Vintage Fridays: Boog Powell, 1971 Topps Super #5

Now that I've fully committed to the "oddball week" theme, let's super-size it. There are few better subjects for an extra-large, extra-thick card than the Orioles' heavyweight first baseman and the American League's Most Valuable Player of 1970. If you want more details about the 1971 Topps Super set, I wrote up Dave McNally's card a few years ago. There's a lot to take in when it comes to Boog's card, from his confident smirk to his reproduced signature of John "Boog" Powell, and of course the unmistakable white frieze of the old Yankee Stadium. There are a few other Orioles players or coaches preparing for the afternoon's game in the background. My favorite thing about the photo may be the clear signs of strain as Powell's gray road jersey struggles to contain his bulging torso. The Booger was truly one of a kind.