is Pete Rose giving the finger

[ocjack]

I don't know if this is old news, but I was going through some old sets and noticed that the Fleer 1981 set, card #645 titled "Triple Threat" and showing Schmidt, Rose and Bowa appears to show Rose with his middle finger outside the glove. As I said, was everyone aware of this except me - or worse, did I know and simply forgot (more and more likely every day).

[Exhibitman]

Nope, index. Common with 1B players.

This is a middle finger:

[ocjack]

That's what I thought initially and I guess it's possible his hand is covering his little finger. But I couldn't see any view of a white glove under his hand. But I agree, Billy is certainly having fun with the photographer.

[deweyinthehall]

Kills me to say this because I have very hard feelings against Rose, but I will give him credit where it's due - I don't think he would have done something like that, certainly not intentionally. Billy Martin? No doubt.

[Deertick]

I remember Steve Carlton gave the finger in the 1976 team photo that was an insert in the Sunday paper.

Edit: Found it

[Aquarian Sports Cards]

Originally Posted by ocjack

I don't know if this is old news, but I was going through some old sets and noticed that the Fleer 1981 set, card #645 titled "Triple Threat" and showing Schmidt, Rose and Bowa appears to show Rose with his middle finger outside the glove. As I said, was everyone aware of this except me - or worse, did I know and simply forgot (more and more likely every day).

That's an index finger. many players keep their index finger outside the glove.

[saucywombat]

I made the same mistake looking at this Billy Ripken card.

I was thinking this guy is just the card obscenity king.

[saucywombat]

Best actual example I know of:

[lowpopper]

Frank Thomas wins

[seanofjapan]

Frank Thomas on his 1991 Upper Deck card also looks a bit like he is giving the finger to someone.

[icurnmedic]

Is rose wearing a sweater? Man alive, that is thick!