#53T - Teddy Higuera

What a card: This is the 14th rookie card in the 1985 Topps Traded set. Higuera won 15 games in his rookie year, finishing runner-up to Ozzie Guillen for the American League Rookie of the Year award.

My observation on the front: Higuera is obviously in Tiger Stadium. I can spot the monstrous English D on the fan's jacket. I don't know what the green hats are though. Possibly Michigan State, although it seems too bright for that.

More opinion from me: Higuera was often compared to Fernando Valenzuela because they were both talented pitchers from Mexico. I used to scoff at this comparison, because, come on, there's only one Fernando.

Something you might know: Higuera won 20 games during his second major league season in 1986, finishing only behind Roger Clemens for the Cy Young Award that year.

Something you might not know: Higuera was not allowed to play baseball until he was 18 years old and in his last year of high school. In his third game ever, he struck out 21 batters. (The write-up on the back of his card says 25 strikeouts, but I suppose it could have been two different games).

My observation on the back: All those Mexican League stats are fascinating.

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

#39T - Bob Gibson

What a card: Here is the first card of a player in the Traded set that did not appear in the flagship set but is not a rookie card. Gibson, who appeared in the 1984 Topps set, was deemed not worthy of a 1985 flagship card despite 18 appearances in '84.

My observation on the front: The internet is striking out in informing me who No. 54 is in the background. Nobody on the Brewers' roster in 1984 or 1985 wore No. 54. I'm assuming it's a minor league player playing with the big boys in spring training.

More opinion from me: Photographer is almost getting the side-eye from Gibson.

Something you might know: This is the "other Bob Gibson pitcher." Guys like this are a pain to research online. No fault of Mr. Gibson here, it's just that the internet always thinks it knows better.

Something you might not know: Gibson pitched his entire MLB career for the Brewers except for one inning with the Mets in 1987. In the eighth inning of a game against the Astros, he caught a liner by Glenn Davis, walked Alan Ashby, then struck out Kevin Bass and Ken Caminiti to end the inning and his MLB career.

My observation on the back: The 245th strikeout is significant because that was the strikeout that tied the rookie record for Dwight Gooden. Herb Score had held the mark with 245 until Gooden surpassed him.

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

#26T - Danny Darwin

What a card: Danny Darwin came to the Brewers from the Rangers in a four-team deal on Jan. 18, 1985. The deal also involved the Mets and Royals and six players changed teams.

How'd that go: Darwin started 29 games for the Brewers in 1985 and lost a career-high 18 games (against eight wins). He also led the AL in home runs allowed with 34.

Backatya: The Yankees of 1998-2000 are now the last team to win the World Series three consecutive years. That was not a pleasant time.

Back-to-back: Darwin would pitch for seven teams during his 21-year career but this was his first appearance in a new uniform after spending seven years with the Rangers.

The original card was blogged on Oct. 26, 2013.

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

#13T - Ray Burris

What a card: Ray Burris arrived in Milwaukee after being traded by the Oakland A's in a deal for pitcher Don Sutton on Dec. 9, 1984.

How'd that go?: Burris, who enjoyed his finest season in years with the A's in 1984, fell back to earth with the Brewers, posting a 4.81 ERA in 28 starts. He was released by Milwaukee before the 1986 season.

Backatya: Ray Burris' granddaughter, the daughter of his son Damon, recently celebrated her first birthday.

Back-to-back: The original card is No. 758, blogged not long ago on Feb. 23, 2018.

In this case, the traded card edges the original slightly because I know that Burris' Brewers card was taken at exactly 1:03 p.m.

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

#5T - George Bamberger

What a card: This is George Bamberger's first Topps card since he appeared as the Mets' manager in the 1983 Topps set.

My observation on the front: It looks like Bamberger is wearing a shirt and tie underneath that uniform, like this was from a press conference.

More opinion from me: I too often get Bamberger confused with another 1980s Brewers manager, Harvey Kuenn. Both were leaders of resurgent Brewers teams, although Bamberger's squad was in 1978 and Kuenn's in 1981-82.

Something you might know: Bamberger gained his reputation as a teacher as the Orioles' pitching coach from the late 1960s through the 1970s, a time when the Orioles featured Jim Palmer, Mike Cuellar, Dave McNally, Pat Dobson, Jim Hardin and others.

Something you might not know: Bamberger won 213 games as a minor league pitcher.

My observation on the back: This is the first look at an 85 Traded manager card. Topps replaced the team checklist with a super large font so it didn't have to write much.

