Sparky Anderson

 Hello Friends!

Today I want to do something a little differernt. It's in the same vein as Canadians in the Majors, but this one is kind of reversed.. Americans with Impact on Canadian Baseball

Now, obviously this would be an incredibly long series if I ever tried to make it into one. If anything, I only would have a few people I'd want to cover. 

Today is Sparky Anderson. Before he was a Hall of Fame Manager for the Reds and Tigers, he was a player that spent one season in the Majors with the Phillies. 

I guess you could say he was a Quad A player. Solid in AAA but not really cut out for MLB. 

Now, anyone can show the cards he had with the Reds and the Tigers. I'm going a different route. Honestly, these cards, aside from the Canadian Baseball HOF card, are not mine. I would like to get them at some point, seeing as I collect Canadian baseball. The Royals and Maple Leafs would be a natural progression. 

Speaking of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Sparky played for the Maple Leafs from 1960-1963. He managed the team in 1964, kicking off his Hall of Fame Managerial Career. 

Here is the write up from the back of the CBHOF card

Here's the front. Of course, it shows Sparky as a Maple Leaf. Now, I'm not sure if he's in his player phase or his managerial phase in the photo. 

Speaking of the Montreal Royals, he was a player for them for two seasons. Oddly enough, he spent one season with them while the Dodgers were in Brooklyn, and the second season was while the Dodgers were in Los Angeles. 

Looking at his managerial record, he managed the Maple Leafs in 1964, at the time a farm team for the Braves. 

1965 Rock Hill Cardinals

1966: St. Petersburg Cardinals

1967: Modesto Reds (Oddly enough a Cardinals affiliate)

1968: Asheville Tourists

Nothing in 1969, then in 1970, he started Managing the Cincinnati Reds. 

We all know he has been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. He also was inducted in St Mary's.

He did have an impact on Canadian baseball both as a player and a manager. As I said previously, he was a solid player for the Royals and the Maple Leafs. His managerial career started with the Maple Leafs. Finally, in the 1980s, when he managed the Tigers, they were a thorn in the side of the Blue Jays. (and Vice-versa) 

Tell me what you think. 

COMC Holding Space Part 2

 Hello Friends!

I recently mentioned how I have a few cards sitting at COMC partially because I want to make shipping worthwhile and partially due to that pesky Canada Post Strike.. .

Well, I've added three cards to that pile. 

Dave Pagan from Nipawin, Saskatchewan. He played for the Yankees, Orioles, Mariners, and Pirates. Here, we have a card of him on the Columbus Clippers. 

Another Dave Pagan. This time an SSPC card as a Yankee. 

Finally, the other big rookie from the 1983 OPC build I'm doing. I already have the Sandberg and I was able to get this for $12, so why not?

I'm hoping to get back into doing some posts I have done prior, like the Stadium Series. I miss doing them and always enjoyed researching for them.. 

Keebler Rangers

 Hello Friends!

I'm a little distracted by something today.. If you want to see what it is, it's on my other blog here

I was looking through my collection on TCDB to try to find something to write about. I came across the 1993 Keebler Texas Rangers all time set. I do have one card from it, Reggie Cleveland. Now, as with most "all time" sets, I thought it was a small section of players.. That was till I looked at the checklist today.. 

443 cards.. 

So I wanted to see who I recognized and more importantly, which Canadians were in there. 

As I mentioned, I have Reggie Cleveland from the set. There were a few more than I need. 

Of course, I need a Fergie from this set. 

I've probably forgotten the places Ducey played. I know Toronto, Anaheim, Texas, Philly, Montreal.. The one I forgot was Seattle. 

There's also a Kevin Reimer from this set but there's no photo on TCDB.

Finally, Arlington Stadium for my stadium collection. 

Today has been a rough day mentally and emotionally. I hope you're all well. 

COMC Holding Space

 Hello friends!

Today is December 1st. Obviously people have been thinking about Christmas shopping for a little while now. Others have just started. 

Me? Since I don't have money or people to do gifts with. And, really not to put myself down or anything, but I'm also not going to be one of those people who say "Spending time with me *is* the gift"

So about the title.. 

I found some cards through Shlabotnik Report's COMC page that I wanted. I decided what the Hell.. And bought them..

I call it the Holding Space because I have a couple cards from 2023 still sitting there that I completely forgot about. (This year has been not great for my collection) 

So because Canada Post is on strike right now, getting the cards to me is going to take longer than normal. So I'll show the COMC images of the cards I have waiting for me to hit send on...

