#364 - Richard Dotson

What a card: Richard Dotson went 14-15 in 245-plus innings for the White Sox in 1984, one year after finishing fourth in the AL Cy Young Award voting after going 22-7.

My observation on the front: Dotson in his goofy '80s White Sox get-up is blocking a scenic ballpark landscape.

More opinion from me: I do like the red White Sox jerseys from this period, although not as much as the red Expos jerseys from the same time.

Something you might know: Dotson's 22 wins in 1983 were second only to his teammate LaMarr Hoyt's 24 wins that year.

Something you might not know: Dotson was a figure in trade discussions between the White Sox and Red Sox in 1985. The Red Sox reportedly offered the White Sox Wade Boggs, Bruce Hurst and Mark Clear for Dotson and infielder Luis Salazar. A White Sox official reportedly said, "We wouldn't trade Dotson for Boggs. Dotson for Cal Ripken, that'd be more like it."

Sheesh.

My observation about the back: I have a feeling vacationing in Europe was a lot more exotic for a ballplayer in 1985 than it is now.

The blog wants to speak now: The Movies category is updated.

#363 - Ron Hodges

What a card: This is the final card issued of Ron Hodges during his career. The last season of his 12-year career with the Mets was in 1984.

My observation on the front: Lots of enjoyable, old-school catching gear in this shot. Hodges is wearing a helmet, not a goalie mask, the grilled chest protector, not modern robocop armor, and the less-forgiving shin guards. Good stuff.

More opinion from me: Yeah, I know the current equipment is safer. Let me have my fun.

Something you might know: Hodges was a long-time backup to Jerry Grote and then John Stearns before getting the run of the show for one year in 1983.

Something you might not know: Hodges was a key figure in the Mets' unlikely September surge to the pennant in 1973. A last place team in August, the Mets were on the verge of first place on Sept. 20 against the Pirates. Hodges delivered the game-winning hit in the 13th inning after tagging out the potential winning run at the plate in the top of the inning. The game was known as the "Ball on the Wall" game as the hit that led to Richie Zisk being thrown out the plate struck the top of the wall and then bounced right to outfielder Cleon Jones, who threw to Wayne Garrett, who relayed to Hodges for the out.

My observation on the back: It's a shame "Dancing With The Stars" wasn't around then.

The blog wants to speak now: The TV category is updated.

#362 - Craig McMurtry

What a card: Craig McMurtry was ready to shake off the sophomore slump as this card hit packs. After finishing second in NL Rookie of the Year voting in 1983, he plummeted to a 9-17 mark for the Braves in 1984.

My observation on the front: Love the autograph session. There aren't enough candid shots like this in 1985 Topps.

More opinion from me: More skinny guys with glasses and mustaches. The mid-1980s was a treasure trove for this.

Something you might know: McMurtry gave up Barry Bonds' first home run. It happened on June 4, 1986. McMurtry even references it in his signature when people ask for his autograph.

Something you might not know: McMurtry is the longtime baseball coach for Temple College, a program he helped resurrect and turn into a national contender.

My observation on the back: OK, these trivia questions are starting to make me angry.

The blog wants to speak now: This blog's writer is under the weather so tune in next time.

#361 - Alfredo Griffin

What a card: After appearing in all 162 games in back-to-back seasons for the Blue Jays, Griffin managed just 140 games in 1984.

My observation on the front: Griffin looks reflective in what is a very nice shot. A lot of the '85 Topps cards are closely cropped and you can't see much behind the featured player. This is much better.

More opinion from me: I'm still not over Griffin's terrible 1990 season for the Dodgers (his 1988 season was lousy, too, but at least he had an excuse -- Dwight Gooden hit him in the hand with a pitch).

Something you might know: Griffin shared the American League Rookie of the Year honor with the Twins' John Castino in 1979. It's the only time in the AL that the award has been shared.

