Well, today is November 11. Remembrance Day here in Canada, Veteran's Day in the US.. Obviously the obligatory lest we forget.
That may do it for today..
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Sunday, November 8, 2015
1994 Thunder Bay Whiskey Jacks
Earlier I wrote about the 1993 Thunder Bay Whiskey Jacks team set. I think today I will talk about the 1994 Whiskey Jacks team set. The 1994 team went 35-45 for the season, 22-18 for the first half then 13-27 for the second half.
Pete Kuld was a popular player in Thunder Bay. He started in 1987, playing in Kinston, North Carolina in the Indians system. He was in the Indians system until 1989, when he went to the Oakland Athletics. 1991 was split between Texas and San Diego's systems. His last year in organized minor league baseball was 1992, in Tulsa.
From 1993-1995, he was Catcher/Third Base for the Whiskey Jacks. In 1993 Kuld played in 38 games for Thunder Bay, hitting .261/.308/.425, 6 HR 26 RBI.
In 1994, he ended up leading the Northern League in Home runs with 27, had 60 RBI and hit .279/.330/.608
In 1995 he was well on his way to another Home Run crown when he was traded to the Duluth-Superior Dukes. He played there until 1996 when he retired at the age of 30.
In 1995, he was signed by the Cubs to play in their minor league system. From 1995-1998 he played in Single A Daytona and Double A Orlando/West Tennessee. He retired after 1998 at the age of 28.
I believe it was during or after the 1995 season he decided to redirect his energy to a band, The Bowery Riots.
During his time in Thunder Bay, he was a fan favourite. The PA announcer would draw out his name with the fans joining in.
What's a minor league set without the obligatory mascot card??? He wasn't in the first set, but here he is! It's Jack. I mean, there's not much I can say about this one. He's the mascot.. He does Mascot stuff.
Prior to going to Thunder Bay, he played for the Giants Arizona Rookie ball team. He was there from 1991-1993. 1994 was his final year in baseball of any kind. He was 22 when he retired.
He's been managing in the PGCBL.
From 1989-1992 he played in the Indians and White Sox organizations.
1994 was his final year in baseball, playing for Thunder Bay.
The final one I will highlight is Pat Tilmon. He played for the Braves from 1987-1990, never making it above Single A Ball.
Timon was with the Whiskey Jacks from 1993-1998, with a short stay in Syracuse, where he was assigned after the Replacement Player Spring Training in 1995. When the Jacks were no longer around, he was on the Sioux City Explorers.
Overall these are typical minor league cards. Local ads on the back. A small write-up on the player, I do like the full-colour photo on the front.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Scanner Stuff
So something a little different today.. Bought a couple packs of Topps Update today. Here's what I got.
Some decent rookies and Scrabble as a Padre. I don't miss writing his name down lol. The Rangers cards still irk me. The Gallo Gatorade bath is interesting. I like the Matz card though being horizontal detracts. I don't know who Cody Anderson, Phil Klein, or Thomas Field are.
So some more rookies. Addison Russell and Danny Muno. A few players I haven't heard of: Eddie Butler and Hector Gomez. The K-Rod is nice. I'm happy Josh Hamilton is back where he can succeed again.. The Volquez is one I'd prefer to not have lol.
So the ones I like here are the Josh Donaldson and LaTroy Hawkins. The others in this group aren't bad. I still hate those All Star hats.
One of the many inserts Topps has now. If putting out 26 sets a year isn't enough, we get so many insert sets. I don't mind this one. But it's not going to be one I rush out to finish.
This one I don't understand. Why. Just.. Why?
These one are nice. I like the historical ones. Again not one I'd be looking to finish. If I somehow do though, I won't complain much.
To go along with the inserts, multiple parallels. The only reason I'm keeping this one is Blue Jays.
All in all, not too bad.
Monday, November 2, 2015
World Series MVP
So now the World Series is over and we're heading into the long, dark baseball-less winter, let's look at the last catcher to win World Series MVP before Salvador Perez did it this year.
I am of course, talking about the 1992 World Series MVP, Pat Borders.
Pat Borders was drafted by the Blue Jays in the 6th round of the 1982 draft. He worked his way up from Rookie League Medicine Hat and made his Major League debut in 1988. He was part of a platoon with first Ernie Whitt then Greg Myers, with Borders getting the majority of the playing time starting in 1992.
Borders was a typical catcher for the time period. Solid but not a superstar. .240-.280 average, around 20 doubles, 5-10 homers.
He stayed a Jay until 1994. In 1995, his nomadic stage begins when he played for the Royals and the Astros. In 1996 he played on the Cardinals, the Angels, and the White Sox, generally as a backup or depth player.
In 1997, 1998 and part of 1999 he was on the Cleveland Indians. The other part of 1999 he was back in Blue Jays colours. 1999 was also the first year since 1987 that he spent time in the minor leagues, playing for the Buffalo Bisons.
