What a card: This is the ninth rookie card in the Update set. Mariano Duncan made his major league debut in 1985 and played in 142 games for the Dodgers, finishing third in the NL Rookie of the Year voting.
My observation on the front: That's first base coach Joey Amalfitano in the background.
More opinion from me: Duncan's performance in 1985 was easily his best for the Dodgers. He flat-out stunk after that and became one of those frustrating players who performed much better for succeeding teams (the Reds, Phillies and Yankees).
Something you might know: Duncan's one season with the Yankees in 1996 was so successful that not only did he hit .340 that year but his often-repeated phrase "we play today, we win today" appeared on T-shirts worn by Yankees teammates.
Something you might not know: When pitcher Joaquin Andujar moved out of his home in the Dominican Republic for a bigger house, Duncan and his family moved into Andujar's old place.
My observation on the back: Samuel, Fernandez and Duncan are all from San Pedro de Macoris. This is right when the city started to become known in the baseball public as a goldmine for shortstops.
The blog wants to speak now: The Ballgames category is updated.
My lasting memory of Mariano Duncan has always been him fielding the throw from right field after Ozzie Smith's go crazy home run in the 85 playoffs.
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