Something you might not know: Griffin had possibly the worst swing for strike three in baseball history. Yeah, I know a lot of baseball has been played, but look at this thing.

My observation on the back: Take a glance at Griffin's walk total for the 1984 season. That's not a typo. He walked four times in 140 games.

The blog wants to speak now: The TV category is updated.

#360 - Steve Carlton

What a card: Steve Carlton pitched in 229 innings in his 20th major league season in 1984. His ERA (3.58) was his highest since 1979, but he would start in more than 30 games for one team for the last time in his career.

My observation on the front: Carlton spent most of the season as the all-time career strikeout leader (until Nolan Ryan surpassed him at the end of the season). This photo could have been a lot more impressive.

More opinion from me: I'm sure Carlton was the favorite player for many fans, but I wonder if he didn't have as many of them as other stars. He was awfully difficult to get close to because he didn't speak to the media for much of his career and even when he was pitching he didn't seem like he was enjoying himself that much.

Something you might know: A Hall of Famer and one of the most prolific strikeout pitchers of all-time (he's fourth on the list), Carlton won four Cy Young Awards when winning that many was considered an absolutely unbelievable feat that would never be broken.

Something you might not know: Information on successful pickoffs goes back only to the late '50s, but since then, Carlton has far-and-away the most with 144 career pickoffs. Jerry Koosman is second with 82 and there's only four guys in the 70s (Mark Langston, Andy Pettitte, Kenny Rogers and Charlie Hough).

My observation on the back: In five days, Carlton will turn 70 years old.

The blog wants to speak now: The News category is updated.

#359 - Pat Sheridan

What a card: Pat Sheridan was among the American League's top hitters early in the 1984 season before falling off to finish with a .283 average in his sophomore year.

My observation on the front: I can't tell if Sheridan is wearing a mustache or not. His wispy 'stache appeared and disappeared throughout his career.

More opinion from me: I don't have to tell you that Sheridan was one of the nerdiest looking ballplayers of the 1980s. When he ditched those oversized glasses and the mustache, he looked like a completely different dude. But his 1984 Topps card is Revenge Of The Nerds territory.

Something you might know: Sheridan was a key cog in the Royals' ALCS victory over the Blue Jays in 1985. He hit two home runs in that series.

Something you might not know: Sheridan was the answer to a trivia question during this past World Series. He is the only player to compete in the World Series for both 2014 Fall Classic teams. He played for K.C. in the 1985 Series and San Francisco in the 1989 Series.

 My observation on the back: Johnny Ray was one of five National Leaguers to play in 162 games in 1982. The others were Steve Garvey (of course), Pete Rose, Gary Matthews and Dale Murphy.

The blog wants to speak now: The News category is updated.

#358 - Tony Pena

What a card: Tony Pena continued to be a force behind the plate in his third full season with the Pirates in 1984. He won his second of three straight Gold Gloves.

My observation on the front: Tony Pena's arms have legs!!!

More opinion from me: I will always remember Pena for his catching squat in which he stuck one leg out in order to offer a lower target to the pitcher. It was very bizarre at the time.

Something you might know: Pena was a five-time all-star with a terrific throwing arm who hit well during the first half of his career.

Something you might not know: Both of Pena's baseball-playing sons have played for the Royals organization. Tony Jr. was a shortstop for the Royals from 2007-09 and Francisco Pena played for Triple A Omaha last season and could be a backup to Salvador Perez next year. Tony Pena, of course, managed the Royals from 2002-05.

My observation on the back: Way to go, mom!! If you have the time (and you'll need a lot of time), Joe Posnanski wrote a great story about 10 years ago about Pena and his mother.

The blog wants to speak now: The Pop Culture tab is updated.

#357 - Rich Bordi

What a card: This is Rich Bordi's rookie card. He was already a member of the New York Yankees when it was issued. He was traded in late December of 1984.

My observation on the front: Chest hair.

More opinion from me: Bordi looks like he could pass for one of those 1880s ballplayers on an original Gypsy Queen tobacco card.

