#127T - Dave Von Ohlen

What a card: Dave Von Ohlen was signed as a free agent by the Indians on Jan. 3, 1985 after being released by the Cardinals in November, 1984.

How'd that go: Von Ohlen delivered his last solid season in 1985 with his one year with Cleveland. He appeared in 26 games and 43 innings as a middle-innings reliever but was limited by forearm and knee injuries. The Indians released him during spring training of 1986. He was picked up by Oakland but played only sparingly for the A's in '86 and '87.

Backatya: A little sad looking at this knowing that Von Ohlen was a Flushing, N.Y., native, drafted by the Mets, yet never played for his hometown team. Look at all those attempts to get there: Marion, Wausau, Lynchburg, Jackson, Tidewater.

Back-to-back: The flagship card is action-oriented, which was always welcome in the 1980s, but the Traded card presents some chest-hair scruff, so it breaks out even, right?

Anyway, the flagship card is No. 177 in the set and was originally blogged on May 17, 2013.

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

#122T - Rich Thompson

What a card: This is the 30th rookie card in the 1985 Topps Traded set. Rich Thompson pitched in 57 games for the Indians in 1985, his first year in the major leagues.

My observation on the front: Thompson appears to be quite pleased he's made it to the majors.

More opinion from me: Thompson is one of the players in the 1986 Topps set that convinced me that I no longer knew as much about major league baseball as I once did. Thompson's '86 Topps card is quite memorable, yet the only thing I could focus on is that I had no idea who he was.

Something you might know: Thompson's rookie season was his busiest. Even though he posted a 6.30 ERA that year, the last-place Indians kept putting him out there. He wouldn't return to the majors until 1989 when he was with the Expos.

Something you might not know: After his playing career, Thompson became a lawyer.

My observation on the back: I've never described my baseball card collection as "a fine collection." I wonder what a "fine collection" looks like and whether he still has it.

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

#99T - Vern Ruhle

What a card: After spending the most productive years of his career with the Astros, Ruhle signed with the Indians as a free agent on Dec. 22, 1984.

How'd that go: About the same as Ruhle's difficult 1984 season. Ruhle went 2-10 with a 4.32 ERA in 1985, his only year with the Indians and his last full season in the majors.

Backatya: I know we're not supposed to care about won-loss records anymore, but looking at that 1984 season makes me realize that Ruhle was 3-19 over the 1984 and 1985 seasons. Eesh.

Back-to-back: Ruhle is wearing two very 1980s uniform styles on each of these cards. Softball pullovers!

The flagship card is No. 426 in the set and was originally blogged on June 25, 2015.

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

#21T - Bryan Clark

What a card: Bryan Clark signed with the Indians as a free agent on April 15, 1985, a couple of weeks after being released by the Blue Jays.

How'd that go: Clark appeared in 31 games for Cleveland in 1985, but his ERA of 6.32 was even worse than the 5.91 with the Blue Jays the year before and he was released after the season. This is his last Topps card.

Backatya: I'm really trying not to sound old-fashioned here, but I've never heard of a male hygienist. I came across a fairly recent article that said the number of men working as dental hygienists is slowly increasing. But I imagine it had to be pretty rare back in the 1970s when Clark was in college.

Back-to-back: Clark's original Topps card is No. 489. It was blogged on Jan. 8, 2016. Clark was apparently caught talking on his Traded card, which is also probably how his most memorable Topps card   came to be.

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

#3T - Benny Ayala

What a card: Benny Ayala signed as a free agent with the Indians several days into the 1985 season, on April. 19.

How'd that go: It was the final season of his career. Ayala played in 46 games for Cleveland in 1985 and spent some time in the minors for the first time since 1979.

Backatya: This is the third straight card of someone who also played for the Mets.

Back-to-back:

The original card is No. 624, blogged on Feb. 1, 2017. Ayala seems to be bench-warming in both of these photos.

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

#788 - Steve Comer

What a card: Steve Comer had completed his major league career when this card was issued. The Indians released him in October of 1984. He spent the 1985 season with the Phillies organization in Triple A.

My observation on the front: The perfect example when I say that the 1985 set reverted back to the 1970s with some of its photo choices. Something like this would never fly in 1983 or 1984 Topps.

