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.

Catching Up With Ken Rudolph

For whatever reason, I always have had a soft spot for backup catchers. This is the reason I (and my friend Chuck E. Gekas) have been working on the Backup Catcher Hall of Fame (BCHOF).
Ken Rudolph was one of my first favorite backup catchers. In 1972 and 1973, Rudolph was the epitome of a solid backup catcher, serving yeoman-like behind Randy Hundley. Unfortunately, Rudolph's career lacked the longevity necessary for the BCHOF, but he still remains one of my all-time favorites.
When I met Rudolph recently, he looked great and was happy to meet his fans. I asked him how it felt to talk to fans even though his playing time here lasted only 5 years and ended 35 years ago. He replied that it felt great. He only wished the Cubs had more success, especially in 1969 (his rookie season).

Ken Rudolph and me in Rosemont, IL-March 2009.