Something you might know: Bordi was a 6-foot-7, well-traveled relief pitcher who had already competed for three major league teams by the time he received his first Topps card.

Something you might not know: Bordi once contributed to a game-winning rally by the Orioles in September, 1985 that was kicked off by Billy Martin scratching his nose. The Yankees' sign for a pitchout at that time was Martin rubbing his nose. With runner Alan Wiggins on first, catcher Butch Wynegar saw Martin scratch his nose and called for a pitchout from Bordi. But the Orioles weren't running. Then Martin scratched his nose again. Wynegar called for a pitchout from Bordi again. The Orioles weren't running again. Behind in the count, Bordi proceeded to walk the hitter, Lee Lacy, then gave up back-to-back running scoring singles, and the O's won 4-2. It turns out Martin wasn't calling for a pitchout either time. He just had an itch.

My observation on the back: Bordi began his career with the A's. He is reported to be the last player ever signed by A's owner Charlie Finley.

The blog wants to speak now: The Pop Culture tab is updated.

#356 - Dave Meier

What a card: Welcome to the only Topps card of Dave Meier. He was also featured in the 1985 Donruss and Fleer sets. But only Fleer risked a card on Meier in 1986. He was released by Twins in December 1985 and didn't play pro ball in '86.

My observation on the front: Well if you're going to have just one card, I'd recommend wearing a red Twins helmet on it, like Meier here. I really like those things.

More opinion from me: I wonder how many people confused him with Mariners' first baseman Dan Meyer?

Something you might know: Meier was a pinch-hitter and backup outfielder for the Twins. He finished up his career with a handful of at-bats for the Rangers and Cubs in 1987 and 1988.

Something you might not know: Meier is now a player agent. Among his clients are pitchers Ryan Vogelsong and Jason Frasor.

My observation on the back: The Alaska Goldpanners were a dynasty in the National Baseball Congress back in the 1970s. They won championships in 1972-74, 76 and the title in 1980.

The blog wants to speak now: The TV category is updated.

#355 - Bert Blyleven

What a card: This card arrived immediately after a career resurgence for Bert Blyleven. He won 19 games in 1984 and pretty much had his best numbers since his days with the Twins in the mid-1970s.

My observation on the front: Tiger Stadium? I said I'd stop guessing stadiums, but sometimes I get curious.

More opinion from me: This is the third time I've addressed a Blyleven card on a set blog. I'm running out of things to say.

Something you might know: Elected to the Hall of Fame in 2011, Blyleven fell 13 wins short of 300 for his career and helped the Pirates to the World Series title in 1979.

Something you might not know: Blyleven had a reputation for giving up the gopher ball, based primarily on setting a still-standing record of 50 home runs allowed in 1986 and then following that up with 46 in 1987. But in the 20 other years he was in the majors, he never gave up more than 24 homers in a season.

My observation on the back: Topps couldn't write that Blyleven was the only active major leaguer from Holland in its 1980 and 1981 sets because the Red Sox's Win Remmerswaal was in the majors.

The blog wants to speak now: The Ballgames category is updated.

#354 - Andre Robertson

What a card: Andre Robertson was entering his final major league season when this card appeared in packs. He played in just 52 games in 1984, hitting .214.

My observation on the front: Must be a sunny day. Robertson is wearing his flip-downs.

More opinion from me: Robertson was one of several early 1980s Yankees prospects who never panned out. But he had a good excuse.

Something you might know: Touted as the best Yankees shortstop prospect since Phil Rizzuto, Robertson broke his neck in an automobile accident in August 1983 and was never able to play like he did before the accident.

Something you might not know: Robertson's passenger in the accident, a talented ballet student, suffered injuries that made her a paraplegic. She won a lawsuit against the city of New York based on a sign warning of an S-curve on the West Side Highway that didn't give drivers enough time to react.