More opinion from me: Many of Comer's cards look the same. I like his 1983 Topps card because he's not standing like a statue.

Something you might know: Comer won a team-high 17 games for the Rangers in 1979, his second year in the majors. He threw more innings for Texas than anyone that year besides Fergie Jenkins.

Something you might not know: Comer is still the University of Minnesota's all-time leader in victories and complete games.

My observation on the back: Every time I see mention of Three Rivers Stadium I can hear former Pirates slugger and longtime Mets broadcaster Ralph Kiner saying virtually every time the Mets played in Pittsburgh that the stadium was located "near the confluence of the Ohio, Allegeny and Monongahela rivers." I'm sure most of those times he mentioned it, I had no idea what "confluence" meant.

The blog wants to speak now: The Other Cards category is updated.

#764 - Jamie Easterly

What a card: Jamie Easterly appeared in just 26 games in 1984, his lowest total since the 1979 season when he spent most of the year in the minors.

My observation on the front: Going with the hero shot with this photo is a bold move for a career 4.65 hurler.

More opinion from me: I first encountered Easterly on his 1978 Topps card. His career ERA was 5.59 on the back. A year later, on his 1979 Topps card, his career ERA was even worse. I never guessed then that Topps would still be making Jamie Easterly cards in 1985.

Something you might know: Easterly became a regular member of the Brewers' bullpen when they reached the postseason in 1981 and 1982.

Something you might not know: Easterly, while once trying a new training plan in the offseason, stepped into a gopher hole while running backward and hurt his back.

My observation on the back: On a really good day, Jamie watches golf and hunting on TV.

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

#739 - Ernie Camacho

What a card: Ernie Camacho was coming off a career season when this card was issued. He set career highs in several categories in 1984 and led the Indians in saves with 23.

My observation on the front: This is the 12th card in the set of a player shown without a cap.

More opinion from me: Back in the mid-1980s, I got Camacho and boxer Hector "Macho" Camacho confused all the time. Macho Camacho was a super featherweight champion at the same time Ernie Camacho was emerging as a reliever.

Something you might know: Camacho came over to the Indians in the trade with the Brewers that sent Gorman Thomas to Cleveland and Rick Manning to Milwaukee.

Something you might not know: Last spring, Camacho helped establish a foundation in the Salinas, Calif., school district where he works for district kids who want to pursue their education after high school. He also raises money to fight Alzheimer's disease, which claimed his father.

My observation on the back: Camacho's hobby has come in handy as he joined the Salinas school district after his career to provide plumbing and electrical work.

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

#694 - Joe Carter

What a card: This is Joe Carter's first Topps card. He first appears in a major set as a Rated Rookie, and a Chicago Cub, in 1984 Donruss.

My observation on the front: That is a pretty terrific photo for your first Topps card. I daresay he didn't have one as good until 1992 Topps.

More opinion from me: Dammit, I wanted the Phillies to win.

Something you might know: Carter is one of only two players to end a World Series with a walk-off home run. If you don't know the first, then why in the world are you reading a baseball card blog?

Something you might not know: Carter runs a golf tournament in Toronto that benefits the Children's Aid Foundation and attracts a number of celebrities. One of those celebrities one year was Mitch Williams, who gave up Carter's walk-off homer in 1993. Carter's family was there and Carter introduced Williams to them. Williams' response: "Oh, man, this is just what I need. Everybody looks like Joe Carter."

My observation on the back: The trivia answer was outdated by the end of 1985. Vince Coleman stole 110 bases as a rookie in '85.

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

#664 - Steve Farr

What a card: After seven years in the minors, Steve Farr appeared in his first major league games in 1984, throwing 116 innings in 31 games. But the Indians cut him in March, 1985.

My observation on the front: I like rookie cards like this because it shows him with a team with which he's not commonly associated.

More opinion from me: Thank goodness there are no visible pit stains.

Something you might know: Farr was a productive relief pitcher for the Royals and the Yankees. He saved at least 20 games four times in his career.

Something you might not know: Farr now runs a trucking company in his name in North Carolina.

My observation on the back: Farr had some control problems early in his career. Check out his walk-innings pitched totals in 1978.