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

#781 - Jim Gantner

What a card: Jim Gantner was firmly entrenched as the Brewers' second baseman in 1985, registering a second straight season of more than 700 at-bats and 170 hits in 1984.

My observation on the front: You've got to tell me what that T-shirt says, Jim.

More opinion from me: I remember when Gantner was first coming up to the majors. I wanted to call him "Ganter," with no second "n". I almost resented having to say "Gantner".

Something you might know: Gantner played all 17 of his major league seasons with the Brewers. He was Milwaukee's starting second baseman during the 1982 World Series against the Cardinals.

Something you might not know: Gantner pinch-ran for Hank Aaron in Aaron's final major league game. Aaron hit an RBI single in the sixth inning on Oct. 3, 1976. Gantner then replaced Aaron.

My observation on the back: I am now trying to envision an umpire calling a strike with his left arm. It's ... odd.

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

#750 - Rollie Fingers

What a card: Rollie Fingers returned to action in 1984 after missing the entire 1983 season recovering from a torn muscle in his right forearm that cost him pitching in the 1982 World Series.

My observation on the front: It's just occurring to me now how weird it would feel to carry a handlbar mustache on your face every single day of your life, seeing that curl out of the corner of your eye, every single day of your life. It'd drive me crazy.

More opinion from me: Fingers' Topps cards from 1974-76 were the absolute best when I was kid. Nothing cooler.

Something you might know: Fingers was just the second relief pitcher to win the MVP award when he received the honor in 1981.

Something you might not know: Fingers was born in Ohio, but his father, a steel mill worker, moved the family to California. The family couldn't afford hotels on the trip west so they would sleep in sleeping bags by the side of the road.

 My observation on the back: Fingers' father played in the Cardinals chain. One of his roommates was Stan Musial.

The blog wants to speak now: The Pop Culture tab is updated with a rather topical magazine cover.

#729 - Don Sutton

What a card: Don Sutton had wrapped up his third and final season with the Brewers when this card was issued. He was traded to Oakland in the offseason and initially balked about going to the A's.

My observation on the front: This card is miscut two different ways.

More opinion from me: It is still a nicer card than the first time Sutton makes an appearance in the set.

Something you might know: Sutton was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1998 and some people have been complaining about his election ever since.

Something you might not know: Sutton appeared as "guest star" on several episodes of the game show "Match Game". Here's one in which he is the first person you see.

 My observation on the back: This is the first time since 1971 that Sutton's Topps base card has a card number that doesn't end in 0 or 5.

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

#681 - Ben Oglivie

What a card: Ben Oglivie had just completed what would be his final full-time season when this card was issued. After 1984, Oglivie barely managed 100 games in his last two seasons.

My observation on the front: Oglivie has a lot of interesting and fun cards. This is not one of them.

More opinion for me: Thanks to benchwarmer Ogilvie in the "Bad News Bears," I thought Oglivie's name was pronounced and spelled like the "booger-eatin' moron" in the movie for YEARS. I still have difficulty spelling Ben's name properly. It's "OGL" not "OGI".

Something you might know: Oglivie is the first non-U.S. born player to lead the league in home runs. He tied for the AL home run lead with Reggie Jackson when both hit 41 in 1980.

Something you might not know: Oglivie could start and finish the New York Times crossword puzzle in under five minutes.

My observation on the back: Oglivie was also given the politically incorrect nickname of "Banana Man" by a coach for the Tigers, Joe Schultz (the former Pilots manager).

The blog wants to speak now: Another early morning for the night owl, so I'll pass.

#653 - Mark Brouhard

What a card: Mark Brouhard was entering his sixth and final season as a part-time outfielder and designated hitter for the Brewers when this card was issued.

My observation the front: "Huh," Brouhard seems to be saying, "so this is my final major league season."

More opinion from me: Brouhard's last name rhymes with "blowhard". I'm guessing no one teased him with that when he was growing up. He looks like he was always strong.

Something you might know: Brouhard's career highlight was going 3-for-4 with three RBIs and four runs scored in Game 4 of the 1982 ALCS against the Angels. The Brewers won the game and tied the series at 2-2 before going on to eliminate the Angels in Game 5.

Something you might not know: Brouhard played in Japan in 1986 and 1987 for the Yakult Swallows. Once, during a rain delay in 1986, Brouhard joined teammate and fellow American Leron Lee in putting on the team's mascot bird heads before pretending to hit home runs and belly-flopping on the tarp on the field.

My observation on the back: I totally forgot the Rangers' park used to be called Arlington Stadium.