My observation on the back: Dwight Gooden's 246th strikeout broke Herb Score's rookie record of 245 strikeouts set in 1955.

The blog wants to speak now: The News category is updated.

#353 - Julio Solano

What a card: This is Julio Solano's rookie card (and only Topps card). He received one after posting a 1.95 ERA in 31 appearances for the 1984 Astros.

My observation on the front: Some of the photos in '85 Topps are very light. It may be just the printing of the set that I have, but this is one example.

More opinion from me: I'm trying to figure out why Solano didn't get a card in 1986. He appeared in 20 games for the Astros in 1985. Perhaps it's because he kept getting sent down during his career, which lasted until 1989.

Something you might know: If anyone remembers Solano, it's for his time as an Astros reliever between 1984-86.

Something you might not know: Solano's last professional season was in 1994, spent with the St. Paul Saints, the well-known independent league team.

My observation on the back: Steve Garvey is now tied for fifth for the most home runs in the LCS. Ahead of him is leader Manny Ramirez (13), followed by Albert Pujols, Bernie Williams and George Brett.

The blog wants to speak now: The News tab is updated.

#352 - Joe Morgan

What a card: This is Joe Morgan's final Topps card (along with the record-breaker card). He retired after the 1984 season, yet was given a card in the set.

My observation on the front: Donut cameo!

More opinion from me: Well other than the fact that Morgan still pisses me off, this is a pretty nice farewell photo for Morgan. He's taking his bat (and donut) and going home. See you in the broadcast booth, losers.

Something you might know: Morgan won back-to-back MVP awards in 1975 and 1976 to become the seventh of the 13 players who have won back-to-back MVP honors.

Something you might not know: Morgan played dominoes during his baseball career because he thought the same attributes needed to succeed in dominoes -- concentration and memory -- were important in baseball, too.

My observation on the back: Complete career stats!

The blog wants to speak now: Been stuck on the Pop Culture tab lately. It's updated again.

#351 - Juan Agosto

What a card: Juan Agosto was coming off his most efficient major league season when this card was created. He appeared in a career-high 49 games and finished with a 3.09 ERA and seven saves in 1984.

My observation on the front: Agosto seems to be very happy about his very high hat.

More opinion from me: Agosto's 1985 Topps card looks suspiciously like this card.

Something you might know: Agosto was a 13-year relief pitcher for primarily the White Sox, Astros and Cardinals. He was a workhorse for Houston and St. Louis, appearing in at least 70 games each year between 1988-91.

Something you might not know: Agosto was dubbed "Juan Disgusto" by White Sox fans when he wasn't getting hitters out. Agosto was quoted as saying he never heard his last name in Chicago. "Every time the announcer would say 'Juan' ... the fans would boo so loud I couldn't hear anything."

My observation on the back: Perhaps these trivia questions were written for card backs ahead of time, but this one was already out of date in 1985. Relief pitcher Willie Hernandez won the Cy Young and MVP for the 1984 Tigers.

The blog wants to speak now: The Pop Culture tab is updated.

#350 - Wade Boggs

What a card: Wade Boggs was entering the 1985 season after a second straight season of reaching 200 hits, although his average dropped from .361 in 1983 to .325 in 1984.

My observation on the front: It looks like Boggs pulled the ball, which was the least likely hit direction for him. Boggs hit up the middle the most often, followed by opposite-field hits.

More opinion from me: I've always thought Boggs is just a little off.

Something you might know: One of the greatest pure hitters of all-time, Boggs burst onto the scene with great praise in 1982 and compiled a Hall of Fame career with three A.L. East teams, the Red Sox, Yankees and Rays.

Something you might not know: Boggs displayed countless superstitions and many had to do with his pregame rituals. One of them was running wind sprints at exactly 7:17 p.m. every day before a game. When Bobby Cox was managing the Blue Jays, he once tried to throw Boggs off by having the clock at Exhibition Stadium skip from 7:16 p.m. to 7:18 p.m.