Bo Naylor, who plays with his brother Josh on the Guardians. 

A nice Tacoma Twins Dave McKay 

A Jeff Fassero Expos auto from the 50 years of Expos set a few years ago (Looking for any and all both base and auto'd) 

Joey Votto, of course.

Now.. I was a little upset he never got to officially suit up for the Jays, but I understand the decision he made to end his career when he did. This way, at least at the MLB Level, he's still a Career Red. 

A Lloyd Moseby OPC from 1985. 

Shawn Hill auto. Another one towards my Canadian born autograph project. 

Finally a Bomb Squad Vlad Jr. 

I'll likely try to find a few more cards before I even think about shipping. Plus waiting for a while after the strike finishes. 

Anyway, until next time!

Rico Carty

 Hello Friends!

I'm sure by now, most of you may know that Rico Carty passed away recently. 

Probably best known for being a member of the Braves in both Milwaukee and Atlanta, he also spent time with the Jays, Indians, Athletics, Rangers, and Cubs. 

It's interesting to note that he spent two separate stints with the Blue Jays, though one was barely a month. He was taken by the Jays in the Expansion Draft, then traded back to Cleveland a month later for Rick Cerone and John Lowenstein. Lowenstein, funnily enough, ended up back on the Indians when the Jays traded for Hector Torres in Spring Training.. 

As it stands, I know I have three cards of Carty. I may have another, depending on what's in my OPC cards I haven't catalogued yet.. 

1977 Topps did the airbrush job while the OPC actually just left him as an Indian (meaning I wouldn't have his OPC from 77.. D'OH!)

His 78 is as an Indian. 

His 1980 card is as a Jay. 

So in Spring Training 1978, he was traded to Toronto for Dennis DeBarr. In August of 78, he was traded to Oakland for Phil Huffman and Willie Horton. 

After the season he was puchased from the A's, granted Free Agency, then resigned with the Jays for 79. I imagine it was some sort of agreement to maybe offer different terms, or whatever. I don't know. I was 2 when that happened lol. 

Carty was a One Time All Star, being selected to the 1970 game. That year he won the batting title and finished 10th in MVP voting. 

Just taking a look at his minor league stats, he did have a connection to Toronto before the Jays.. He was a member of the 1963 Toronto Maple Leafs International League team. 

Doing a little digging I see he had some issues with teammates in Atlanta and Chicago. Apparently, he got into fights with Hank Aaron and Ron Reed in Atlanta, and Ron Santo in Chicago. He spent most of 1974 in the Mexican League before Cleveland signed him. 

1979 was his final season in the Majors. 

He passed away today, November 24, 2024. He was 85 years old. 

Rest in Peace, Beeg Boy.. 

Some New Cards

 Hello Friends!

I know I've been slow to get back into this. I'm working on getting my hobby room set up more so I can get back into the hobby part again.. There are still a couple things I need to do.. Figure out if it's just the RAM in my old computer that needs reseating, or if it need replacing... And getting a chair that actually feels nice to sit in... 

Anyway.. I got some cards a while back that I haven't really taken a chance to show off. 

I believe these are from the Shlabotnik Report. 

Some 81 Donruss needs!!! 

Spencer Horwitz. Was an interesting player to watch this season.. 

Davis Schneider. Hot start, cold middle, started getting it back near the end. His sister was getting a lot of BS from Jays fans online during Davis' struggles. Rather stupidly, I may add. 

I hope the end of October finds you all well! While spooky season is over as of tonight, the real horror show is still to come (Go here to see what I mean)

1989 Topps Traded

 Hello Friends!

As usual, I apologize for the time between posts. I'm dealing with mental and physical issues and likely will for the rest of my life. I need to get a different chair for my computer. My current one causes my leg to go numb after 10-20 minutes sitting unless I have a towel rolled up on the edge.. Then my foot just hurts lol

Recently my cousin and uncle sent another care package from Windsor. Or I guess, South Detroit ;P

To go with the usual things like laundry detergent pods, drink crystals, cleaning wipes and snacks, I got cards. Jays, Expos, and some others. 

In taking a look through, a couple cards caught my eye.. They were all from 1989 Topps Traded (I do need to get the full set) 

Ahhh Junior Felix.. Born in the era of never knowing the true age of your prospects due to document altering to change ages... 

He could have been 23.. He could have been 33.. Who knows? 

