1981 Topps Mark Fidrych

The front: Simple spring training shot, but a nice photo of a true fan favorite.

The back: Two of the best cartoons in the set.

The player: It’s always a bit sad looking back at Fidrych’s career. This is actually his sunset card – he never pitched in a big league game after 1980. After his electrifying 1976 season, injuries ruined his career. He pitched in 31 games in 1976, and only 27 more games afterward.

The man: Fidrych’s antics, including talking to the ball and manicuring the mound, were legendary. Every account of his personality suggests that the antics weren’t an act, that Fidrych was the real deal, a goofy regular guy who made friends everywhere he went. He worked at a local diner in his native Massachusetts and also worked as a contractor. He died in a freak accident while repairing a truck in 2009.

My collection: I have seven of his cards, from 1977 to 1981. I would be interested in trading for 1977 Hostess #46.

1981 Topps Joe Nolan

The front: Great action shot at Shea Stadium. Nolan played in only one day game at Shea Stadium in 1980, a 5-1 Reds win on July 26. Nolan had a nice day at the plate, going 2-3 with a sacrifice fly and an RBI. The Mets catcher is Alex Trevino.

The back: Nolan went to Southwest high school in St. Louis. 

 

The player: Nolan was a long-time backup catcher. In eleven seasons he only topped 200 at-bats three times. In 621 games for four teams, he hit .263 with 27 HR and 178 RBI.

The man: Nolan has had a career in manufacturing, most recently working for a company that makes vinyl 3-ring binders.

My collection: I have 19 of his cards, from 1978 to 1986. I would be interested in trading for 1982 Topps Traded #81.