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

#637 - Brett Butler

What a card: This is Brett Butler's first flagship Topps card as a Cleveland Indian after appearing as an Indian in the 1984 Topps Traded set.

My observation on the front: Brett seems mildly amused.

More opinion from me: Remember when the comedian Brett Butler started getting famous and then had her own sitcom, "Grace Under Fire"? When you mentioned Brett Butler during the mid-1990s, half the time people thought you were referring to the comedian. I didn't find her or her show entertaining, so I was never referring to her when I said "Brett Butler," dammit.

Something you might know: Known as one of the top leadoff hitters of his era, Butler came back from cancer of the tonsils to play for the Dodgers in 1996.

Something you might not know: Butler holds the MLB mark for most career bunt hits with the bases empty with 188.

My observation on the back: I wonder whether Rose is still Butler's idol?

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

#609 - Broderick Perkins

What a card: Broderick Perkins appeared in just 58 games in 1984, managing a career-low .197 average. The Indians released him after the season and he never appeared in another major league game. This is his final card.

My observation on the front: Perkins seems enormously happy about that tiny bat in his hands.

More opinion from me: Perkins spent most of his career playing for bad Padres teams. And then the Padres go and trade him to the Indians after the 1982 season and what do they do? They make the World Series two years later. Poor Broderick.

Something you might know: Perkins best season was in 1982, when he played in 125 games and served as the Padres' starting first baseman.

Something you might know: Perkins was a pall bearer at Tony Gwynn's funeral.

My observation on the back: The key word there is "enjoys." Look at Perkins' baseball cards. He seemed to do "enjoy" very well.

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

#533 - Tony Bernazard

What a card: This is Tony Bernazard's first Topps base card as a member of the Cleveland Indians. He appears with the Indians in the 1984 Traded set.

My observation on the front: This card also marks the first base card appearance of Bernazard without a mustache.

More opinion from me: I like mustache Bernazard better.

Something you might know: Bernazard was a scrappy infield type for the Expos, White Sox, Mariners, Indians and A's who featured some pop in his bat. He became better known for his infamous blowups while a vice president in the Mets' front office (once supposedly tearing off his shirt and challenging several players from the Mets' Double A Binghamton team to a fight). He was memorably dismissed in a messy press conference by Mets GM Omar Minaya in 2009.

Something you might not know: Bernazard was consistently among the AL leaders in errors committed at second base. He led the league in 1984 and was second in 1983, 1985, 1986 and 1987.

My observation on the back: Vic Power started a program of clinics and seminars in Puerto Rico after his career. He helped develop several future major leaguers besides Bernazard, such as Jose Oquendo and Juan Beniquez.

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

#504 - Jerry Willard

What a card: This is Jerry Willard's first appearance on a Topps card. Donruss beat Topps to the punch with a Willard card in its 1984 set. Donruss did that a lot with its '84 set, which is one of the reasons it's so great.

My observation on the front: Watching batting practice is a very appropriate picture for a rookie backup.

More opinion from me: Ever since the Mike Schmidt card, we've been going to the end of the bench for cards.

Something you might know: Willard was a backup for most of his career, but he did have a shining moment in the 1991 World Series. While playing for the Braves, he was sent up as a pinch-hitter during the ninth inning of Game 4 with the score tied 2-2. Willard hit a fly ball that scored Mark Lemke from third with the winning run.

Something you might not know: Willard was out of baseball between the time he was released by the A's in December 1987 and when he was signed by the White Sox in February 1989. He worked in construction in 1988, but didn't like it, and started looking for a baseball job again.

My observation on the back: Little League ball, you say? That Jerry was a regular hipster as a kid.

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

#475 - Andre Thornton

What a card: Andre Thornton was coming off what would be his last great season. He tied his career high for home runs by hitting 33 in 1984 and was named to the All-Star team.

My observation on the front: Man, glasses were huge in the '80s. Thornton suddenly started wearing those large frames in the early '80s.

More opinion from me: Thornton was a big bopper but you never hear about him anymore outside of Cleveland. It's a shame.

Something you might know: Thornton came back from adversity several times to be a consistent power threat in the Indians' lineup. He knocked in over 100 runs twice and hit more than 30 homers three times.

Something you might not know: Thornton once owned a chain of Applebee's restaurants.