Cito Gaston. I don't know what it is about this card, but it almost looks like the face is painted rather than a photograph. 

Incidentally, Cito is returning to Toronto, but as an advisor to Rob Butler of the IBL Toronto Maple Leafs. I'm thinking about asking Butler, since he's returned to the land of the Twit, if I can send a card to him to get signed for my Canadians project.. I also need to ask Scott Richmond.. 

Mark Langston as an Expo. The rental of Langston only cost the 'Spos some kids named Randy Johnson and Brian Holman. I know it's blurry, but it looks like Langston's shown pitching at the Stick... 

Good ol' Al Leiter.. Spent most of his Blue Jays career fighting blister issues.. Did much better elsewhere.. 

This Spike Owen looks odd to me.. I don't know if it's been airbrushed or not. The sleeves are a weird colour, the pants are showing for road, and I don't know if they wore the red tops in games.. The wall colour also makes me think Kingdome.. 

Finally, Alex Sanchez. Another one that looks more painted than photographed. This one could simply be either from Spring Training, or an airbrush of the Chiefs uni. I don't know. It's more the cap than anything that's throwing me off.. 

Obviously, I got more than just those. I got some OPC and a bunch of junk wax era. Especially for the Expos, I don't mind.. 

TTM Success

 Hello friends!

I wanted to share with you today my first ever TTM return. 

I had a short conversation with Joe on Twitter and made mention that I was looking to get a card autographed for a project I'm working on. He had me explain the project to him; Basically trying to get an autograph from as many Canadian born players as possible. He had me send it to him care of the Jays. 

I got it in the mailbox today. 

When I asked, this was the only card I had of his. Since then I got a card of him with the Marlins. I'm thinking at some point to maybe make a custom of him and Denis Boucher mentioning their being the first Canadian battery in years when they did it in 1993. 

I'm very happy I was able to get this one. 

Cards and an Update

 Hello friends!

I know it's been a while since I've posted anything but I've been dealing with some issues, as normal.. 

For about a month all I wanted to do was withdraw from everyone and everything. I forced myself to go outside and socialize with people in the building I live in, and also forced myself to sometimes comment on different card sites or groups. 

I'm pulling myself out of it, but it's a struggle. I've wanted to do absolutely nothing. 

I know the community here is great and I'm glad to be part of it. 

Anyway, onto cards...

A little while ago, I picked up the 1991 Topps Traded factory set thing. The package is weird compared to the previous years. 

I wanted to highlight some cards I like or found interesting for whatever reason..

Tom Candiotti. I like the placement with the CN Tower in the background. 

He was a rental for the Jays in 1991

Rick Cerone. I don't know why, but I like this photo. He's also someone who has played for both the Jays and Expos, AND the Yankees/Mets.. 

Kirk Dressendorfer. I just like the name. I remember he was supposed to be one of the young aces for the A's along with Todd Van Poppel and I think someone else, but I can't remember... 

Obligatory Expos card in here. This is listed on TCDB as a Fassero rookie. 

It's so weird seeing Tony in a Padres uniform. 

The 1991 Traded set has players from Team USA in it.. Giambi is one of those players. Turned out to have a decent career.. 

Gibson in a Royals uniform is just weird.. 

Fred McGriff. Part of the blockbuster trade that brought Alomar and Carter to Toronto. I kind of get why the Jays parted with McGriff, as they had Olerud as well. But I can't stop thinking about a lineup with McGriff, Carter and Olerud... 

Jays draft pick Jeff Ware as part of Team USA. I think he's a pitching coach somewhere now.. 

I just like this photo

Bagwell in one of the Astros unis I loved. 

Raines in a White Sox uniform. When I first started watching baseball, he was a Sock.. I found out about his Montreal ties through reading the back of the cards and other stuff. Even though he's finally in the Hall, he's a very underrated player, considering he was playing in the Rickey era. 

Sportlots vs COMC

 Hello friends!

Today, as well as showing off a Sportlots order I received a couple days ago, I want to compare COMC and SL for people in Canada.

My order was Canadians heavy, with three Scott Richmond cards (all the same card) a Joe Siddall card, a Dave Pagan card I may already have, and a Dave McKay 1981 Topps that is autographed. 

My phone ic charging at the moment, so I'll show the McKay another day..

A Dave Pagain rookie card that, according to TCDB, I already own.. .Oops

Scott Richmond. This card is HARD to find.. I'm glad I was able to find three copies from three different sellers on Sportlots, all for 20 cents each.

