Ron Robinson #81/517

 

This week - Ron Robinson! Pete Rose nicknamed him “True Creature,” Ron was a swingman for the #Reds from 1984-90. He had a great year in 1986 and was THIS CLOSE to making Reds history in 1988. In 1990 Ron was traded to the #brewers. He missed out on the Reds' World Series win but was very good in Milwaukee, going 12-5 with 2.91 ERA to close out the year. 

Other topics: Alan Thicke, the Golden State Killer, Tom Browning, and perfect game near-misses.

Listen:

Card ⁠81⁠ and ⁠517⁠ 

Where the True Creature nickname came from

1988 Crystal Light National Aerobic Championships ⁠Intro ⁠and ⁠Full Video:⁠

Alan Thicke, "⁠Sweaty and Hot⁠": 

⁠Key and Peele⁠ parody:  

Ron Robinson's ⁠near-perfect game: ⁠

⁠Lost in the Ninth⁠

Fred McGriff #463 and #729

 

This week, Andy from High Heat Stats returns to help the 1988 Topps Podcast take a bite out of crime. We talked about Tom Emanski pitchman Fred McGriff! McGriff led both the AL and NL in home runs and was an important part of the Blue Jays, Padres, and Atlanta teams in the 80s and 90s. Fred was a 5 time all star, 1995 World Series champ, he hit .284, with 2490 hits, and 493 homers in his career! 

Most importantly, he also taught us about fundamentals while wearing a very tall Tom Emanski hat! When we recorded this episode in 2021, he was not yet in the Hall, glad to see him get that recognition in the years since.Other topics include Ethan Horvath, the crime dog, Joey Fatone, Harry Stovey, and Fred's hall of fame credentials!

Listen: 

• Card #463 on ⁠Beckett⁠
• Card #729 Blue Jays Leaders on ⁠Beckett⁠
• ⁠SABR ⁠Bio of McGriff by Peter Gordon
• ⁠1988 Topps Blog⁠ on McGriff
• Tom Emanski Defensive Drills on ⁠ESPN⁠
• High Heat Stats ⁠Website ⁠and ⁠Twitter

Friend of the show Tim Briggs made us this Ethan Horvath card! 

Steve Sax #305

 

This week, it's Saxy Boy! We discussed Steve Sax, 1982 Rookie of the Year for the Dodgers, 5 time All Star second baseman, and 2 time World Series Champ. However, he is maybe best known for his appearance in the Simpsons episode "Homer at the Bat" or his case of the yips that led to the term "Steve Sax Syndrome." 

Other topics: a terrible picture, fatherly advice, Talkin' Softball, and River City High. 

Listen:
 

Links: 
SABR Bio by Alan Cohen 
Peak Sax
The Simpsons Episode 3.17: "Homer at the Bat"
Dystonia on Mayo Clinic
Talkin' Softball:
 ⁠

Kent Tekulve #543

This week we talked about the Rubber Band Man, 1979 World Series hero, submarine pitcher, sunglasses wearer, Mr. Rogers guest, and hero of the podcast...Kenton Charles "Teke" Tekulve. Teke had one of the most iconic looks in baseball. Tekulve didn't make his MLB debut until he was 27. He then went on to pitch until he was 42.  Tekulve pitched in 1050 games for the Pirates, Phillies, and Reds, leading the NL in games 4 times.  

Listen:

 

Ken Phelps #182

 

This week, we heard that Steinbrenner's baseball people love Ken Phelps' bat! And for good reason, Ken hit 105 home runs in 1,399 at-bats for the Mariners. A rate of a home run every 13.3 at bats! But anyone who watched Seinfeld knows...the Ken Phelps for Jay Buhner trade didn't work out for the Yankees. We talked about Ken's interesting college path and his outstanding Minor League career. 

Other topics: Nazo No Sakana's latest transformation, mustaches and glasses, and a near perfect game.

Listen:

Jim Walewander #106

This week's card...a listener request, it's Detroit Tigers pinch runner, utility man, and Dead Milkmen fan extraordinaire Jim Walewander! Jim became a fan favorite in 1987 for his quirkiness and played an important part in the run for the AL East title. Jim's taste in clothes and music earned him a lot of ink in the press...but he only played 162 games in his pro career. 

Other topics: Harwood Heights, "weird" athletes, Punk Rock Girl, and Mitch Albom

Listen:

Don Sutton #575

On January 19th, 2021, Don Sutton passed away. We celebrated Don and his 23 year MLB career, ridiculous stats, game show appearances, outstanding perm, and his appearance in RBI Baseball. We also took a minute to mourn the passing of Hank Aaron. Sutton was a durable pitcher and Match Game panelist who won 324 games and struck out 3,574 batters in his 23 season career. Between 1972 and 1976, Don had the best stretch of his career. He was in the Top 5 in Cy Young voting each season, had a 93-51 record with 68 complete games, 25 shutouts, and a 2.73 ERA. 

RIP Don Sutton 1945-2021.

Listen: