Have you ever seen a cheesier airbrush job on an Orioles card than this paint-by-numbers treatment of reserve outfielder Mike Anderson? Sure, the dude only hit .094 in 32 at-bats in Charm City, but he still deserved better. As long as they were making cosmetic touches to Mike's photo, they could have done something to make him look less seedy. If I had been a little'un in 1979 and I pulled this card out of a pack, it would have given me the serious heebie-jeebies. Can any of my older readers confirm any feelings of unease associate with this card? Have at it in the comments.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Vintage Fridays: Mike Anderson, 1979 Topps #102
Have you ever seen a cheesier airbrush job on an Orioles card than this paint-by-numbers treatment of reserve outfielder Mike Anderson? Sure, the dude only hit .094 in 32 at-bats in Charm City, but he still deserved better. As long as they were making cosmetic touches to Mike's photo, they could have done something to make him look less seedy. If I had been a little'un in 1979 and I pulled this card out of a pack, it would have given me the serious heebie-jeebies. Can any of my older readers confirm any feelings of unease associate with this card? Have at it in the comments.
I didn't realize this was an airbrushed card. Topps shouldn't have bothered - in 1979 Anderson was back with the Phillies.
ReplyDeletePhils had a real 'thing' for him didn't they. Drafted him and signed him off waivers twice!
ReplyDeleteHey the guy actually struck out two batters in an inning of work as a pitcher in '79. Maybe he was trying to play the wrong position all that time.
Jim - To think that Topps made sure that Mike Anderson got a card with the Orioles, but they never got around to Reggie Jackson...
ReplyDeleteBob - I wonder if he threw a knuckleball.
To be honest, that's a pretty good O's airbrush job compared to, say:
ReplyDelete--Earl Williams 1973
--Ross Grimsley 1975
--Jim Northrup 1975
--Bob Oliver 1975
For some of my all-time faves, though (non-O's) you'd have to go back to 1971. If you get the chance, check these out:
Dick Williams #714
Mike Marshall #713
Fred Lasher #707
Don O'Riley #679
Gerry Janeski #673
and my all-time fave,
Gene Brabender #666
Dave - Upon closer inspection, I'd go with Northrup as the worst. Not only is the Bird lousy looking, it looks pixellated somehow.
ReplyDeleteHe was one of my favorite players. I dressed up as him one Halloween. Good times!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Dave on the 1971 Mike Marshall...That card was stunning...The O'Riley thing looked just plain stupid, but the Mike Marshall card is in a class by itself...
ReplyDelete