Sunday, June 3, 2012

Frank Robinson, 2012 Topps Gypsy Queen Moonshots #MS-FR

I'm pretty indifferent to the Gypsy Queen hullabaloo, but this is a mighty appealing card. There's the deep plum-colored border, which is superior to the bland, muted earth tones that are prevalent in the regular set.  Then there's the focus of the card; it commemorates Frank Robinson's towering home run off of Cleveland pitcher Luis Tiant on Sunday, May 8, 1966. It was Robby's second home run in that day's doubleheader, it gave the O's a 2-0 lead in the nightcap of the twinbill, and it was the only ball that ever left Memorial Stadium on the fly. For decades afterward, a simple orange flag flew at the stadium. It read "HERE" in plain black letters, and it was planted in the left field stands where the ball left the premises. Frank's clout reportedly traveled 541 feet, and according to the Hall of Famer himself, the original flag has been in his possession since the club left Memorial Stadium at the end of the 1991 season.

3 comments:

  1. I love the fans in the background looking skyward as they follow the ball's path toward history.

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  2. I loved this card, but I knew it would be more appreciated 250 miles south.

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  3. Randy - Not to be a downer, but the photo probably isn't from the event itself. Frank looks like he's wearing the early 1970s uniform with the tri-color waistband. Still a great picture though.

    Max - It truly is, thank you.

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