1976 Topps Traded #661 Rick Stelmaszek

I am "borrowing" intellectual property from several bloggers for this piece.  I first was inspired to create virtual cards after seeing  the outstanding card creations from bloggers including Cards That Never Were (at White Sox Cards), Chachi Cards (at The Phillies Room), random card creations and corrections (at Wrigley Wax), Final Tribute cards (at Garvey, Cey, Russell and Lopes) and random stuff (at Punk Rock Paint).
Over the past couple of years, Matt R. has done an incredible job exploring the 1976 Topps set through his site Project Baseball 1976.  Matt has already gone through the regular set and is now about midway through the "traded" set.  It's not Matt's fault, but one card is missing, a card that never was.  Of course, I am talking about Rick Stelmaszek's 1976 traded card.
Stelmaszek spent the 1975 season playing for Wichita, the Cubs AAA ninor league team.  On January 23, 1976, 25 years ago last Sunday, Stelmaszek was traded to the New York Yankees for Jerry Pirtle (who finally made it to the majors with Montreal in 1978).
In 1976, Stelmaszek played for the Syracuse Chiefs, the Yankees AAA team.  He was unable to beat out Elrod Hendricks and Fran Healy as Thurman Munson's backups and was never promoted to the major league roster.  By 1977, Stelmaszek was with Tucson via an unknown transaction.
While Stelmaszek never officially played for the Yankees nor was he featured on a regular Topps 1976 card, I decided to make a traded card for him.  It's my blog and my insanity.  Besides, I blame Steve, Matt, Jim, Paul...

The Rick Stelmaszek Saga:Part 16

About a year ago, thanks to Steve over at White Sox Cards, my old friend Rick Stelmaszek has a 1974 Topps Traded baseball card. Steve is a master at such creations. He has also helped me with a Mick Kelleher Cardinals card, a Ricky Seilheimer White Sox card and a couple Mike Squires cards. Steve is so dedicated that he sent me a corrected version after he realized he mistakenly listed Rick as a pitcher. Ironically, I didn't even catch the error!
The Chicago Cubs would be Stelmaszek's last major league team. After finishing the 1974 season with the Cubs, Stelmaszek spent all of 1975 with the Wichita Aeros (the AAA affiliate of the Cubs). In January of 1976, he was traded to the New York Yankees for Gerry Pirtle (who never pitched for the Cubs, was released two years later and pitched in 19 games for the 1978 Montreal Expos).
Stelmaszek played one season in Syracuse (the Yankees AAA affiliate) before heading back to the Texas Rangers organization for one season. Finally, he landed with the Wisconsin Rapids Twins (the A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins) as a player-manager.

However, Stelmaszek's career started in the Washington Senators' (now the Texas Rangers) organization. There is an Ebay auction ending in two days which features a very young Stelmaszek while with the Senators. The picture has to be about 40 years old. It's a great piece of baseball nostalgia.

Vintage Rick Stelmaszek photo as found on Ebay (#390211387607)

Celebrity Rookie Cards:Part 3

They aren't perfect, but they are my attempt at the world of virtual cards. These are the Celebrity Rookie Cards.

The Kansas City Royals weren't even in existence when Warren Buffett made his business debut, but that is part of the fun (?) involved with Celebrity Rookie Cards. I think Buffett might be able to make the Royals starting rotation this year.
Bret Hart has been wrestling for a long time. He is a hero in Canada. It's only fitting that his rookie card would have him in the Maple Leafs sweater, one of the Original Six.

Celebrity Rookie Cards:Part 2

They aren't perfect, but they are my attempt at the world of virtual cards. These are the Celebrity Rookie Cards.

I have been a fan of Patrick Warburton from his time on News Radio. His episode as a face-painted fan of the Devils on Seinfeld was classic and earned him a Celebrity Rookie Card.
Mariah Carey showed her fondness for MJ by wearing a Wizards jersey-dress at the 2003 NBA all-star game. The Wizards were the Bullets when Carey debuted, but I opted for the Wizards card to keep continuity.

