#103T - Joe Sambito

What a card: After eight seasons with the Astros, Joe Sambito was released by Houston in April, 1985 and signed with the Mets later in the month.

How'd that go: Pretty lousy. Sambito pitched in just eight games for the Mets and allowed 15 runs. He accepted a demotion to the minors but never got back on track and was released by New York in August. After disappearing off of baseball cards in 1984, Sambito was a no-show again in 1986 flagship (but he did reappear in '86 Traded with Boston).

Backatya: Those years between 1979-81 are pretty awesome to view.

Back-to-back: There you see the throwing life of a pitcher, warming up in the bullpen and game action. All we're missing here is long-tossing.

The flagship card is No. 264 in the set and was originally blogged on Feb. 19, 2014.

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

#83T - Roger McDowell

What a card: This is the 20th rookie card in the '85 Topps Traded set. McDowell burst upon the scene after appearing in just three games for Double A Jackson to start the 1984 season. He saved 17 games for the Mets, striking out 70 in 127.1 innings.

My observation on the front: Anybody else think the Mets should still have the racing stripes on the shoulders?

More opinion from me: McDowell's goofiness was played up quite a bit on cards in the '90s. Since he played for the Dodgers then, I have quite a few examples. It started to get a bit old.

Something you might know: McDowell was the winning pitcher in Game 7 of the 1986 World Series.

Something you might not know: McDowell's appearance on Seinfeld as the famed "second-spitter" lands him a royalty check of $13.52 every time "The Boyfriend" episode airs.

My observation on the back: Bring back the Expos!

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

#64T - Howard Johnson

What a card: Howard Johnson came to the Mets in a trade that sent pitcher Walt Terrell to the Tigers on Dec. 7, 1984.

How'd that go: Johnson got off to a bit of a rough start with New York but blossomed in 1987 and spent nine seasons with the Mets.

Backatya: When I posted Howard Johnson's flagship card five years ago, I updated the losses for the team with the most losses, the Phillies. Since that time, they've lost nearly 500 more times and are still leading with 10,919 for their history. The Braves are about 400 losses behind.

Back to back: Johnson is shown in two easily identifiable stadiums, although I like the Tigers photo better. The best thing about the Mets card is it shows Johnson in the Howard Johnson's restaurant colors for the first time.

The flagship card is No. 192 and was originally blogged on July 20, 2013.

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

#17T - Gary Carter

What a card: This is Gary Carter's first Topps card as a New York Met. He was dealt by the Expos on Dec. 10, 1984 for Hubie Brooks, Mike Fitzgerald, Herm Winningham and Floyd Youmans.

How'd that go: Fantastic. In year two of his time as a Met, he was a key figure on a World Series championship team.

Backatya: Carter's two daughters are Christy and Kimmy. Carter filmed a 7-Up commercial with his daughter, Christy, when she was little.

Back-to-back: The original card is No. 230, blogged on Nov. 5, 2013. Seeing these two cards next to each other, Carter looks like he's already worn out being a Met.

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

#775 - Mookie Wilson

What a card: Mookie Wilson put together a third consecutive year of similar stats for the Mets in 1984. Six hundred-plus plate appearances, a batting average in the .270s, lots of stolen bases, doubles and triples and modest power.

My observation on the front: Pretty much everything you think about Mookie Wilson's persona is right here on this card.

More opinion from me: This card kicks off a binder page in the set that is filled with future postseason heroes and goats. Wilson is the perfect start.

Something you might know: Wilson hit the most famous ground ball in World Series history, a roller that scooted between the legs of the Red Sox's Bill Buckner to score the winning run in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series.

Something you might not know: Wilson nearly became a Red Sox six years after his famous hit during the 1991-92 offseason. The Red Sox, however, decided to sign Herm Winningham instead. It was Wilson's last chance and he then retired.

My observation on the back: Maybe the reason that John and Paul didn't reach the majors is because they didn't have a cool name like their brother. (P.S.: Mookie's given name is William).

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

#751 - Kelvin Chapman

What a card: This is Kelvin Chapman's first Topps card even though he first reached the majors in 1979. He returned to the Mets in 1984 and appeared in 75 games, batting .289.

My observation on the front: That's a solid '80s look right there.

More opinion from me: To me, Chapman was the precursor to the Mets' clean-cut infield youth craze that would arrive a few years later with Gregg Jefferies and Kevin Elster, although Chapman toiled in the minors for much longer and was in his late 20s when this card arrived.

Something you might know: Chapman played on the 1978 Jackson (Miss.) Mets, the Double A team that featured Neil Allen, Hubie Brooks, Jeff Reardon and Mookie Wilson.

Something you might not know: Chapman's son, Jason, was drafted by the Reds in 2006 but he never played professional baseball. There was some friction in high school between Jason's family and the school's coaches, and he eventually switched schools.

