1981 Topps Bob Boone

 

The front: A rare action card! It's a play at the plate, and appears to be a Cubs runner based on the blue pinstriped sleeve. Assuming this is 1980, this would be June 8, the only day game that Boone caught at home against the Cubs. The Cubs won the game 2-0. The two runs were scored by Lynn McGlothen and Tim Blackwell. McGlothen was Black, so this must be Blackwell, dashing home from second on Ivan De Jesus's single, to score the second run of the game. Boone was 1-for-4 in the game.

The back: In that famous 23-22 game, Boone hit a 3-run home run in the first inning to make the score 6-0 Phillies. His third inning single made it 8-6 Phillies. He was hit by a pitch later in the inning. He was intentionally walked in the fourth and fifth innings. In the seventh he doubled to make it 22-19 Phillies. He lined out to lead off the ninth. 

The player: Bob Boone played 19 seasons in the major leagues, catching 2,225 games, which at the time was an MLB record. He was a seven-time gold glover, and was known more for his defensive prowess than his hitting skill. A career .254 hitter, Boone hit .311 in eight postseason series, most notably .412 in the 1980 World Series as the Phillies won the championship.

The man: Boone managed for six seasons in the major leagues, never with a winning record. He is now a Senior Advisor to the General Manager of the Washington Nationals. Part of the legendary Boone baseball family (who trace their roots back to Daniel Boone), he was the Nationals' advance scout covering the Yankees in the 2019 playoff, observing the team managed by his son Aaron. Last year the Nationals signed Jake Boone, son of Bob's other son Bret, potentially making giving the family a fourth generation major leaguer.

My collection: I have 74 of his cards, from 1973 to 1991. I would be interested in trading for 1978 Hostess #29.