Celebrity Rookie Cards

Many of my fellow bloggers do awesome work creating virtual cards of all types. I'm sure I am leaving some out, but my favorites are Birth Year Cards and Cards That Never Were (at White Sox Cards), Chachi Cards (at The Phillies Room), random card creations and corrections (at Wrigley Wax), Final Tribute cards (at Garvey, Cey, Russell and Lopes) and random stuff (at Punk Rock Paint).
I wanted to attempt something on my own to work on my PhotoShop skills (which are mediocre at best) and to have a unique series which reflects the scope of Johngy's Beat. I decided to do a card series of celebrities who have worn jerseys at some point. I would use the card design for the year after the person's professional debut. I realize the pictures versus card year might present time-travel issues, but these Celebrity Rookie Cards are not perfect, but they are my attempt at the world of virtual cards.
With all of the best intentions, I screwed up (like a rookie) on my first attempt. I made a Trish Stratus birth year card, instead of rookie card. After I realized the error, I then encountered a logo problem I couldn't overcome on the proposed rookie card, so I went to the Maestro, Steve at White Sox Cards for some help. Steve produced the masterpiece incredibly fast and precise.
While my goal is still to do these on my own, I reserve the right to call for help on occasion. I also invite anyone else to join the insanity if the mood should strike. The concept is easy, rookie cards of celebrities wearing jerseys (no fair PhotoShopping this part...the celeb must have actually worn the jersey).
Without further adieu, I present my first attempts at Celebrity Rookie Cards.

Lanny Poffo was born in the Chicago area and remains a Cubs fan. I have met Poffo several times. I had the pleasure of interviewing him for an article and working with him on a literacy ad series.

Trish Stratus is a native of Canada. She is a big fan of the Maple Leafs and appeared in their merchandise catalog a few years back.

My wrong year version of a Trish Stratus Celebrity Rookie Card.The correct Trish Stratus Celebrity Rookie Card (thanks to Steve).

Mike Squires 1975 and 1976 Topps

As I have previously detailed, I love the way my fellow bloggers create virtual baseball cards. Since I don't have great skills at PhotoShop or other such programs, I put out a blog enlisting the aid of those creative bloggers to help me in my quest to give former Chicago White Sox 1st baseman his full compliment of baseball cards. Over the holiday break, I received two such creations.
One person sent me a version of a 1975 Topps Rookie Infielders featuring Squires in one of the slots. This card is very cool and very unexpected. I like the choice of including Squires in this card, because crosstown rookie Manny Trillo is also on the card. How often do you get a card featuring players from both Chicago teams?
Unfortunately, the sender remains anonymous. Please shoot me an email with your info, so I can give you proper credit.
The other creation was sent by Steve over at White Sox Cards. Steve is a virtual card genius! Every creation of his is a masterpiece and he has done several for me. I appreciate all of them.
An interesting and difficult part of the 1976 Topps card Steve created is the position. I didn't even realize that Topps did not give the Sox a 1st baseman in this set. This is hard to believe, but it is true. See, they should have included Squires!
These cards have a special element. They depict Squires in the red pinstripes that the Sox wore in the early 70's when I first started following them. Maybe it is nostalgia, but I still miss those uniforms.
I love these card creations. I can now rest easily, since all of the possible missing cards of Squires have been made. Thanks to everyone who has contributed!

Tony LaRussa Played for the Chicago Cubs?

Everyone knows Tony LaRussa is having a Hall of Fame managerial career. Most people know LaRussa had a modest playing career. A lot of people don't know that LaRussa actually ended his major league career with the Chicago Cubs.
Most diehard sports fans know of LaRussa's one game with the Cubs. On Opening Day in 1973, LaRussa pinch-ran for Ron Santo and scored the winning run. A few days later he was sent to the minors, never to return to the majors as a player.
LaRussa's last baseball card as a player was his 1972 Topps card as a member of the Atlanta Braves. That is, until now.
Paul over at Wrigley Wax has given LaRussa his final player card as a member of the Cubs. Paul had a great post (and not just because he dedicated it to me). Paul gave a great effort in creating a LaRussa Cubs card, primarily because pictures of LaRussa in Cubs blues are uncommon.
Wrigley Wax is one of my regularly visited sites. It has regular features like 5 Random Cubs Cards and 196(9) at a Time. Paul is a fan and collector. Most of all he is interesting and fun.
Thank you, Paul. Thanks for creating the LaRussa card. Thanks for thinking of me. Thanks for being one of the good guys.

Tony LaRussa 1973 Topps card as created by Paul at Wrigley Wax.