My observation on the back: Chapman was doing so well with his hobbies until he mentioned "watching the television." That is not a hobby, especially if the television isn't on.

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

#712 - Keith Hernandez All-Star

What a card: Keith Hernandez led the National League in double plays turned by a first baseman in 1984. It was the sixth and final season that he would top that category.

My observation on the front: Unlike the American League All-Stars, which I believe all feature photos from spring training, Hernandez is shown at a big-league park, Shea Stadium.

More opinion from me: This starts the National League portion of the All-Star Cards and there is no design or color differentiation between the AL and NL all-star cards, which actually irks me. Previous sets have noted the difference between the leagues.

All-Star Game performance: Keith Hernandez struck out in his only at-bat in the 1984 All-Star Game.

Legitimate All-Star card or fake All-Star card: Fake. Steve Garvey started at first base for the National League. Steve Garvey was deprived of an All-Star card.

My observation on the back: Quite the race for the On-Base Percentage King.

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

#677 - Wally Backman

What a card: Wally Backman was coming off a breakthrough season when this card was issued. He had disappeared off of cards in 1984, but won the starting second base job that season and appeared in more than 100 games for the first time in his career, batting .280.

My observation on the front: You can see Backman's slap-hitting style in this photo as evidenced by his bat follow-through. He liked to go the opposite way.

More opinion from me: Backman was one of several rascally guys on the '86 Mets. I envisioned Backman and teammate Len Dykstra engaged in endless expletive-filled spitting contests when they weren't playing. I don't know if that's true, but it seems about right.

Something you might know: Backman and fellow infielder Tim Teufel were known as the table-setters for the New York Mets during their 1986 championship season. Backman hit .300 twice during his career, once in 1986 and once in 1988 (he also did so in 1980 but in only 93 at-bats).

Something you might not know: Backman ranked among the top 10 best baseball rants in a Sports Illustrated article last month. Backman's tirade was aired during a documentary on the independent league team he managed, the South Georgia Peanuts, which lasted just one season. The rant is NSFW.

My observation on the back: Dave Kingman's grand slam came on July 31, 1971 off of the Pirates' Dave Giusti in the bottom of the seventh inning. It was part of a seven-run seventh in an eventual 15-11 victory for the Giants.

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

#649 - Sid Fernandez

What a card: This is Sid Fernandez's first Topps card. He first appears in a major card set in 1984 Donruss as a Los Angeles Dodger.

My observation on the front: This is a shot of Fernandez that would appear over and over on his cards. I'd say there's close to 25 different cards of Fernandez in a similar position.

More opinion from me: Still annoyed the Dodgers couldn't wait on Fernandez and dealt him for a middle reliever and a utility infielder (Carlos Diaz and Bob Bailor).

Something you might know: Fernandez is likely the most successful born-and-raised Hawaiian to play major league baseball.

Something you might not know: Fernandez famously wore the No. 50, after his native state, and the theme to "Hawaii 5-0" was played at Shea Stadium during his starts. The idea came from manager Tommy Lasorda, who gave Fernandez the uniform number when he was with the Dodgers.

My observation on the back: I admittedly know little about surfing or how fit you need to be, but it's difficult for me to picture Fernandez, who struggled with weight issues throughout his career, catching a wave.

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

#620 - Dwight Gooden

What a card: Outside of Clemens and McGwire, this is the most desired card in the set. The only thing that diminished the craze slightly was the fact that Dwight Gooden appeared in the 1984 Topps Traded set.

My observation the front: Gooden's been through a lot, but he basically looks the same as he does here.

More opinion from me: I didn't have to go through any chase to get this card since I purchased the whole set at the start of the season. So part of me feels unqualified to explain the hype around Doc's first flagship card. But I don't feel as unqualified as if I was blogging the 1989 Upper Deck set (something I'd never do, by the way).

Something you might know: Gooden won the Cy Young Award the very season that this card came out, a mere year after winning Rookie of the Year honors. He led league in strikeouts both years.

Something you might not know: During Gooden's Cy Young year in 1985, he faced the Cubs five times. He beat them all five times, pitching a complete game each time.

My observation on the back: Well, thank goodness they added "before turning pro."

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

#598 - Jose Oquendo

What a card: Jose Oquendo played in 81 games in his second season in the majors in 1984. He struggled at the plate again, and the Mets traded him to the Cardinals in early April 1985, before many collectors even pulled this card.

My observation on the front: Nice shot of Oquendo's entire name on the back of his jersey. It caused me to look up the most recent No. 2 in Mets history. It was Juan Uribe in 2015.

More opinion from me: I think the Mets shortstops in the 1980s collectively had to hit around .230. Oquendo, Rafael Santana, Ron Gardenhire, Frank Taveras, Kevin Elster. They were not high-average guys.

