1988 Topps Podcast: December 2024

Sunday, December 8, 2024

Dave Stewart #476

This week, we welcomed Jeff from the Two Strike Noise Podcast to talk about his favorite Oakland A's pitcher and fantasy camp coach...Dave Stewart! Born in Oakland, drafted by the Dodgers, Stewart was on a baseball odyssey for a decade before he signed with the A's as a last effort. He was 29, was released by the Phillies, and with a rough run in the bullpen Stew was ready to pack it up. He took Dusty Baker's advice and toughed it out. The A's believed in his forkball and he put together an outstanding run, winning 20+ four seasons in a row, helping the A's to 3 straight AL titles and a World Series win! On top of that, Stewart won 3 series MVPs, threw a no-hitter, started an all star game, and had his number retired by the Athletics. He was a hometown guy who came back and put in a lot of work for the community, at a time when Oakland needed a hero.

Be sure to check out the Two Strike Noise ⁠Podcast ⁠and ⁠YouTube and follow them on socials!

Check out this picture of Jeff getting coached by Stew. Listen to the episode to learn what was said in this conversation!

Listen:

Links:

Card 476 on ⁠Beckett⁠

SABR Bio by ⁠Bryan Lake⁠

⁠SI ⁠Article about Stew from 1987

Dave Stewart and ⁠Sandy Koufax⁠

1981 Interview in ⁠Christian Science Monitor⁠

⁠Stathead Search⁠: Wins for pitchers aged 30-33

Stew vs ⁠Saxy Boy:⁠

No. 34 ⁠Retired:

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Stan Jefferson #223

This week, a guy from the Bronx who lived two dreams...it's Stan Jefferson! Jefferson was a first round draft pick by the Mets out of Bethune Cookman. He was traded to the Padres, had a difficult time dealing with Larry Bowa, and bounced from team to team and between AAA and MLB. He played for 6 teams in 6 seasons. After his baseball career he joined the NYPD, but sadly his mental health was severely impacted by the events of September 11th. He was forced to retire early and has been dealing with severe anxiety in the years since.

Listen:

Links: