Best of 1973 Topps

[stlcardsfan]

Originally Posted by nolemmings

I don't see the eyeglasses on the other player. Although 2B Horace Clarke wore glasses, he was black and that player looks white to me--also, Horace was 5 inches shorter than Ellis.

I'm betting this game was played on 6-12-71, and the photo was from the bottom of the 5th when, with a runner on first, Oakland's Bando hit a ground ball fielded by Ellis at 1B, who tossed to Stottlemyre (around the same height as Ellis) covering but was ruled safe by 1B ump Luciano. Oakland went on to break the game open with a five-run inning, prevailing 13-3 behind Vida Blue.

Road uni's and the fact that Ellis played no 1B against Oakland in 1972 (or 1970) takes us to 1971. Ump definitely looks like Luciano. Ellis diving to make play would explain why dirt is on sleeve and no throw to second to get lead runner. Close play would explain beef. Other player likely Stottlemyre. Bando did not play at all in the only other NY-Oak road games from '71 where Ellis was at 1B.

Nice detective work, Todd. I'm buying your conclusion.

[Samsdaddy]

Originally Posted by stlcardsfan

Nice detective work, Todd. I'm buying your conclusion.

Me too.

Thought I see glasses but I am sure it is not glasses.

[paulcarek]

I dig the sweet rides behind the chain link fence in this one.

[PM770]

OK, I'm caught up now. Great action shots again. So many of the superstars I'd love to include but those action shots are just too good. My top 5:

1) Fred Patek - This is an great looking shot. Many others similar like M. Andrews and Fuentes for example, but this is my favorite of that group.

2) Johnny Bench - I agree this is his best card. I used '76 so I won't be able to include his '68, but those are the rules and I prefer the look of his '76 & '73 to '68.

3) Vida Blue - The best Vida Blue card out there. Very similar to a lot of the other great pitcher action shots like the Marichal but I'm going with Blue as the best of the bunch.

4) Bill Freehan - OK, I have a second base action shot, A pitcher action shot and I need a play at the plate action shot. Great shot of Freehan reaching to make the tag.

5) Pat Corrales - This is a funny action shot. Corrales looks like a turtle on his back in this one. He looks to be in a bit of pain.

I also want to add honorable mentions to all the playoff and world series cards. All of them are great in this set.

[Rickyy]

This was the first set I seriously attempted to complete as a kid. For some reason I couldn't find the 4th series in plentiful supply in my area..so ended up buying one from Larry Fristch...the balance was pieced together one by one. I got hooked by the funky Atlanta Braves hats that year...and for some reason I always loved this card of Davey Johnson...

Ricky Y

[ALR-bishop]

[bbbombers]

First set I collected in my youth. Always loved the action shots.