Airbrushed Fridays: 1987 Topps Traded #81T

First off, here's a video primer for today's post. I shall not be mentioning it further, so it's best just clicked on and admired. I won't disrespect Ozzie like that, though.

Kevin Mitchell was a former MVP outfielder who played for 8 major league teams (and 1 Japanese team) in 14 seasons. He was known for his erratic behavior, the 47 HRs he hit in 1989 (the MVP season) and... oh... that video I wasn't going to mention.

Why did Topps airbrush Kevin's photo? Mitchell was shipped from the Mets to the Padres in the offseason following the Mets championship. By all accounts, it seems like the Mets recognized Mitchell's potential but already had reservations about some of his behavior. He did not last long with his new club, either, and was part of a 7-player midseason deal with the Giants where he would eventually move to the outfield fulltime by his MVP season.

What's wrong with this picture, anyway? The SF cap logo is a little jacked up. His jersey is threatening to disappear before it reaches the lower border of the photo. The background actually reminds me of something that might be used for a courtroom photo. But Mitchell himself... he looks rather sad and contemplative. Perhaps he already sees the writing on the wall that he'll be tossed around through so many franchises throughout his career. Enjoy your time with the Giants, Kevin!

(If you are interested in obtaining a card featured here, please send me an e-mail. If you have a card you would like to nominate for Airbrushed Fridays, please get in touch as well. I will require that I am able to see the card in person, either on loan or as a donation, so that I can examine the card and experience it in all its cruddiness.)