Mike Birkbeck #692

 

This week, a college two-way star who spent a few years in the MLB before a trip to Japan...it's Mike Birkbeck! Birkbeck had a decent 1988 in Milwaukee but then spent 1990-95 in AAA aside from one game for the Mets in 1992. He earned a call up in 1995 and after 4 solid starts got a chance to play in NPB. Sadly, his NPB experience was limited by a line drive that broke his leg. After his playing career ended he joined Kent State's coaching staff, as pitching coach and later Associate Head Coach. He has been with the Golden Flashes for nearly 30 years, winning the 2012 National Assistant Coach of the Year award and sending many players to the pros!

Topics: bulkbags and bluetoots, SULLY, Johnny Appleseed

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Mickey Tettleton #120T/143

 

This week, a catcher who went from backup to All Star after a move from Oakland to Baltimore...it's Mickey Tettleton! His 1989 power surge may have come from Froot Loops or maybe he did some weight training, who can say!? After helping the "Why Not?" Orioles in 1989, Mickey was traded to Detroit where he joined Cecil Fielder for some 3 true outcomes offense. In his career he had a great on base percentage, good power, and was great in the clubhouse. He was later an important addition to the Rangers, helping them to their first playoff appearance in 1996. Mickey had a fun nickname, interesting stats, and a great stance!

Topics: Maya Angelou's Froot Loops, Detroit and Camden big homers, OSU Legends

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Dwight Evans #470

 

This week, not Louie or Newie, but Dewey! We talked about Red Sox legend, Dwight Evans! Evans was one of the best right fielders in baseball with a great OBP...then in the 80s he had the most home runs in the AL. He played the 2nd most games in Red Sox history and is in the MLB top 100 all time in games, runs, doubles, home runs, walks, RBIs, and many other categories. He finished his career with 8 gold gloves and 3 all star appearances. Despite putting up some impressive numbers, Dwight fell off the Hall of Fame ballot after just 3 years. He was considered on the 2020 Contemporary Baseball Era ballot and fell short of induction. Hopefully, Dewey gets another shot at the Hall soon. 

Topics: mustache, RBI Corner, Neurofibromatosis

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Mark Marquess #65T

 

This week, we take a deep dive into NCAA baseball to talk about Team USA Head Coach, Mark Marquess! Marquess was an All American at Stanford, then spent 5 years in the minors and at 28 was hired as Head Coach at his alma mater in 1977. He won back to back College World Series titles in 1987 and 88, followed up by an Olympic Gold Medal in Seoul. He coached 240+ professional players and left a legacy of success at Stanford. Mark passed away in early 2026.

RIP Mark Marquess 1947-2026

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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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