On the blog today, we look at the image variations on Jim mason's 1977 Topps and OPC cards, the latest in my long-running thread on the subject:
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| OPC version |
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| Topps version |
I promise you, I
remember the exact moment I first pulled the Topps version out of a pack
as an eight-year-old in 1977, because the image Topps used looks like
Mason is crying. At least it did so to my young mind at that time.
If
you know about Mason's career, it would make sense since he was coming
off a World Series as a member of the New York Yankees in which he
homered in his 1st at-bat!
So to find himself suddenly suiting
up for a new Toronto Blue Jays franchise after glory days with the
Yankees, yeah, I'd be a bit upset as well!
Mason fashioned a nine-year career as a guy off the bench, with
1974 being his only full season when he played in 152 games and came to
the plate 487 times. He even hit .250 which would be the high mark of
his career.
As mentioned, in 1977 he was an original member of the Toronto Blue Jays, and was
soon sent to the Texas Rangers in mid-season, before finishing up his
career with the Montreal Expos in 1979.
It's funny because as a kid collecting cards in the 1970's he was
always there (except for '76 of course), yet looking at his career now
it's evident how much a card presence elevates a player's career.
All told he hit .203 for his career with 12 homers and 114 runs batted in and 140 runs scored over 633 games and 1583 at-bats.