1988 Topps Podcast

Monday, January 12, 2026

Mickey Morandini 71T

This week, an Indiana Hoosier star, Team USA Gold Medalist, all-star, and dandy little glove man...Mickey Morandini! Morandini spent 11 years in the big leagues, mostly for the Phillies but also the Cubs and briefly the Blue Jays. He was a valuable part of the 1993 NL Champ Macho Row Phillies as well as a key performer on the 1998 Cubs. In retirement, Mickey owned a stationary store, coached in the minors, big leagues, and now serves as a Phillies team ambassador.
Topics: Tony Lucadello, unassisted triple plays, Hoosier connections

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Greg Harris #369

This week we talked about the legendary "amphibious" pitcher...Greg Harris! Harris had a specially made glove that allowed him to switch hands on the mound. He was a very good righty reliever and starter, so he didn't get the opportunity to throw lefty until his 2nd to last game in the big leagues. For the Expos in 1995, he finally became an ambidextrous hurler. His glove is in the Hall of Fame.

Topics: mailbag gifts, special gloves, pained expressions

We also received the gift of matching Jay Baller autographed cards! Thank you Tim Briggs and Bob Brittain for thinking of us!

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Mark Langston #80

This week, a 3 time strikeout champ who set Mariners records before getting traded for Randy Johnson...it's Mark Langston! Langston would sign the biggest contract in baseball with the Angels where he made 3 All Star games and won 5 straight Gold Gloves. He spent 16 seasons in MLB and put up some impressive career numbers, pitched a combined no-hitter with Mike Witt, and has had a long broadcast career.

Topics: Krazy George, Dick Williams, Langston HOF case, near death experiences

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John Cangelosi #506

This week...a speedy, hard nosed outfielder who turned work ethic and a good eye into a 13 season MLB career, it's John Cangelosi! Cangelosi taught himself to switch hit and used his speed and on base ability to carve out a valuable role for Jim Leyland's Pirates and Marlins. Cangelosi stole 50 bases for the White Sox as a rookie, tying an AL record. He won a ring with the 1997 Marlins, coming full circle, winning it all in his home town. He wrote a book about his career and runs a baseball academy out of Bo Jackson's dome in Chicago.

Other topics - Liza Minelli and Rick Cerone, Adam D's quest for 4000, Nelson Barerra

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Rick Cerone #561/27T

This week, a country singing, jeans modeling, owner feuding, Yankee catcher...Rick Cerone! Rick was a New Jersey born Seton Hall star who had an 18 year MLB career. He caught the first pitch in Blue Jays history before taking over the Yankees catching spot after Thurman Munson's tragic death. He had a great 1980, earned MVP votes and helped the Yankees win the AL East. That earned him some NYC star points, a modeling gig, and a charity single. He never recreated that 1980, but was a solid backup catcher into the 90s.

Topics: Italian earthquakes, 10 Jeans, fighting George

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Rick Mahler #706

This week, we discussed an Atlanta workhorse who was an ace on opening day...it's Rick Mahler! Rick followed his brother Mickey into the Atlanta system and the two were big league teammates in 1979. Rick was the Opening Day starter for Atlantan in 1982 and then 1985-1988. He was 4-0 with a 0.92 ERA and a record 3 straight shutouts. In a 13 season career, Rick won nearly 100 games and had a 3.99 ERA. He coached in retirement and sadly passed away in 2005 at just 51 years old.

Topics: Gustav, Mickey and Rickey, Opening Day

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Tim Flannery #513

This week, we talked about the Flan Man! Tim Flannery was a career Padre, playing for the 1984 NL Champs, and earning a Flan Appreciation Day when he retired. He was versatile and was a good contact and on base guy when he got regular playing time. He remains in the Padres top 10 in games, triples, hit by pitches, and defensive WAR. In retirement he started a band and was a third base coach under Bruce Bochy for the Padres and then the Giants, winning 3 rings in San Francisco. After a 2020 health scare he is back with his band the Lunatic Fringe playing music, helping charities, and being the best dude.

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