I got the 1986 Topps Traded set for my 11th birthday. Despite internal and external warnings that opening or touching anything could potential diminish the value of a complete factory set, especially one in the Year of the Rookie (Jose Canseco! Wally Joyner! Will Clark!), I couldn't wait to rip the thing open and put the cards in plastic sheets so I could stare at all of the players. My 11 year old self instantly recognized that there was something seriously wrong with many of the photos in this set.Paul Zuvella was a journeyman reserve infielder for much of the '80s who logged just 545 plate appearances in 9 MLB seasons. Apparently, his true claim to fame is that he was shown in TV footage of a game that is playing in a bar in the movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
Why did Topps airbrush Paul's photo? Zuvella was part of a late June trade that brought Ken Griffey to the Braves. Honestly, the fact that they had any stock photos of Zuvella was probably quite an accomplishment.
Why did Topps airbrush Paul's photo? Zuvella was part of a late June trade that brought Ken Griffey to the Braves. Honestly, the fact that they had any stock photos of Zuvella was probably quite an accomplishment.What's wrong with this picture, anyway? If there's one thing I've learned from doing these posts, it's that Yankees logos and gear absolutely cannot be fabricated without looking ridiculous. You know what isn't ridiculous, though? That mustache.
If you Google Paul Zuvella you get his web site and phone #. He's in real estate now. And no more 'stache.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.paulzuvella.com/
Oh, and watching Braves games on TBS back in the day they were high on him. They were also high on guys like Andres Thomas and Raffy Ramirez. I think they were just high.