Something you might know: Oquendo thrived as the ultimate utility player for the Cardinals. He was dubbed "The Secret Weapon" and was utilized by manager Whitey Herzog as both a catcher and pitcher, along with more customary positions.

Something you might not know: Oquendo is one of two major leaguers whose last name starts with "Oqu". The other is 1990s relief pitcher Mike Oquist.

My observation the back: Stan Musial still holds the record for most career All-Star Game home runs and no one has come close in a long, long time. Ted Williams is second with four. After that it's a lengthy list of three apiece: Ralph Kiner, Willie Mays, Rocky Colavito, Harmon Killebrew, Johnny Bench, Fred Lynn, Gary Carter and Alfonso Soriano.

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

#590 - Ray Knight

What a card: This is Ray Knight's first Topps card as a New York Met. Topps had to work quickly as Knight was traded from the Astros on Aug. 28, 1984 and played just 27 games for New York. Fortunately, Topps has New York connections and nabbed a photo of Knight at Shea.

My observation on the front: Knight is subliminally urging you to drink Coca-Cola.

More opinion from me: I liked Knight when he first came up with the Reds (even though I didn't like the Reds). It was during that time when I was a budding teenager and liked all the up-and-coming players because they were young like me, dammit. I didn't like him as much when he was with the Mets.

Something you might know: Knight was initially known as the player who replaced Pete Rose at third base for the Reds after Rose departed for the Phillies before the 1979 season. He later became better known as the player who scored the winning run on Mookie Wilson's grounder that traveled through Bill Buckner's legs to end Game 6 of the 1986 World Series (which happened, by the way, 30 years ago yesterday).

Something you might not know: Knight endured so many injuries during his first full season with the Reds in '79 that his teammates called him "Battlescar Gallactica".

My observation on the back: A night game trivia question! The Reds beat the Phillies 2-1 in that first night game on May 24, 1935. Cincinnati was the host of the first game mostly because the team was having financial problems, and this -- and subsequent night games there -- was a bid to boost attendance.

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

#570 - Darryl Strawberry

What a card: Darryl Strawberry had completed his sophomore season when this card was issued. He boosted most of his totals over his Rookie of the Year performance in 1983.

My observation on the front: Strawberry's Topps cards were already getting repetitive at this point -- this is his third straight card of him swinging at the plate. Topps changed it up in 1986.

More opinion from me: I first became aware of Strawberry from, I believe, a Baseball Quarterly cover story not long after he was drafted No. 1 by the Mets. The reason I say "I believe" is because I can't find evidence of the story or cover photo. The internet is notoriously dismissive of Baseball Quarterly/Baseball Magazine, which was founded by future longtime Yankees publicist Rick Cerrone, and was my go-to colorful sports magazine at the time because it was all about baseball and Sports Illustrated wasn't. I had a subscription and everything. It's possible the Strawberry article was actually in Sport magazine. Anyway, I thought it odd that there was a player named "Strawberry" and was pretty sure it was made up.

Something you might know: The 1983 National League Rookie of the Year, Strawberry was the main slugger on the mid-to-late 1980s Mets teams, helped New York win a World Series -- despite the "DAR-ryl" chants -- and saw his career spiral due to substance abuse shortly after arriving with his hometown Dodgers.

Something you might not know: Strawberry and former Mets teammate Dwight Gooden wear the same shoe size. Size 13.

My observation on the back: Michael Strawberry played for two years in the Dodgers' organization, reaching Class A Lodi in 1981. I can't find a mention of Ronnie playing professionally.

The blog wants to speak now: The TV category is updated. It's back-dated to Oct. 15. Sorry about that.

#546 - Brent Gaff

What a card: This is Brent Gaff's first card appearance since first showing up in the 1983 Donruss set.

My observation on the front: That is a very Mets card. Orange and blue everywhere. Even the backdrop is orange and blue-ish.

More opinion from me: Brent Gaff's name reminds me of Todd Gack.

Something you might know: Gaff toiled in the Mets minor league system for six years before breaking out during the Mets' emergence during the 1984 season. He appeared in 47 games out of the bullpen.

Something you might not know: Gaff appeared in the 1986 Topps set despite not pitching a single game in 1985. He managed just one minor league appearance that year because of a torn rotator cuff that ended his career. His last MLB appearance was in 1984.

My observation on the back: I don't know how anyone relaxes ice fishing. You're on a sheet of ice in the middle of a lake. There is nothing around except frozen water. I'd be silently screaming in my head the whole time.

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

#517 - Jerry Martin

What a card: This is the last card of Jerry Martin issued during his MLB career. Martin was signed by the Mets in May 1984 despite being released from jail three months earlier after pleading guilty to attempting to possess cocaine. Martin and former Royals teammates Willie Wilson and Willie Aikens were suspended for the season by commissioner Bowie Kuhn, but they had their suspensions reduced on appeal and played in 1984. Martin batted just .154 and was released after the season.