My observation on the back: Thornton's book was "Triumph Born of Tragedy," a story of his religious faith that came about after a 1977 accident on the Pennsylvania turnpike that killed his wife and young daughter.

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

#453 - Tom Waddell

What a card: This is the first Topps flagship card for Tom Waddell. He does appear in the 1984 Topps and Fleer traded sets.

My observation on the front: I'm wondering if those are the press box seats above Waddell.

More opinion from me: Waddell has three Topps flagship cards. They are remarkably similar.

Something you might know: Waddell set an Indians record for appearances by a rookie pitcher when he pitched in 58 games for Cleveland in 1984.

Something you might not know: Waddell is one of seven major league players born in Scotland. (He came to the U.S. as a child on the Queen Mary ocean liner). Most played in the 19th century and are not well-known. The other one is Bobby Thomson, who hit a home run you might have heard around the world.

 My observation on the back: The trivia question remains correct. Garry Templeton had over 100 hits from both sides of the plate in 1979 and Willie Wilson did the same in 1980. And that's been it.

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

#425 - Mike Hargrove

What a card: Mike Hargrove was entering his final major league season as a player when this card was issued. He recorded 352 at-bats in 1984, which was the fewest for Hargrove in a nonstrike season since he started his MLB career in 1974.

My observation on the front: I'm pretty certain this is a posed shot.

More opinion from me: I liked Hargrove a lot as a kid, but it's all due to his 1976 Topps card.

Something you might know: Hargrove was the AL Rookie of the Year in 1974, but is probably known more now for managing the Indians, Orioles and Mariners between 1991-2007.

Something you might not know: Hargrove is ranked 76th all-time in on-base percentage. To put that in a little perspective, only active players Joey Votto (22nd), Albert Pujols (53rd), Miguel Cabrera (63rd) and Joe Mauer (70th) rate higher.

My observation on the back: Hargrove started the 1979 season with the Padres, but was traded to the Indians in mid-season. I remember being annoyed that I would never see Hargrove in a Padres uniform on a baseball card.

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

#381 - Roy Smith

What a card: This is Roy Smith's rookie card. He also appears in the 1985 Donruss and Fleer sets. Smith made his major league debut in June of 1984.

My observation on the front: Smith appears mildly interested in something. The veterans have probably left him out again.

More opinion from me: "Roy Smith" is a wonderfully generic name if you want to slip under the radar as a baseball player. I don't remember Smith during his playing career and when I returned to collecting the 1986 Topps set decades later, I looked at Smith's card like he was an impostor.

Something you might know: Smith won 10 games as a member of the Twins' starting rotation in 1989. He and Allan Anderson were forced to pick up the slack during a season when Minnesota's former ace, Frank Viola, was traded to the Mets.

Something you might not know: Smith, who has been an executive and scout in baseball for the last two decades, was a big supporter of the Mets obtaining Blue Jays pitching prospect Noah Syndergaard in the deal for R.A. Dickey in 2012. Smith works with Paul DePodesta in the Mets' scouting department.

My observation the back: Jose Abreu just broke Kittle's White Sox rookie home run record last year when he hit 36.

The blog wants to speak now: The Ballgames 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.

#327 - Brook Jacoby

What a card: This is the first base Topps card for Brook Jacoby. He appears in the 1984 Topps Traded set. He also appears in the '84 Donruss set as an Atlanta Brave. It's the only major issue set where you can find Jacoby as a Brave.

My observation on the front: Chain-link fences scream spring training. ... Well, actually, for me, they scream "ball park I played in when I was a kid".

More opinion from me: There is some "print snow" on Jacoby's left arm sleeve. I never knew this set had so many "snow" cards until starting this blog.

Something you might know: Jacoby was a cornerstone of the Indians' offense in the mid-1980s. He was obtained in a trade along with Brett Butler for soon-to-be washed up pitcher Len Barker.

Something you might not know: Jacoby recently ended a six-year stay as the Reds' hitting coach. Former manager Dusty Baker claims that when he found out last year that the Reds were going to fire Jacoby, he told GM Walt Jocketty to fire him instead. Baker was fired the next day. Jacoby and the Reds parted ways, too. He now works for the Rangers.

My observation on the back: Jacoby put up some big numbers in the Braves' system.

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