My observation on the back: Boggs hit .325 and his career average plummeted from .357 to .344.

The blog wants to speak now: The Pop Culture tab is updated.

#349 - Domingo Ramos

What a card: Domingo Ramos was coming off another sub-.200 season after hitting .185 in 59 games for the Mariners. Ramos hit below .200 in five different seasons in his big league career.

My observation on the front: One of the greatest "choking up" photos in baseball card history. You can see the desperation in that grip.

More opinion from me: Ramos is listed as a "SS-2B" but he actually played the majority of his games in 1984 at third base. Sometimes those position designations seem so random.

Something you might know: Ramos was a utility infielder in the major leagues mostly because of his glove. He didn't get more than 200 at-bats in a season until very late in his career with the Cubs.

Something you might not know: Ramos was working for agent Scott Boras in 2010 when the New York Times published a series of articles that raised the possibility that Boras was providing loans in an unethical manner to young players in the Dominican Republic. Ramos worked for Boras in the D.R.

My observation on the back: It'd be nice if the trivia quiz explained what record McCovey tied. Most triples in first game? Most total bases in first game? Most hits? Most singles and triples?

The blog wants to speak now: The Music category is updated.

#348 - Bob Boone

What a card: Bob Boone had completed his third season with the Angels, hitting an abysmal .202 in 1984. It was that kind of batting that caused the Phillies to unload him in 1981. But Boone would rebound in 1985.

My observation on the front: Bob Boone played a long time and has a lot of cards. But he's never smiled more broadly for a card than on this one. ... OK, maybe the inset photo on his 1983 Topps card could put up a challenge.

More opinion from me: Boone will always be a Phillie to me. None of this Angel and Royal stuff.

Something you might know: Boone is the middle part to the first three-generation family in baseball. His dad is Ray Boone and his sons are Aaron and Bret Boone.

Something you might not know: Boone endured a dreadful 1981 in which he couldn't hit or field. Normally a fantastic defensive catcher, he was so poor at throwing out runners that year that people started calling him "SBE2".

My observation about the back: OK, I never heard of Matthew Boone, so I had to look him up. It turns out he was drafted by the Tigers and played in the Tigers and Reds organizations between 1997-2003. He never made it above Class A. I'm sure he's done quite well for himself since, but in a less forgiving family of similar success, man I wouldn't want to come home after that.

The blog wants to speak now: The Pop Culture tab is updated.

#347 - Rick Langford

What a card: Rick Langford received a card even though he appeared in just three games in 1984 (and just seven in 1983). He was recovering from elbow surgery, which he had in 1983.

My observation on the front: Who knows when this photo was taken since Langford wasn't equipped to pitch in 1984. Possibly an earlier photo.

More opinion from me: If Langford didn't dress up as Snidely Whiplash for Halloween, he missed a hell of an opportunity.

Something you might know: Langford threw 22 consecutive complete games on his way to winning 19 games for the 1980 Oakland A's.

Something you might not know: A's pitching coach Art Fowler was said to have taught all of the team's starters the spitball during his tenure. The Yankees' manager at the time, Gene Michael, said a number of A's pitchers threw spitballs against his team, "but Langford was the worst."

My observation on the back: The first player to 300-300, of course, was Willie Mays. Since Mays and Bonds did it, only six others have joined the club.

The blog wants to speak now: The Pop Culture tab is updated.

#346 - Terry Pendleton

What a card: This is Terry Pendleton's rookie card. He played in 67 games for the 1984 Cardinals, finishing in seventh in N.L. Rookie of the Year voting (tied with Jeff Stone).

My observation on the front: I think there might be a Mets fan staring Pendleton down from the stands.

More opinion from me: This is one of the underlooked rookie cards in the '85 set. Clemens, McGwire, Puckett and Hershiser get all the love.

Something you might know: A productive hitter, Pendleton enjoyed his greatest success immediately after signing with the Braves as a free agent. He was the NL MVP in 1991 and finished second in MVP voting in '92.