Dick Allen's Missing Cards

I have written a few pieces about blogger-created baseball cards. I have even attempted one myself. I really am fascinated by these cards.
For whatever reason, Dick Allen popped into my mind. Allen had an excellent 15 year career, which ended after his 1977 season with the Oakland A's. Allen did not get a 1978 Topps card, even though he had a decent '77 season in a platoon role for the A's. More surprisingly, he didn't even have a 1977 card, despite having a solid season in '76 with the Philadelphia Phillies.
The 1976 Allen card showed him in a Phillies uniform. I couldn't recall ever seeing Allen in an A's uniform. So I started searching for one. Not only did I find a great picture of a green and gold clad Allen, I found a great site and 2 blogger created Allen cards, one for '77 and one for '78!
Andy runs 'Dick Allen Hall of Fame', a site dedicated to celebrating the career of Allen and adding more force to Allen's HOF cause. Andy has some great Allen photos, including a cool shot of Allen and his brother/White Sox teammate Hank. Andy also has created a few Allen cards, including the missing 1977 and 1978 Topps cards.
The '77 card would be Allen's final card in a Phillies uniform, while the '78 card would be Allen's last card and would serve as a tribute card. Andy stated that he might create other versions of the '78. If that happens, I will be sure to highlight those in the future. Until then, I hope you enjoy these as much as I do and that you'll stop by Andy's site and read all about the most deserving player not enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

Mike Squires 1978 Topps

Last week I put out a challenge for some creative bloggers to produce any of the 'missing' baseball cards of Mike Squires. A few days ago, I featured a 1986 Topps as created by Jason of The Writer's Journey and Jim of Garvey Cey Russell Lopes.
In the comments section of that post, Steve at White Sox Cards wrote that he put together a 1978 card of Squires and had it posted on his site. That card is pictured below.
Actually, it was Squires who lead me to White Sox Cards the first time. Steve wrote a series of posts discussing his choices for best players to wear each number for the White Sox. His choice for #25 was Tommy John, with a mention of Jim Thome. I politely objected and made my case for Squires. I've been following his site ever since.
Steve's site has everything including several sets of specially created cards, card spotlights, White Sox thoughts and much more. He's also been known to veer slightly off-topic with random and interesting things (such as his recent Paul McCartney and Wings clip).
This is another great creation by Steve. The picture seems a perfect fit for the 1978 Topps set. I also love how young Squires looks in the photo.
I really appreciate Steve's efforts. This was his 4th creation for me and I love them all. A new bunch of White Sox goodness will be Steve's upon my next trip to his area.
To recap, I now have a 1977, 1978 and 1986 Topps card creation of Mike Squires. Still outstanding are the elusive 1976 (with red and blue uni) and 1979 (non shared rookie) Topps cards.
Thanks to everyone for their comments, assistance, creations and patience while I prattle on with my Squires mancrush.

Mike Squires 1978 Topps card as created by Steve at White Sox Cards.

Mike Squires 1986 Topps

Last week, I made my first voyage into the world of self-created baseball cards. I produced a 1977 Topps card of Mike Squires (admittedly the easiest card I could have attempted). I ended the piece by putting out an offer to anyone who would make any of the missing cards of Squires (1975, 1978, 1979 or 1986). Two fellow bloggers quickly sent me their versions of a 1986 Topps card of Squires.
Jim is the man behind Garvey Cey Russell Lopes. This is a virtual romp through tons of Los Angeles Dodgers greatness. Jim does venture out of the blue heaven, too. Jim's special creations are Final Tribute cards, which give final cards to former Dodgers who never had an appropriate final card. Jim contributed the Squires card on the right.
Jason produces The Writer's Journey. Jason is a Cincinnati-based aspiring novelist. His site is dedicated to "whatever is on his mind at the moment". True to his word, this site has a little of everything, with a little emphasis on Cincinnati Reds. Jason sent me the card on the left.
I really appreciate both cards. They are excellent creations and I am happily adding them to my online Squires collection.

