1986 Topps Baseball

1986 Topps:  This pack I picked up last year.  These older packs can really be fun.  That said when I'm leading off with Ted Power it probably didn't go as I hoped.  And nothing against Power, who played 13 seasons, but you're probably hoping for a bit more.

I remember all these guys.  I was around 17 during this time and picked up all the cards I could.  I didn't like this design, but it didn't stop me back then.

Not much to say about these guys.  I don't have any antidotes or real memories.  Sorry.

We do have a team checklist on the back of Frey's card which gives us a good snapshot of the team.  Some Hall of Famers and personal favorites of mine.  I'm a big fan of Eck and Gary Matthews.  Plenty of other stars though including Ryno, Ron Cey, Davey Lopes, Lee Smith, Shawon Dunston and other really solid players.  

You may be saying Ray Knight should be the highlight of this pack.  I just couldn't do it.  He and the Mets took down the Red Sox in the classic '86 World Series which just killed us Red Sox fans at the time.  So he'll get shown but at the tail end of this pack.

BREAKDOWN:
15 – Total Cards
1 – Manager

 

Zane Smith Autographed 1986 Topps Card

Zane Smith was a starting pitcher who didn't have a spectacular career but is a player I am a big fan of.  There is no rhyme or reason to why but he was an Atlanta Brave and Boston Red Sox which is obviously a good start and as a kid I don't doubt I thought his first name was cool.  I mailed off for his autograph but that is about all I remember.  I'm assuming I got the mailing address for the team via a Becket price guide or other sports magazine.  I must not of had many of his cards at the time because I really don't care for the '86 Topps cards.  I do like the photo on the card though and I love this card.  I think I  was in high school or junior college when I got this card and for me just the experience of getting an autograph is too cool.  I also got Harold Baines' autograph through the mail and will share that in another post.  

Smith was only 39-58 with a 4.06 ERA in 6 seasons with with Atlanta. Traded to Montreal he had a great year as a reliever before going back to starting and ended up with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1990 via trade.  He stayed there 6 seasons pitching in two National League Championship Series.  He finished his career with one poor season in Boston.   His 3.74 career ERA was pretty good considering he finished with a losing record.  He didn't strike out many but also didn't give up homeruns or walks which is always a big plus.