The Joe Siddall was another 20 cent card.. The McKay set me back a dollar.. 

So, here's the difference for Canadians, and really, anyone who uses the two.. 

Sportlots, you either pay for shipping once, or you pay for shipping twice.. For orders to Canada, the shipping individual sellers charge is insane.. So your only option is box shipping. 

With COMC, while the individual card prices can make you wonder what the seller is on, and if they're sharing.... You pay for shipping once. 

I haven't priced out what this order would have cost me on COMC, since they have no Richmond for sale, but I feel the order would have been more through COMC. 

Anyway, next blog post will show my shiny Dave McKay auto.. 

A New Auto

 Hello Friends!

I recently received a card in the mail from the author of Opening Day in Milwaukee, Matthew J Prigge. Actually, I got a few from him. Cards from his book and this lovely auto of former Ranger and Brewer Kevin Reimer!

Now, Reimer was born in the States, but his parents are Canadian, and he lives in Canada. That works for my autograph project.. 

Thank you Matthew!!

I know I've been absent for a while. I've been dealing with mental health and physical health issues still. I will likely always be dealing with them.. I'm fighting the urge to completely shut myself off from everyone and everything. 

Honestly, this was a big step for me to write this post. 

Thank you friends. I know there are a number who care. 

Labatt Memorial Park

 Hello Friends!

I've had this topic in my head for a while now but was having difficulty sitting down to write. 

Today I'm going to go over the history of Laball Park in London, Ontario. 

Labatt Park, formerly known as Tecumseh Park, is a ballpark in London, Ontario. The grounds have been in use for baseball since 1877, though the structures have changed some over the years. It's in the Guiness Book as the Oldest Baseball Grounds. 

London, Ontario, as with London, England, has the River Thames. Labatt Park is on the banks of the Thames. Prior to the ballpark being built, the area was used as a common grounds or training grounds for the military. 

The first tenants were the London Tecumsehs, who were founded in 1868. In 1877 the Tecumsehs won the International Association pennant. Unlike other leagues from the time period, the IA has never been granted Major League status. Had this happened, the London Tecumsehs would have been the first Canadian team to win a Baseball championship in the Majors. 

In 1883 the park was damaged by flood. The original Home plate was in current Left Field. After being rebuilt, the plate was moved to current placement. Another flood occurred in 1937, after which the Labatt Brewing Company donated $10000 to renovate the park and deeded the park to the city of London. The conditions of the deed stated the park remain an athletic park in perpetuity and be renamed "John Labatt Memorial Park"

This illustration is of an 1877 game between the Tecumsehs and the Guelph Maple Leafs.

Labatt Park in the 1940s. 

Some of the players who have played on this field include George Gibson, Denny McLain, Ty Cobb, Fergie Jenkins, Frank Colman, Tom Burgess, Travis Fryman, Jose Lima, and Rico Brogna. 

Baseball hasn't been the only sport here. Bicycle racing, football, softball, soccer, track, wrestling, boxing, and showjumping. The area has also been used for rallies. 

This is the current entrance

After the 1937 flood, the park was rebuilt with this entrance. The structure was demolished in 1990. 

Tecumseh Park. In a current photo, you'd see buildings in Left-Centre. 

Now.. Are you ready to see the list of teams that played here???

I may do this a little different because of the way the teams were named and how long they lasted..

London Tecumsehs:

International Association 1877-1878, 1888-1890

Canadian League 1912-1915

Michigan Ontario League 1919-1924

Ontario League 1930

London Alerts: International Association 1897, 1899

London Cockneys: 

International League 1899, 1908

Canadian League 1911

London Indians: Michigan Ontario League 1925

London Majors: Intercounty Baseball League 1925-Present

London Pirates: PONY League 1940-1941

London Tigers: Eastern League 1989-1993

London Werewolves: Frontier League 1999-2001

London Monarchs: Canadian Baseball League 2003

Western Mustangs Baseball 2006-Present

London Rippers:  Frontier League 2012

This park is obviously a Heritage Building both in London and for the country. The original clubhouse from 1937 is still on the grounds and can be visited during tours of the park. 

The pro game has probably passed London by now. The park will continue to be used as the home for the IBL, Western University, and local athletics. I'm thinking there may be enough here for multiple cards when I get around to making cards for this place. 

I know this and my last Ballpark featured have been departures from what I started with, but I feel that the parks used in the Intercounty League can be just as interesting as the ones in the Majors/Minors.