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

#628 - Rene Lachemann

What a card: Rene Lachemann managed the Brewers for nearly the entire 1984 season before being fired in his first year with three games remaining. George Bamberger, who managed Milwaukee from 1978-80, returned to take over.

My observation the front: There appears to be some easy-going observing taking place (spring training, likely) as Lachemann works on a little smokeless tobacco.

More opinion from me: I recall as a kid when Lachemann was named the Mariners' manager in 1981 thinking what a bizarre name "Rene Lachemann" was. I had no idea he was an A's catcher in the 1960s.

Something you might know: Lachemann was the first manager in Florida Marlins history. He lasted three-plus seasons before being fired in 1996.

Something you might not know: Lachemann was a bat boy for the Dodgers between 1959-62.

My observation on the back: Here we go again. Yeah, Rene had won 207 games, but he had also lost 274.

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

#603 - Rick Manning

What a card: Rick Manning had completed what would be his final season of playing at least 100 games when this card was issued. From 1985 to the end of his career in 1987, it was part-time duty.

My observation on the front: Love the color-coded glove.

More opinion from me: Rick Manning could have been the first (former) major league player ever interviewed by me. I was on the field with only a couple of other people between me and him during the opening ceremonies for the new minor league baseball team in Niagara Falls, N.Y., the Niagara Falls Rapids. But Manning was so well-known in the area and gabbing with so many people that little ol' me, covering his first pro game, felt intimidated. It turns out the first MLB player I'd interview would be U.L. Washington, who I talked to after the Rapids' first game.

Something you might know: Manning was a sure-handed, speedy outfielder for the Indians and Brewers. The baseball gossip fans like pointing out that Dennis Eckersley's first wife, Denise, left Eckersley for Manning while the two ballplayers were on the same team and good friends.

Something you might not know: Manning grew up playing shortstop and played it all through the minors. His first game in the outfield was in the major leagues, and he won a Gold Glove in his second year in 1976.

My observation on the back: The Duffy Cup was given out by Bishop Duffy High School's Men's Club. The school merged with another Catholic school in the city in 1975 and is now Niagara Catholic Junior and Senior High.

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

#576 - Jaime Cocanower

What a card: This is Jaime Cocanower's first card in a Topps base set. He first appeared in the 1984 Topps Traded and Fleer Update sets.

My observation on the front: One of those photos that makes it appear as if the pitcher is an amputee.

More opinion from me: I think it's outstanding that the Brewers saw to it in 1986 that their bullpen contained both Jaime Cocanower and Bryan Clutterbuck (RIP).

Something you might know: Cocanower was a regular in the Brewers' starting rotation in 1984, right behind Don Sutton and Moose Haas.

Something you might not know: Cocanower set a Pacific Coast League record for wild pitches in a season. During his last year in pro ball, with the Dodgers' Triple A squad in 1987, he threw 32(!) wild pitches.

My observation on the back: Another phoned-in trivia question.

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

#553 - Bob Clark

What a card: Bob Clark was entering his final season in the majors when this card was issued. He'd spend most of 1985 in the minors and then close out his pro career with a couple more years in the minor leagues.

My observation on the front: I could store some baseball cards on those shelves behind Clark.

More opinion from me: There are 42 people with the last name "Clark" to play in the majors (and a number more named "Clarke"), and so many with the first name "Bob" that I don't even want to count them. There have been three Bob Clarks alone in the majors. Maybe that's why Donruss and Fleer took to calling Clark "Bobby" on most of his cards (except for the 1982 editions for both companies). But Topps steadfastly called him "Bob" from 1981-86.

Something you might know: Clark was an outfielder known for his speed, but used part-time because he didn't match his potential at the plate. He was acquired by the Brewers in an unpopular deal with the Angels for pitcher Jim Slaton, who had won in double figures several years for Milwaukee.

Something you might not know: Clark is shown in a batting helmet in a great majority of his cards, making me wonder where he ranks among players with the greatest percentage of cards featured wearing a helmet.

My observation on the back: Sadly, I could find no background on Bob's off-season job as an embalmer.

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

#522 - Paul Molitor

What a card: Paul Molitor was coming off a forgettable 1984 season in which he played just 13 games and missed the rest of the year after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Topps responded by giving him a non-hero number (a card number that doesn't end in "0" or "5") for the first time since the 1980 set.

My observation on the front: Molitor is demonstrating the finger-wiggling he did as he gripped the bat just before he began his swing.

More opinion from me: Topps should have kept the hero number for Molitor, or at least given him a number ending with a "5." If it was good enough for Matt Young and Jim Beattie, it was good enough for Molitor.

