Card of the Week: Jeffrey M. Mihalik

(pic link: The Topps Blog)

In my haste this morning I just plain forgot to bring this weeks "Card of the Week" to work this morning to scan. So, I've decided to go online to find the winner.

I was immediately drawn to a obscure set called 1971 Topps Winners.

What is this set, you say?

Well, in 1971 Topps ran a promotional contest for kids. The prize was your very own baseball card made and inserted into packs to be given to family and friends. 25 Grand Prizes were to be awarded, but only 14 cards are known to exist. Jeffrey H. Mihalik was one of the winners and is my favorite card of the set. How can you not love a kid in his little league uniform reaching towards his back as if he is experiencing pain. Hilarious! I have a feeling that this is some sort of inside joke between Jeff and his family.

Collection: 1984 Union Oil Most Memorable Moments: Bob Welch

It is 1978 and the Dodgers find themselves playing the hated New York Yankees again in the World Series. Just the year before these two ancient rivals had faced off on the national stage. Reggie Jackson, "Mr. October," proved in 1977 why he earned the moniker. In that World Series he slugged 5 home runs; included 3 in one game that caused our skipper, Tommy Lasorda, to blurt out words in a post game interview that should never be heard by a child.

In game 2 of the 1978 World Series Reggie found himself up to bat in the ninth inning with 2 outs and the Dodgers leading 4 to 3. Reggie had driven in all 3 runs for the Yankees so far in the game. Pitching for the Dodgers to close it out was a young rookie named Bob Welch. The confrontation that ensued was one for the ages. It lasted 7 minutes and resulted in 9 total pitches. Bob Welch, who had won 7 games during the Dodgers pennant winning drive, on a 3 and 2 pitch struck out the mighty Jackson. The Dodgers now lead in the series 2 games to none. Unfortunately, Welch's great feat was the Dodgers only highlight of the series. The Yankees would go on to win the next 4 games to win the World Series.

Artwork by Merv Corning.

Check out the rest of the set here in my photoalbum, or the following link with my post about each sheet.