Cards That Never Were:Johngy Style

Lately, it seems I have been seeing more of specially created cards by my fellow bloggers. Steve at White Sox Cards produces 'Cards That Never Were' (among other creations). At Baseball Card Recollections, 'Topps Cards That Never Were' usually features greats of the game who never had a final card. Over at Garvey Cey Russell Lopes, 'Final Tribute' cards are mostly produced for standout Dodgers.
I love, love, love these cards. I have even put some of Steve's creations on this site (a Ricky Seilheimer 1981 Topps, a Mick Kelleher 1973 Topps and a Rick Stelmaszek 1974 Topps Traded).
I am not very talented with PhotoShop or other such programs. My cut-and-paste skills were fantastic in the pre-pc days, but have since been totally put to shame. With that being written, I have ventured into the 'Cards That Never Were' action.
Of course, my first attempt had to be a card of Mike Squires. I am still hoping for a 1976 card of Squires in the old red and blue uniform, but I decided to make a 1977 card of him.
I know, Squires didn't even play in 1976 and barely played in 1977. I also know Squires had a Topps rookie card in 1979 (which was shared with Mike Colbern and Ross Baumgarten). Still, I chose 1977, because it was the easiest card for a novice like me to create.
I will put out this offer, however. If any of my fellow bloggers creates a Squires card from 1976, 1978, 1979 (non-rookie) or 1986 (Final Tribute), I will devote a blog to you, the card and your blog and I promise to send over a small stack of cards from your 'Want List' as thanks.
Now, without further adieu, I present how a Mike Squires 1977 Topps card might have looked.

1977 Topps Mike Squires by Johngy.

The Rick Stelmaszek Saga:Part 12

This post could also be called 'Cards That Never Were', but I decided to stick with the 'Stelmaszek' theme. Besides, the CTNW title really belongs to Steve over at White Sox Cards.
Steve has a great White Sox blog and occasionally creates specific cards for players, who either needed a different card or missed being part of a certain set. Steve is also producing a cool bunch of cards called 'Birth Year Cards', an imaginative collection showcasing current White Sox players featured on cards from their birth year.
A few days ago, I asked Steve if he would produce a card of Rick Stelmaszek in a Cubs uniform from a picture I had. Stelmaszek did have a Cubs card, but that 1975 Topps card was one of their trademark airbrushes. I gave Steve 3 options (1974 Traded, 1975 Regular or even a 1976 Regular, though that would be a stretch).
Much to my surprise, I was catching up on stuff after a 3 day weekend in Milwaukee and Minneapolis, when I checked Steve's White Sox Cards site and saw 'Cards That Never Were #8', featuring Stelmaszek in a Cubs uni on a 1974 Traded card. How very cool.
Steve selected the '74T because he felt it made the most sense. I totally agree, but I wanted to give Steve options.
Steve's creation is very special for several reasons. First, it is now the only card of Stelmaszek legitimately in a Cubs uni. Ironically, his regular '74 card features him in an airbrushed Angels cap.
Second, most '74T featured a close headshot or even some airbrushing. Steve's creation shows a nice posed shot of Stelmaszek.
Finally, this brings to life my first autographed picture. I got this picture at an athletic banquet at my school in 1975. Now, Steve has breathed fresh life into it.
I really appreciate Steve's efforts. I know creating these cards is no small task and I am thankful for his effort. I also highly recommend his site, whether you are a White Sox fan or not.

A 1974 Topps Traded card of Rick Stelmaszek as created by Steve at White Sox Cards.

The Rick Stelmaszek Saga:Part 7

The Minnesota Twins are in Chicago for a 3 game series with the White Sox. This is a homecoming for Rick Stelmaszek, Twins coach and Chicago native.
While searching the web for Stelmaszek's baseball cards, I found a great site called TwinsCards.com. This site has pictures of every one of Stelmaszek's baseball cards (majors, minors, local issues...), along with just about anything you'd ever want to know about the Twins. Everyone, who ever played for the Twins (and some who didn't quite make it), can be found on the site.
There are sections of blogs, forums, memorabilia and statistics. Of course, there is also baseball card info, lots of baseball card info. This site is simply amazing.
If you aren't a fan of the Twins, you are not left out. Located on the left is a scroll bar, where you can find equally great sister sites for each mlb team.

One last item could be included in the Cards That Never Were feature. Below is a custom 1981 Topps card of Stelmaszek which would make Steve (a master at such creations) at White Sox Cards proud.

Rick Stelmaszek's custom 1981 Topps card courtesy of TwinsCards.com.