Something you might know: The Hall of Famer is the only major league player to hit a triple for his 3,000th hit.

Something you might not know: Molitor's wife during his playing career, Linda (they divorced in 2003), was such a presence on Brewers road trips early in his career that teammates referred to her as the "26th man."

My observation on the back: To update the trivia question a bit, "WP" also stands for "well-played."

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

#498 - Ed Romero

What a card: Ed Romero played in a career-high 116 games in 1984 -- one of only two seasons in which he played in at least 100 games. He was the beneficiary of the Brewers' decision to shut down Paul Molitor, who underwent season-ending elbow surgery early in the season.

My observation on the front: A batting cage AND choking up on the bat? This is like my dream card.

More opinion from me: The front says Romero plays short, second and the outfield. Yet, he played most of his games at third base in 1984.

Something you might know: Romero spent 12 seasons as a utility infielder, mostly for the Brewers and Red Sox. And like any good utility infielder, he parlayed that into a managing career after his playing days were over. He's managed in the New York-Penn League the last 3 seasons.

Something you might not know: Romero made his major league debut on my 12th birthday. ... Yeah, I know I'm the only one who cares.

My observation on the back: "One-base hits" is just a fancy way to say "singles."

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

#471 - Pete Ladd

What a card: Pete Ladd stepped into a set-up role in 1984 as Rollie Fingers returned from injury and reassumed the Brewers' closer role. Ladd's performance suffered as he posted a 5.24 ERA.

My observation on the front: Ladd looks gigantic in this photo, especially since there appears to be no one fielding behind him.

More opinion from me: In the '80s there seemed to be an explosion of imposing relief pitchers; almost every team featured one. I call it the "Goose Gossage effect."

Something you might know: After Fingers tore a muscle in his arm late in the 1982 season, Ladd assumed the closer's role and became a sensation during the Brewers' run to the World Series that season. Ladd then led Milwaukee in saves in 1983.

Something you might not know: When Ladd played for the Mariners in 1986, he was one of three members of the pitching staff from Portland, Maine. Ladd and Bill Swift were born in Portland, and Jim Beattie was raised in Portland.

My observation on the back: When Ladd pitched in the World Series in 1982, the inmates at Cumberland County Jail watched him on TV.

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

#446 - Jim Sundberg

What a card: This is Jim Sundberg's only Topps base card as a Milwaukee Brewer (he appears in the '84 Topps Traded set as a Brewer, too). He was dealt to the Royals in January 1985.

My observation on the front: I enjoy that Sundberg is clutching his catcher's mask with his elbow.

More opinion from me: I remember when I first saw this card. I was shocked that Sundberg was anything but a Texas Ranger. He had spent the first 10 years of his career with the Rangers.

Something you might know: Sundberg built his reputation on defense, winning six straight Gold Gloves at catcher.

Something you might not know: Sundberg still holds the American League record for most games caught in a season. He crouched for 155 games in his second season in 1975 (and batted .199!).

My observation on the back: Scuba diving and Egyptian Arabian horses? He's a Renaissance Man in the 1980s.

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

#419 - Mike Caldwell

What a card: This is the final card issued of Mike Caldwell during his career. In fact, he was released by the Brewers before most collectors even pulled his card. Milwaukee let him go on January 11, 1985.

My observation on the front: A weirdly cropped photo. Neither hand is fully in the frame.

More opinion from me: The card is miscut, too.

Something you might know: Caldwell won 22 games in 1978, finishing second in the A.L. Cy Young Award voting to Ron Guidry. He also won two games for the Brewers in the 1982 World Series.

Something you might not know: Caldwell once struck out 31 batters in a high school game that went 18 innings. But he didn't win the game. It finished tied.

My observation on the back: Complete season stats!

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

#372 - Roy Howell

What a card: For the second straight post, this is the last Topps card of this player issued during his career. Roy Howell played his last major league game in 1984.

My observation on the front: There are a couple of air bubbles on this card that I never noticed until scanning it. It's ruining my fun.

More opinion from me: How Howell didn't end up with the nickname "Red", I'll never know.

Something you might know: Howell was the Blue Jays' regular third baseman during their first season, in 1977. Dave McKay actually started the first 30 games at third for Toronto, but once Howell was acquired in a trade on May 9th, he was inserted at the hot corner.

Something you might not know: Howell still holds the Blue Jays record for most RBIs in one game. He drove in nine batters during a 19-3 victory over the Yankees on Sept. 10, 1977.

My observation on the back: I can tell Roy's a California boy from his hobbies.

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