Chuck Jackson #94

 

This week, one of the best looking cards in the set...it's Chuck Jackson! Chuck went from Seattle to Hawaii to the pros, spending a decade in the minors, performing at a high level in AAA. He spent parts of 3 seasons in the big leagues before a long career in executive recruiting. Chuck is now retired and traveling the world!

Topics: Other Chucks Jackson, Louvre It or Leavre It, health care call up

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Steve Peters #84T

 

This week, we discussed a lefty reliever who went from saving games to saving lives....Steve Peters! Peters set a record at University of Oklahoma with a 14-0 mark in 1985, then moved through the Cardinals system and had a quick start to his career with a 1.80 ERA in 1987. He couldn't replicate that in 1988 and by 1991 he moved into a second career as a firefighter. Steve dealt with personal tragedy when his son passed away. His firefighting family and twins born when he was 45 helped him through the pain. 

Topics: Moore OK, lying about height

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Greg Gagne #343

 

This week, a guy who overcame a rebellious childhood to have a 15 year MLB career...it's Greg Gagne! Gagne was the starting shortstop for the Twins from 1985-92, helping them win 2 World Series titles with his excellent defense and decent bat. He drove in the go ahead run in Game 7 of the 1987 World Series on an infield hit and homered in Game 1 of the 1991 Series. He was named to the 50 Greatest Twins list and inducted in the Twins Hall of Fame in 2010. 

Topics: Fall River, Valley Girl speak, other Gagnes

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Frank Williams #773

This week, a great reliever with a sad story...it's Frank Williams. Frank Williams and his twin brother were orphaned at birth, they found an identity through baseball. Frank used a sidearm delivery and a slurve to baffle batters and had a great run in 1986-87 with the Giants and Reds. He discovered his First Nations family and was a role model for indigenous youth in Canada. His career was cut short by a car accident, after which his life fell to pieces. He dealt with homelessness, drugs, and alcohol, ultimately passing away at 50. 

Topics: Craig vs Herzog, baseball card IDs, other Frank Williamses

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Pittsburgh Trip Bonus Pod!

David and Matt and some packs at PNC!

David and Matt and the Great One!

Tim from Pittsburgh Sports Memories Podcast (Left) and Justin of 1992 Pirates (Right)

This week, a bonus...we talk about a weekend in Pittsburgh! We met some great people, saw some sights, watched some baseball, ate a lot of carbs, and ripped some packs! If you want to hear us give a Rick Steves style tour of Pittsburgh and then rip some packs as a waitress delivers kielbasa soup...give it a listen! We had a great trip and we hope you enjoy this recap! 

This was partially funded by our "buy me a coffee" contributors, if you are interested, you can throw us some $$$ here for future beers and coffee. 

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Robbie Wine #119

This week, a 2nd generation big leaguer who was a top prospect and a long time college coach...it's Robbie Wine! Robbie's dad Bobby was a Gold Glove shortstop for the Phillies and later a coach. Robbie went to Oklahoma State where he was Sporting News Player of the Year and a 1st round draft pick. His bat never caught up to big league pitching and he spent most of his 8 seasons in baseball in the minors. He then coached for OK State and was Penn State's head coach before opening his own academy in Amarillo. 

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Joaquín Andújar #47

 

This week, a 4 time All Star who was a 1982 World Series hero for the Cardinals...Joaquin Andujar! Joaquin was signed at 16 by the Reds but after 6 up and down seasons in the minors he was traded to the Astros. He had two all star appearances for Houston, but didn't put together a full great season there. The Cardinals, with manager Whitey Herzog and coach Hub Kittle thought they could fix him...and they did! he put together two 20 win seasons and a fantastic 1982 World Series. He showed guts coming back after a bone bruise knocked him out of Game 3, coming back to win Game 7 and the title. He later was implicated in the Pittsburgh Drug Trials and was thrown out of 1985 World Series Game 7. He was a colorful character, called a "hot dog" by Jim Gantner and Tom Seaver and every other announcer. But he had some great seasons and memorable moments. 

Sadly, Joaquin passed away on September 8, 2015, at his home in San Pedro de Macorís, from complications of diabetes at the age of 62. 

Topics: Suds Series, Cocaine, interesting hitting strategies

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