Cards That Never Were

When I discuss Cards That Never Were, I usually am talking about Steve over at White Sox Cards. Today, I am highlighting Paul over at Wrigley Wax, a great blog mostly about Cubs card collecting.
On Saturday, Paul posted a piece entitled 'Topps 1969 Update Set, Cubs', in which he produced updated (better) versions of the 1969 Topps Cubs cards. His set featured all of the positional starters and a few pitchers. He even added Paul Popovich, the super sub. Ordinarily the Popovich card would be the one to really catch me...and it did. However, when I left a comment, I couldn't help but mention a couple others I would have liked to see. Who would have thought he would jump into action and produce my requests?
I mentioned Ken Rudolph, the backup cather. Coincidentally, I had a post set to run today about meeting Ken Rudolph. As everyone knows, I have a special place in my heart for backup catchers and Rudolph was a pretty good backup.
I also asked for Oscar Gamble, just because I always wanted to see a good card of Gamble with the Cubs. This would really have been Gamble's rookie card, as '69 was his first season.
Late last night, while checking my blog, I saw Wrigley Wax had a new post entitled 'As Requested' and there was a small picture of a Ken Rudolph 1969 card. I eagerly clicked on the link and was greeted by the cards shown below. Paul had granted my request by producing 2 fantastic looking additional cards to his set.
Thanks Paul and really great work!

1969 Topps cards of Ken Rudolph & Oscar Gamble as reproduced by Paul of Wrigley Wax.

Cards That Never Were

Steve over at White Sox Cards was at it again. A couple months ago, Steve wrote some blogs about baseball cards that never were and then cleverly brought them into being. Recently, I gave him the challenge of making a Mick Kelleher baseball card depicting Kelleher with the Cardinals. Steve produced another masterpiece and I am grateful.
Kelleher had several real cards, starting with the 1977 Topps issue. This card and the next few years, showed Kelleher in a Cubs uniform. Kelleher left the Cubs after the 1980 season. Subsequent Kelleher cards showed him as a Tiger and an Angel. Before all of that however, Kelleher's career started with the Cardinals. Kelleher played parts of 2 seasons with the Cardinals, 1 season with the Astros and 1 more season with the Cardinals before he joined the Cubs.
Very few pictures exist of Kelleher with the Cardinals, but Steve did not take the easiest path and use Kelleher's SSPC photo. The photo Steve used had a blue signature across it, which Steve carefully eliminated.
The 1973 Topps design was a great choice for the picture. It fits perfectly. If mixed in with other 1973 cards, it would blend right in. It just has that feel.
I will be printing two. One just to keep and one to send to Kelleher for signing. The card looks so authentic, it might confuse Kelleher.
The scrappy Kelleher was one of my favorites. Kelleher was slick and versatile in the field, but weak at the plate, hitting 0 HR's in over 1,000 AB's. One of the more inspirational moments in his career occurred when the 5'9" Kelleher mixed it up with the 6'6" Dave Kingman after a play at 2nd base.

Thanks to Steve for another masterful job of creating a much-desired card (at least by me) where none existed previously. Steve runs a great website and is a devout White Sox fan. Producing a card of an ex-Cub favorite might not have been Steve's first choice, but I really appreciate his effort!

Mick Kelleher's 1973 Topps card as produced by Steve of White Sox Cards.

Cards That Never Were

I interrupt my usual ramblings about the celebrities I have met to present something cool from another blogger, Steve over at White Sox Cards. Steve is a Chicago White Sox fan who produces a blog about his favorite team.
Recently, Steve started making graphic images of baseball cards that were never issued, but would be interesting to see. For instance, he put Harold Baines on a 1980 Topps card, usurping the 1981 Topps card as the Baines rookie card. Steve is a maestro.
Back in the day (meaning pre-pc's), I was a master of the 'cut and paste', but that meant actual 'cutting' and actual 'pasting'. It was a long and tedious process, but I became darn good at it. Unfortunately for me, as I reached my apex, computers and graphic programs made my skills obsolete. Over the years, I have learned enough to be able to do the basics with Photoshop, but I cannot come anywhere near Steve (and others, I suppose), when it comes to creating something like a card that never was.
For me, these 'cards' are so cool. I grew up with mainly one baseball card company, Topps. That meant one baseball card of each player every year. Some less accomplished players didn't even have a card every year (or ever, in some cases).
As a baseball fan and card collector, this annoyed me. I wanted to see Mike Squires in the old red and blue White Sox uni on a 1976 card. I wanted a 1979 'rookie' card of Harry Chappas, the diminutive but highly-touted shortstop. I was disappointed that Ricky Seilheimer never appeared on any card.
Thanks to Steve, my Seilheimer angst has subsided. As soon as Steve learned of my quest, Steve created a 1981 Seilheimer card, adding it to his CTNW collection of Baines '80, Carlton Fisk '70 and Frank Thomas Upper Deck '90.
Seilheimer seems out of place in the company of those other great players. I might have been the only person desiring a Seilheimer card. So, I really appreciate Steve's effort. Now, if I could just find an old picture of Squires circa 1975, I would really be content!