My observation on the front: Martin looks sleepy as he follows through on his swing.

More opinion from me: It was very strange at the time when three active major leaguers were sentenced to prison.

Something you might know: Martin enjoyed his best seasons for the Cubs, hitting a combined 42 home runs and knocking in a combined 146 runs in 1979 and 1980.

Something you might not know: Martin's brother, Mike, was the No. 5 overall pick in the 1970 amateur draft. Selected by the Phillies, Mike Martin never made the major leagues, toiling in the minors for seven seasons.

My observation on the back: "Barney" Martin pitched in one game in the major leagues. He finished the final two innings of the Reds' 8-3 loss to the Cardinals on April 22, 1953, allowing three hits and two runs.

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

#492 - Dave Johnson

What a card: This is Davey Johnson's first flagship card as a manager. Although he did appear in Topps' 1984 Traded set as the Mets' manager, too.

My observation on the front: Nothing says "manager card" like leaning on the dugout railing.

More opinion from me: I've never called Davey Johnson "Dave" in my life, but yet that's what Topps was doing all throughout his playing and manager career.

Something you might know: Less than two years after this card came out, Johnson was leading the Mets to their first World Series title since 1969.

Something you might not know: Johnson played in Japan in 1976 and was a teammate of Sadaharu Oh, the same year that Oh hit career home run No. 715 to pass Babe Ruth the year after Hank Aaron passed the Babe.

My observation the back: Those 90 wins would be surpassed by 98, 108, 92 and 100 in the next four years.

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

#467 - Ed Lynch

What a card: Ed Lynch had completed his fifth season with the Mets in 1984. He was entering what would be his most successful season. After going back and forth between starter and reliever, Lynch was a regular in the Mets' rotation in 1985.

My observation on the front: Some of the photos in this set are hazy. This is one of them.

More opinion from me: When I was collecting in the '80s, I would get Ed Lynch mixed up with Ed Glynn, another Mets reliever who pitched around the same time.

Something you might know: The Mets and Cubs hurler eventually became the Cubs' general manager in the 1990s and was there for five seasons. He oversaw the 1998 Cubs team that made the playoffs and featured the 66-home run season by Sammy Sosa.

Something you might not know: Lynch was good friends with Keith Hernandez when they played together on the Mets. He was also in awe of Hernandez's ability. Once, while describing Hernandez's ability to advise pitchers and hitters alike, Lynch said, "If Einstein starts talking about the speed of light, you better listen to him."

My observation on the back: Lynch played basketball on South Carolina's reserve team. But his scholarship helped him get a baseball career.

The blog wants to speak now: The Ballgames category is updated. It's a famous one.

#439 - Junior Ortiz

What a card: Junior Ortiz was already off to another team when this card was issued. He was picked by the Pirates (his former team) in the Rule 5 draft in December, 1984.

My observation on the front: It appears that Ortiz has hit a high pitch to the opposite field.

More opinion from me: Ortiz played during the heyday of ballplayers named Junior. During the '70s and the '80s, besides Ortiz, there was Junior Kennedy, Junior Felix, Junior Noboa and Junior Moore.

Something you might know: Ortiz was a backup catcher for the Mets, Pirates, Indians, Twins and Rangers, playing behind such notable backstops as Tony Pena, Sandy Alomar Jr., Brian Harper and Ivan Rodriguez.

Something you might not know: Twins teammates once gave Ortiz a T-shirt that said, "I can't hit, I can't throw, I can't run, what am I doing here?"

My observation on the back: Wow, that's a lot of All-Star Game losses. Brooks Robinson still apparently holds that record.

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

#415 - Ron Darling

What a card: This is Ron Darling's first Topps base card. He appears in the 1984 Topps Traded set.

My observation on the front: Another miscut card directly out of the box that I bought at the start of the '85 season. Argh.

More opinion from me: Darling is a member of the best broadcasting crew in baseball. Gary Cohen and Keith Hernandez are indispensable for the Mets, in my opinion, but Darling holds his own.

Something you might know: Darling was a consistent member of the Mets' starting rotation during their glory years in the mid-to-late 1980s. He finished fifth in the Cy Young voting during the Mets' World Series championship season in 1986.

Something you might not know: Darling appeared on Sesame Street when he was a player, talking with puppet "Telly," who is looking through his baseball card collection, and features a card of Ron Darling that may or may not be a real baseball card. Darling wears his uniform featuring No. 44, which was his uniform number when he first came up with the Mets.

My observation on the back: The trivia question is a lacking an answer! But I won't leave you hanging. The answer is Babe Ruth.

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