Up For Grabs Cardinalpalooza: Keith Hernandez

Previously on the Cardinalpalooza: Steve Carlton | Lance Berkman | Lou Brock | Dennis Eckersley | Matt Holliday | Bob Gibson

Time has a funny way of changing the perception of someone. Keith Hernandez was once an MVP, World Series champion and Gold Glove extraordinaire who had a bit of a coke problem in the '80s (but who didn't?). Now he's the Seinfeld guy who does Just For Men commercials and hams it up on Mets TV broadcasts. His time with the Cardinals seems several lifetimes ago, but in the times I've caught him in the broadcast booth recently he's had nothing but glowing things to say about St. Louis for whatever reason.

As always, the list follows at the end of the rest of the words.

I suppose this is the appropriate time to say that none of my '70s extra Keiths are in great shape. This is an interesting shot that almost looks like he stepped in front of a camera that was originally aimed at something further in the background. Or, perhaps, I'm just crazy.

Keith isn't in the cage, but he still has his batting helmet on. Any guesses as to whether he just finished up and is giving pointers to (or heckling) a teammate, or he's just getting ready to get his swings in?

The list:

1976 Topps #542 [creased, soft corners]
1977 Topps #95 [2 available: 1 is creased w/ soft corners and 1 has soft corners]
1980 Topps (Batting Leaders w/ Fred Lynn) #201
1981 Fleer #545
1981 Topps #420 [2 available]
1982 Donruss #278
1982 Topps #210
1982 Topps Kmart #36 [4 available]
1983 Donruss #152
1983 Donruss (Diamond Kings) #20
1983 Fleer #8
1983 Topps #700
1983 Topps All-Star Send-In #4
1983 Topps Stickers #188 [2 available]
1983 Topps Stickers #290 [2 available]
2004 Fleer Greats #140

[updated 10/2/13]