Wednesday, April 30, 2014

1978 JIM SUNDBERG: IN-GAME ACTION DONE RIGHT

Maybe because it kind of reminds me of my all-time favorite card, the 1976 Topps Johnny Bench card, but I have always loved the 1978 Topps card of Rangers catcher Jim Sundberg (#492).
Take a look:

Dig the blurred faces in the crowd...

Just a beautiful in-game shot of Sundberg at the plate, with (for once!) an unidentified player in the foreground that actually works! It frames the photo just right, with Sundberg looking in the direction of the camera, intense as can be!
Great card!
Sundberg had a very good 16-year career playing for the Rangers, Brewers, Royals and Cubs between 1974 and 1989.
From the late-70's to the early 80's he was the top defensive catcher in the American League, taking home the Gold Glove six straight years between 1976-1981, and received some M.V.P. consideration in 1977 and 1978.
He retired from the game after the 1989 season, with the second most games caught (behind Bob Boone) in Major League history at that time.