2007 Topps Toronto Blue Jays

 Hello again friends!

I haven't been around much lately. Basically with work being back in full swing and some mental/physical issues I'm dealing with I just haven't had the time, energy, or want to write anything for the last week. I'm kind of pushing myself to do this tonight, even.. 

So what am I writing about on this night where I feel I might just throw the verbal pasta at the wall to see what sticks?

2007 Topps.

Specifically, the Jays from 2007 Topps

Now. I've read a number of people who don't like the design from 2007. 

It's one of my favourite sets. Not really one I'm going to actively collect. When it was new I wanted to though. 

I'm going to show a few cards from the 2007 Blue Jays

What show of cards would be complete without showing a Halladay? 

You can see the "TC" patch on Roy's arm for Tom Cheek who had passed in October of 2005. 

Gustavo Chacin was a fast starter, but didn't really translate to longevity. 

The Jays made a Gustavo Chacin cologne as a giveaway because the joke was his name sounded like it could be a cologne. 

Baseball's answer to Don Cherry. 

There were times where people were wondering if Zaun was raiding Don's closet. 

In one of those "This looks weird, man...." 

Frank Thomas as a Jay. 

It's odd to think he was a Jay.. I forget that sometimes.. He ended up being one of those who played for both the Jays and Expos. 

1984 Stuart Montreal Expos

 I bought these on ebay a while back and completely forgot about them.. Then they showed up in the mail today..

I'm talking about the 1984 Stuart Bakery Montreal Expos team set. 

Stuart was a bread company in Montreal started in 1896. 

It merged with other bakeries in 1911 to become Canada Bread. They also had a biscuit factory that was eventually bought out by Vachon in 1979. 

Anyway.. 

In the early 80s they sponsored the printing of team sets for the Montreal Expos. I found a full set of the 1984 for a decent price and bought them. 

I already had 12 in my collection (I didn't remember having that many) but they count towards the million!

Here's the checklist card. It's actually card 40 out of the 40.. They're numbered on the back. 

The backs are normal for a Canadian issue, French and English on the back, but with it being a Quebec issue, French comes first. 

Your 1983 All Stars!

Felipe was with the Expos for a Long time. As a player, coach, or manager, I believe it was 27 years. 

The Kid smiling

Galen Cisco is an interesting case.. I think he's one of the few to have coached for both the Jays and Expos. He was the pitching coach for the World Series teams in Toronto. 

Greg Harris in his first stint with the Expos. His second one they actually let him pitch Lefty. 

Pete Rose as an Expo. 

Still looks weird. 

Youppi! 

He was apparently first unveiled in 1979. Now, of course, he's with the Montreal Canadiens. 

2016-2019 Canadian Baseball Hall Of Fame

 We finish off the look at the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame cards (until next year when they get new ones released.. Assuming the COVIDpocalypse isn't still a thing) 

2016

One of 10 pitchers to win 100 games in both the AL and NL

Worked in many capacities for the Jays over 40 years

Has an award named after him for 

Blue Jays Employee of the Year “who best exemplifies the values of integrity, innovation, accountability, team work and a passion for winning.”

He was the first Jay to win the Cy Young award

He was a broadcaster for the Jays from 1977-1990

Was one of the first broadcasters to talk to production about camera angles, etc. 

Founded Baseball Canada's Junior National team

Also founded the National Baseball Institute

Organized Canada's first formal baseball team

2017

Won Gold at the Pan Am Games.. At home this time 

Was the first Non-American to umpire at the Little League World Series

Served as president of Baseball Canada for 16 years

Founded the Women's National Team

Considered Toronto his home away from home. 

Roy's son considers himself Canadian. 

Probably one of the best players to ever play for the Expos. 

2018

Played 10 seasons with the Jays and returned in coaching and ambassador work after retirement. 

Started his dominance with the Expos. 

Dedicated the 2004 Series win in Boston to the Montreal fans. 

The only Canadian to serve on the Board of Directors for SABR

Is acknowledged as Canada's premier baseball historian. 

2019

Worked in many capacities in the Jays front office from 1977-2001. 

Was General Manager from 1994-2001

Worked with the Brewers after leaving the Jays

Started in the Expos organization before being traded to the Mets, then the Padres, before making it to Pittsburgh. 

Has been coaching since 1988

Managed three games for the Yankees in Joe Girardi's absense.

Won a World Series with the Red Sox in 2013.