because he made his home in New York state? The world may never know.

2011 WSC Season Pass - Card #102

2011-07-24T01:44:00.000-05:00

Chicago Bandits Nine - Designated Hitter

2011-07-23T01:00:00.002-05:00

Back in the nineteenth century, when the original cards were made, there was no such thing as a designated hitter. Times have changed and no matter how you feel about the position, it has been adopted in official baseball and softball games alike. The Chicago Bandits do use the position in their game, so there will be an additional card. It throws the "nine" part off slightly, but that's progress.

Position number ten, designated hitter.

2011 WSC Season Pass - Card #101

2011-07-23T00:30:00.000-05:00

Card Spotlight: 7-22-11

2011-07-22T20:32:00.000-05:00

1951 Topps Connie Mack All-Stars #3 - Eddie Collins

There are many Topps issues that you don't hear much about. As far as their revisionist history goes, there was nothing before the iconic 1952 set. Sometimes that blue backs and red backs of 1951 will get a little love, but it's pretty rare. Rarer still? The Connie Mack All-Stars set.

Serious collectors have heard of this set, but the casual collector will be left scratching their heads. It has similarities to the more well known to the blue back and red back cards. They both have black and white photographs and solid color backgrounds. That's where the similarity ends.

The card towers over the regular Topps 1951 set at 2 1/4 x 5 1/4 inches. Topps and other companies would go back to this idea numerous times over the years. This set was a precursor to the Donruss All-Star Pop-Up set, among others. More collectors are familiar with the Donruss set than this one, but the principle is the same. The player could be popped out of the background and be ready for some 2-D action! Maybe I just discovered why these types of sets don't get made each year. How many people want to have a pop out baseball player? These were fun, when I was a kid, but with all the technology today, I could see kids getting bored very quickly.

This is a nice pick up, if you can find one. It just goes to show that no matter how much Topps wants us to believe everything started with the 1952 set, there will always be a few practice sets lurking in the shadows.

Chicago Bandits Nine - Right Field

2011-07-22T02:23:00.000-05:00

Position number nine, right field.

Chicago Bandits Nine - Center Field

2011-07-21T02:01:00.000-05:00

Position number eight, center field.

2011 WSC Season Pass - Card #100

2011-07-21T00:11:00.000-05:00

WSC Birth Years: Hector Santiago

2011-07-20T20:39:00.000-05:00

Card #98 - Hector Santiago

Born: December 16, 1987

Santiago was selected in the 30th round of the 2006 amateur draft by the White Sox. He made a slow climb up the ranks, landing in AA Birmingham for the first time in 2011. Once there, he was plucked onto the parent team.

Hector was called up to replace John Danks on the roster. Santiago made his MLB debut on July 6, 2011 against the Kansas City Royals. He pitched a perfect ninth inning.

The next day, he came into the game, against the Minnesota Twins, with two out in the fourth inning. Philip Humber had a rare bad outing and Santiago stepped in to mop up. Hector gave up one hit and one walk over four and a third innings.

When Danks returned from the DL, Hector was sent back to AA. While he was up with the Sox, everyone raved about his command, so expect Santiago to be called back up, if needed.

Chicago Bandits Nine - Left Field

2011-07-20T01:35:00.000-05:00

Position number seven, left field.

2011 WSC Season Pass - Card #99

2011-07-20T01:33:00.000-05:00

Chicago Bandits Nine - Shortstop

2011-07-19T14:10:00.001-05:00

Position number six, shortstop.

2011 WSC Season Pass - Card #98

2011-07-19T13:24:00.000-05:00

The Ex Files: Oil Can Boyd

2011-07-18T15:22:00.000-05:00

I can hear the first thought in your head.

"Oil Can was on the Red Sox, not the White Sox, you idiot", would be my guess. And that's where you and your thoughts would be wrong.

Dennis was selected in the sixteenth round of the 1980 amateur draft by the Red Sox. He made his debut with Boston in 1982 and went on to great success, winning forty-three games in a three year span.

Things went downhill after 1986 and found himself finishing his MLB time with the Montreal Expos in 1990 and 91 and the Texas Rangers in 1991. Boyd went off the radar for a couple years, but found himself pitching again in the Mexican League in 1993.

When the strike happened in 1994, the World Series wasn't played for the first time since 1904. The 1995 season was in jeopardy and the owners had to put some type of product on the field. Each club raided their minor leagues and relied on former MLB players and something that resembled the recruiting process in the movie Major League.

Oil Can stepped up and became the most vocal replacement player and in turn became the face of the entire movement. The White Sox signed him to a contract and he was the star player of the replacement team, which came within days of playing actual MLB games. Judge Sonia Sotomayor ruled in the players favor and the regular players started the shortened season.

Shortly after the White Sox stint, Oil Can went back to the Sioux City Explorers. He bounced around the minors until 1997, but pitched again in 2005 for the Brockton Rox, in an attempt to make it back to the majors. He announced his intentions to return to the majors again in 2009, but found no suitors.

"To be honest, I hate where Major League Baseball has gone," said Boyd. "It's so straight-laced and business orientated. There's no interaction with the fans; no joy and passion and excitement. I might be old, I might be odd, I might be a strange story at first glance, but any team that takes a shot on me will find someone who's doing it for the right reasons. For the love of the game."