Something you might not know: Not only was Pendleton 0-for-5 in winning World Series (he played for the '85 and '87 Cardinals and '91, '92 and '96 Braves), but he left two teams just before they won the World Series. He signed as a free agent with the Marlins in 1995, the year his former team, the Braves, would win a World Series. Then in 1996, he was traded from the Marlins back to the Braves, the year before the Marlins would win a World Series.

My observation the back: Take note of Pendleton's birthday. It's also my birthday. Outside of Shoeless Joe Jackson, Pendleton is the best baseball player to share my birthday.

The blog wants to speak now: The TV category is updated.

#345 - Charlie Lea

What a card: Charlie Lea enjoyed in 1984 what would be his final full season in the majors for awhile. After winning 15 games for the Expos, Lea encountered arm problems and missed all of 1985 and 1986.

My observation on the front: This is the first time Lea is featured on his cards with a mustache. It looks very odd to me. I remember the clean-shaven Lea.

More opinion from me: Sadly, Lea is now one of those guys who forces me to confront my own mortality.

Something you might know: Lea became the first French-born player to throw a no-hitter when he spun a no-no against the Giants in May of 1981.

Something you might not know: The home plate ump for Lea's no-hitter, Paul Runge, is part of the only father-son umpire tandem to ump no-hit games from behind the plate. Runge's father, Ed, was the home ump for Dave Morehead's no-hitter for the Red Sox in 1965.

My observation on the back: Well, that's a hell of a thing to hang on the Iron Horse.

The blog wants to speak now: The computer is acting flippy, so I'll sit this one out.

#344 - Dave Henderson

What a card: Dave Henderson was the primary center fielder for the Mariners in 1984, playing in 112 games in his fourth year with the team.

My observation on the front: There seems to be a lot of base-running shots in 1985 Topps. I should count those up and figure out whether that's the case.

More opinion from me: Wow, now that is an '80s uniform! Good thing Henderson had a yellow wrist band to tie the whole ensemble together.

Something you might know: Henderson hit one of the most famous postseason home runs of all-time in 1986 when he blasted a two-out, two-strike solo shot off of the Angels' Donnie Moore that capped a Red Sox comeback from down 5-2 going into the top of the ninth to a 6-5 lead. The Angels tied it up in the bottom of the ninth, but the Red Sox won on Henderson's 11th-inning sacrifice fly.

Something you might not know: Henderson played for five teams in his major league career, but he played for two of those teams for just one year. Those two teams are playing in the World Series right now, the Giants (1987) and the Royals (1994).

My observation on the back: Steve Carlton lost to the Mets in that game, thanks to a Ron Swoboda two-run home run in the ninth inning (those Miracle Mets!). It was Swoboda's second home run of the game.

The blog wants to speak now: The Music category is updated.

#343 - Bill Russell

What a card: This is the last Topps card of Bill Russell showing him working at his job. His 1986 card shows him sitting in the dugout and his 1987 card is a head shot.

My observation on the front: Those pants are way too tight.

More opinion from me: It's sad to say, but I was looking forward to the post-Bill Russell era for a long time as a Dodger fan. And what did I get? Dave Anderson and Alfredo Griffin.

Something you might know: Bill Russell played in more games than any other Los Angeles Dodger as a member of longest-lasting starting infield in baseball history (eight years). He later managed the Dodgers for three years.

Something you might not know: Russell began as an outfielder and had trouble adapting to shortstop at the beginning because he was shy. "Shortstops are not normally shy," Russell said in a Sports Illustrated article. And now that I think about it, that's probably true.

My observation on the back: They even got the kids' middle names in there.

The blog wants to speak now: The News category is updated.

#342 - Ted Power

What a card: Ted Power pitched in a National League-leading 78 games in 1984, the most appearances he would make in a season during his 13-year career.

