It's time for one of the most famous airbrushed cards of all as we get ready for the second half of the 2014 season.
Who is he? Reduced to a goofy image these days, Oscar Gamble was at first a ballplayer and an outfielder who logged an impressive 17 seasons in the majors, including multiple stints with Chicago teams and the Yankees. He also must have been a headline writer's dream, as his last named provides all sorts of opportunities when connected to a game that at least partially involves risk and chance.
How did he get here? Gamble was playing for Cleveland in 1975 when they sent him to New York for the first time in exchange for a guy who was both an All-Star and a league leader in pitching losses in the same season (Pat Dobson, 1972, Baltimore.)
Repeat offender? No
Other versions of this card: Yes, but this card puts everything else to shame, so why would you want to look at it?
Airbrushed Score: 10
Comments: With apologies to 1987 Topps Mike Laga, this is simply the best. Two caps would have had trouble containing Oscar's hair, and the poor attempt at a complicated Yankees logo just seals the deal. His pinstripes were painted in watercolor. And the whole thing has a heavenly glow about it that makes this card one of the biggest must-own cards of the 20th century.
Iconic baseball card!
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