Vintage Fridays: Davey Johnson, 1969 Topps #203

I really dig these cards from the first few years of Davey Johnson's career. He never had matinee idol looks, to put it mildly, but there was some kind of burning intensity in his face. This card especially captures the wide-eyed look that seems equal parts fear and determination, along with the buck teeth protruding in a sort of snarl. He is awash in anticipation of whatever may come his way, and if it's a line drive or a bad-hop grounder, all the better. The unique looking-up camera angle adds to the intrigue, as Davey's outstretched right palm and impossibly large left-hand second baseman's glove seem to be reaching straight out of the card to grab you. Davey's ready; are you?