My observation on the front: I love this card almost to an obsessive degree. It is one of my absolute favorites in the set, possibly my most favorite. First, let's focus on the name. His name is Ted Power, possibly the greatest name for a pitcher in history. When I was a youngster and Power was coming up in the Dodgers' organization, I dearly wanted him to be a part of the L.A. rotation because a guy named "Ted Power" would never lose. But besides that, on this card, a guy named Ted Power is in his element on the mound. I love cards like this. And he is showing everyone the ball -- how very delightful and old-school. And with the fans in the background, there is a definite 3-D element here. Now, top it all off with the colors used with this card. I love the combination of red and gray (or silver if you so desire). It works extraordinarily well, especially with Power's uniform. Put that all together and that's why I enjoy this card so much and why I've written far more about it than any other card on this blog.

More opinion from me: The only thing that doesn't make this card perfect is it's miscut. I need to correct that.

Something you might know: Power was mostly a reliever during his career, but went 18-3 for the Albuquerque Dukes in 1981. He added a 19th win in an appearance with the Dodgers that year.

Something you might not know: Power was supposed to be in the boat with Steve Olin, Tim Crews and Bob Ojeda that crashed into a pier and killed Olin and Crews in 1993. Power changed his mind and didn't go.

My observation on the back: Of course a man named Ted Power struck out 19 in one game!

The blog wants to speak now: The News category is updated.

#341 - Floyd Rayford

What a card: Floyd Rayford hit .256 in 86 games in his return to the Orioles in 1984. He was dealt from the Orioles to the Cardinals in June of 1983 and then reacquired by the Orioles in March of 1984.

My observation on the front: Rayford appears saddened by what he just did with that bat.

More opinion from me: Since my brother was/is an Orioles fan, we knew about Rayford probably long before he made it to the majors because of the Baltimore yearbooks that my brother had accumulated. I think we saw the stats for Rayford and never figured him to make the majors, only to be unexpectedly delighted when he first appeared on a card in 1983.

Something you might know: Rayford was a lovable utility player, mostly for the Orioles, during the mid-1980s. His nickname was "Sugar Bear," because some thought he resembled this famous cereal box character (baseball-reference claims his nickname was "Honey Bear", and one website I came across said his nickname was "Huggy Bear", which was a Starsky and Hutch character).

Something you might not know: Rayford said his 1985 season, in which he hit 18 home runs and batted .306, was spurred on by a divorce. "Alimony can be a tremendous motivator," he said a few years ago.

 My observation on the back: It looks like Topps didn't let the ink dry on the trivia question. It's supposed to read, "Which player played the most years in the majors before making the World Series?"

The blog wants to speak now: The TV category is updated.

#340 - Robin Yount

What a card: Robin Yount enjoyed another exemplary season in 1984, playing in 160 games, the most for him since 1976.

My observation on the front: This is the last time that Topps would list Yount as a shortstop on the front of his card. He moved to the outfield for the 1985 season. (However, Donruss listed Yount as a shortstop in its 1986 set even though Yount didn't play a single game at short in 1985. Doh!).

More opinion from me: Yount was an all-star just three times in his career. That's insane.

Something you might know: Yount started out in the majors as an 18-year-old and has one of the most valuable rookie cards of the 1970s. He won the AL MVP award in 1982 and 1989.

Something you might not know: Yount made some minor waves a few months ago by saying he wouldn't play in an Old-Timers Game. No big deal, most Old-Timers games died out long ago and only the Yankees regularly have one, as far as I know.

My observation on the back: Topps was a little obsessed with Robin's brother, Larry. This is the fifth (and final) time that Topps mentions Larry Yount on the back of Robin's card. Larry is also mentioned on the 1975, 1977, 1979 and 1980 cards. But Topps made no mention of the fact that Larry Yount got into one game in his career but didn't even throw a pitch because his arm stiffened up during warm-up pitches for the Astros in 1971.

The blog wants to speak now: The Pop Culture tab is updated.