Airbrushed Fridays: 1978 Topps #539

I can barely contain my rage at the way Bud Selig is intent on ruining MLB. The moving of the Astros nonsense is bad enough, but I can't believe the 1-game playoff idea is going forward, perhaps as soon as next season. Interleague play every day? Is there any major professional sport worth watching anymore?

Vic Davalillo was an All-Star outfielder turned utility player and defensive specialist who spent 15 seasons in the majors, logging 5 postseason appearances with 3 teams. He became such a prolific pinch-hitter in later seasons that he actually set a National League record with 24 pinch hits in 1970 with St. Louis.

Why did Topps airbrush Vic's photo? Vic spent three years in the Mexican League leading up to his return to the majors with the Dodgers late in the 1977 season, as he was acquired for their stretch run to the playoffs. This likely dates the photo used on this card back to 1974 or before.

What's wrong with this picture, anyway? Well, it looks like Davalillo's shirt was used as an experimental painting canvas. The LA logo on his cap isn't the worst I've seen, but there's a really goofy electric blue halo on his head.

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.