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.)

Airbrushed Fridays: 1987 Topps Traded #84T

I'd like to start off by apologizing for the lack of banner action around here. Apparently I'm not smart enough to figure out how to get my rotating banner code back in with the new Blogger template. I might give up temporarily on that and just get a single banner image in here somewhere, but even that concept has eluded me so far. [Edit: I figured it out, but I might not be done playing with it. - 7/15 12:31pm]

Gene Nelson was a key reliever on Tony La Russa's pennant winning Oakland teams in the late '80s after a moderately successful run as a starter for a few other American League clubs. He previously pitcher for La Russa's White Sox, making 28 starts in 120 appearances. He also kind of looks like a hipster, like he could be the bass player for The Builders and the Butchers (whoever they are.)

Why did Topps airbrush Gene's photo? Nelson was dealt from the White Sox to La Russa's new team after the 1986 season. It's fascinating to learn, through Wikipedia, that Chicago's play by play announcer actually was the GM for one fateful season before returning to the broadcast booth.

What's wrong with this picture, anyway? Aside from his fabulous mountain rock beard, Nelson has a cap that is more reminiscent of a '70s traded set than one from 1987. I'm not sure what the "artist" would have needed to do to a White Sox jersey to make it an Oakland one, but it apparently wasn't enough. (By the way, does anyone understand the "On This Date" blurb on the back of this card?)

(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.)