Jerry Hairston, Jr., 2003 Topps Chrome #148

Like any good action shot, the photo on this card inspired me to track down the game in which it was snapped. Assuming it dates back to 2002, this was an easy one. The runner sliding into second base is Mike Sweeney...trust me, it's clearer in person. The Royals played a single four-game series in Baltimore that year, and Sweeney appeared - and reached base - in each game. Jerry Hairston did not play in the opener, but started at second base in the other three. Only once was there a play at second involving Kansas City's DH.

Our game is Saturday, May 4, 2002. The O's put it out of reach early with a five-run second inning against Royals starter Jeff Suppan. Tony Batista got things started with a solo home run, and Melvin Mora added a three-run shot. An inning later, Marty Cordova also clubbed a three-run homer. Meanwhile, rookie Rodrigo Lopez cruised for the Birds. It was 9-0 in the top of the sixth when Sweeney reached on a one-out single. The next batter was Carlos Beltran, who grounded a 1-0 pitch to shortstop Mike Bordick, who tossed it to Hairston to force Sweeney at second. Jerry fired the relay to first to complete the double play and end the inning. In all, Lopez threw seven shutout innings, allowing five hits and improving to 4-0. The final score was 10-0, and the Orioles reached .500 for the season (15-15). The next day they would complete a four-game sweep of K.C.