#745 - Buddy Bell

What a card: Buddy Bell really went out with a bang with the Rangers in 1984. In his last full season with Texas, he .315 with a career-high on-base percentage of .382 and came close to career marks in several other categories.

My observation on the front: This is card number 9 of a Ranger in the wonderful red jersey. These cards rule.

More opinion from me: Bell is one of those players that was first hitting the majors when I was first learning the game. I feel a connection with those players and it seems like they should never be old.

Something you might know: Bell is one of four three-generation (grandfather-father-son) families in baseball as the middle man between father, Gus, and son, David.

Something you might not know: Bell grew up in Cincinnati (where his dad played) and didn't live far from future Reds owner Marge Schott. He used to cut across her lawn (unbeknownst by Schott).

My observation on the back: It seems odd to see David Bell's name mentioned casually with the other kids' names. (If David had as much success as his father, it'd be even more odd).

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

#131 - Father/Son: Gus & Buddy Bell

What a card: This is the first card of the second subset in the 1985 Topps set. It is a revival of the "Fathers & Sons" five-card subset in the 1976 Topps set. But this subset is an unwieldy 13 cards, kind of large for a subset.

My observation on the front: Buddy looks much happier than his dad. Not that his dad is scowling -- at least I don't think he is.

More opinion from me: The best part of these Father-Son cards is the picture of the father's Topps card. I didn't pay attention to that when these cards first came out, but I really like seeing those old cards now.

Something you might know: Gus Bell's card is from the 1961 Topps set.

Something you might not know: Gus Bell used to watch from his car as Buddy Bell played Little League games. Gus would honk once for good plays and twice for great plays.

My observation on the back: The backs feature a "family crest" style design. But it's a lot less homey than the backs of the 1976 Topps Father & Son subset, which I wrote about here.

The blog wants to speak now: The Ballgames, Pop Culture and News categories are updated. Check out who the top picks were in the 1985 MLB amateur draft.