Thursday, September 7, 2017

#700 - Eddie Murray


What a card: Eddie Murray played in all 162 games for the first time in his career in 1984. He drove in more than 100 runs for the fourth straight year and led the league in walks and on-base percentage.

My observation on the front: The best card in the set, showcasing Murray's famous glare. For me, this card beats McGwire, Clemens and Puckett combined. It even edges Gooden and Hershiser.

More opinion from me: You know how many years I wished Eddie Murray was a Dodger? I got my wish. A little late. But I got my wish.

Something you might know: One of the greatest switch-hitters of all-time (and the most powerful behind Mickey Mantle), Murray was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003.

Something you might not know: Murray's animosity toward the media is well-known, but he did talk to the media early in his career (the talking stopped around 1986 when friction developed between Murray and Orioles owner Edward Bennett Williams). In fact, one of Murray's sisters was the editor for her high school newspaper.


My observation on the back: Willie Mays remains the all-time leader in career extra-base home runs. Jack Clark is second with 18, followed by Babe Ruth and Frank Robinson with 16. Albert Pujols has 15.

The blog wants to speak now: The News category is updated. It's a heart-warming tale.

2 comments:

Rob said...

I've been waiting years for this post! My favorite baseball card ever. Thank you for recognizing its beauty.

I think Eddie's best year was probably 1990 with the Dodgers. It was fun to have my favorite player go to my dad's favorite team (Dodgers), even though I wanted him to stay an Oriole forever.

Commishbob said...

Yup, I agree. The best card in the set. Second only to his '78 rookie as far as all Murray cards go. Have you ever posted this under CA in the NO blog? A cross-post of such a neat card is acceptable.