Keith Jackson Tight End, Miami Dolphins 1993 Classic Pro Line Profiles #524
Pro Line Fact: When Keith Jackson was growing up in Little Rock, Arkansas, his mother Gladys had to work two jobs to provide for Keith, his brother Byron, and his sister Gwenitt. GMT Fact: Following his mother's example, Keith sought additional employment by testing his acting chops. He was said to have auditioned for the role of 227's Lester Jenkins by simply handing them the family photo that wound up on his 1993 Classic Pro Line Profile card. Ultimately, he lost out to Sanford & Son's Officer Smitty, Hal Williams.
Bob Grich Second Baseman, California Angels 1984 Topps #315
Topps Fact: Walloped 2 Homers at Kansas City, 6-25-83 GMT Fact: Walloped George Brett and Dan Quisenberry with 2 of his patented "stink palms" following the game.
I came across a goldmine of unintentional comedy when I recently inherited a 1980 Philadelphia Phillies yearbook.
I'll be periodically scanning things in and posting both here and at HHR.
Before they were big league juicers and heart breakers, Bret and Aaron Boone appeared in the yearbook with their parents and younger brother, Matthew, whom they now affectionately refer to as the "Cooper Manning" of the family.
Andres Santana Shortstop, San Francisco Giants 1990 Bowman #230
Bowman Fact: He played at San Jose in 1989. GMT Fact: Long before Miguel Tejada made headlines for blowing up during an ESPN interview over suspicious questions about his age, fellow Dominican shortstop Andres Santana was engaged in similar shenanigans. While his 1990 Bowman Card lists him as being born on 3-19-68, numerous baseballreferencesites actually list him as being born 2-5-68. Regardless of his age, he sucked.
Ernie Whitt Catcher, Atlanta Braves 1990 Bowman #16
Bowman Fact: Acq: Trade with Blue Jays, 12-18-89. GMT Fact: Earned his acting chops as Kevin Costner's battery mate in the 1999 classic, For the Love of the Game.
Whats more beautiful, the way in which they squat down and take pride in their position, or the sweet smell of spring training in the background?
Love how with the exception of Berryhill, none bothers to put on their equipment. Here's hoping they were sans cup and opened themselves up to a Vin di Bona smorgasbord.
Damon Berryhill Catcher, Chicago Cubs 1990 Bowman #33
Bill Schroeder Catcher, Milwaukee Brewers 1989 Topps # 563
Jim Sundberg Catcher, Texas Rangers 1989 Topps #78
Jody Davis Catcher, Chicago Cubs ("Now With Braves") 1989 Topps #115
Scott Bradley Catcher, Seattle Mariners 1990 Bowman #483
Throughout the 80's, Twins pitcher John "JB" Butcher moonlighted as a guitarist for the band Styx under the stage name James "JY" Young. He can be found today on the Indian casino/state fair circuit with members of REO Speedwagon and Journey.
John Butcher Pitcher, Minnesota Twins 1986 Topps #638
Topps Fact: Earned his 1st major league Win: 9-8-80. GMT Fact: To this day, still considered among the ugliest players in Twins history.
Frank White Second Baseman, Kansas City Royals 1987 Topps #692
Topps Fact: ACQ: Free Agent, 7-2-70 GMT Fact: So popular in the black community in the 1970's & 80's was longtime Royals' second baseman Frank White, that Biggie Smalls aka Big Poppa aka The Notorious B.I.G. paid homage to him by adopting his name.
Luis Gonzalez 1st Baseman, Houston Astros 1991 Fleer #507
Fleer Fact: Weight: 180 GMT Fact: Luis Gonzalez has never used PEDs and resents you insinuating that he has. He's still just the same skinny, ugly kid from Tampa that he's always been.
Or feel free to share your own ridiculous collectables.
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The Common Man
Gem Mint Ten has taken over in housing HuggingHaroldReynold.com's vast sports card and memorabilia collection to preserve the legacy of our cardboard heroes of yesteryear.
And by "heroes" we mean 2 cent commons we have kept strictly for comedic purposes.