In 2000 and 2001, he spent time in Durham, as a member of the Bulls. He was also on the Tacoma Rainiers and played some for the Mariners in 2001.
2002-2004 he spent most of his time in Tacoma with some calls to Seattle. In 2004 he was traded to the Twins, playing 19 games for them.
In 2005, he signed with the Brewers Triple-A team, the Nashville Sounds, and was sold to the Mariners, His final season he spent in Vero Beach and Las Vegas in the Dodgers system. Once he was released by the Dodgers, he retired at the age of 43.
This card summarizes the 1992 World Series and why Borders won the Series MVP.
He went 9/20, 3 doubles, one Homer and 3 RBI.
Pat Borders was drafted by the Blue Jays in the 6th round of the 1982 draft. He worked his way up from Rookie League Medicine Hat and made his Major League debut in 1988. He was part of a platoon with first Ernie Whitt then Greg Myers, with Borders getting the majority of the playing time starting in 1992.
Borders was a typical catcher for the time period. Solid but not a superstar. .240-.280 average, around 20 doubles, 5-10 homers.
He stayed a Jay until 1994. In 1995, his nomadic stage begins when he played for the Royals and the Astros. In 1996 he played on the Cardinals, the Angels, and the White Sox, generally as a backup or depth player.
In 2000 and 2001, he spent time in Durham, as a member of the Bulls. He was also on the Tacoma Rainiers and played some for the Mariners in 2001.
2002-2004 he spent most of his time in Tacoma with some calls to Seattle. In 2004 he was traded to the Twins, playing 19 games for them.
In 2005, he signed with the Brewers Triple-A team, the Nashville Sounds, and was sold to the Mariners, His final season he spent in Vero Beach and Las Vegas in the Dodgers system. Once he was released by the Dodgers, he retired at the age of 43.
He went 9/20, 3 doubles, one Homer and 3 RBI.
Sunday, November 1, 2015
Jays And....
Well, I decided to rename the series I plan on doing. As promised, this is the second part of the Jays/Expos entry. Last time focused on pitchers. This one focuses on hitters.
First will be Al Oliver. Oliver played for the Expos in 1982 and 1983. Both years leading the league in doubles. 1982 he also led in average and hits while 1983 he also led in grounded into double plays. Oliver was a fairly consistent player for most of his career, He was a multiple time All Star, including his two years with Montreal. He would end his career in Toronto, coming to the Jays from the Dodgers for Len Matuszek. He played 61 games for the Blue Jays, primarily at First and Designated Hitter. He retired at the end of the season, forced to according to the man himself. He ended off with 2743 hits. If not for the collusion of owners, he may have had a shot at 3000.
Next is Alex Gonzalez. He started his career with the Blue Jays in 1994. A rather ordinary player over the course of his time with the Jays, he ended up being traded to the Cubs for Felix Heredia in 2001. In 2004, he spent part of the year with three teams: The Cubs, The Padres, and The Expos. He was traded to the Expos in a Trade Deadline deal involving four teams. He was then sent to the Padres in September in a conditional deal that didn't seem to have a finishing point.
Next is Brad Fullmer.
He started his career as an Expo, drafted in the second round in 1993. He was often injured throughout his career, lasting from 1997-2004. He played for Montreal from 1997-1999, then was part of a three team trade that sent him to Toronto, Lee Stevens to Montreal from Texas, and David Segui to Texas from Toronto.
Damaso Garcia. A rather interesting player for the short time he played. He came to the Jays from the Yankees, in a trade that brought Chris Chambliss and Paul Mirabella to the Jays. He was the regular second baseman from 1980-1986. He was a solid player, but nothing spectacular, making the All Star team twice and not much else. He didn't walk or strike out.
The interest comes from an incident in 1986. He was in a slump and after one game, burned his jersey in order to try to break the slump. The manager at the time, Jimy Williams, was not happy and confronted Garcia in front of the team. He ended up getting traded to the Braves at the end of the season.
Now a part time player, he was on the Expos in 1989. Again, he was a solid piece, but not enough to keep a job. After he retired he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour that limited his mobility.
Darrin Fletcher was a bit player for the Dodgers and the Phillies before going to Montreal in a trade. Getting regular playing time, he turned out to be a solid player. He signed with the Jays in 1998 and had his best season in 2000. In 2002, he retired midseason.
Dave Martinez bounced around for his career. He started with the Cubs then was traded to the Expos for Mitch Webster in 1988. He happened to join the Expos at a bad time, as they had Otis Nixon, Marquis Grissom, and Larry Walker on the roster. Martinez platooned and filled in for injuries. After the 1991 season he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds with Willie Greene and Scott Ruskin for John Wetteland and Bill Risley.
In 2000, Dave Martinez tied a record for playing on four teams in the same season. Traded on May 12 from Tampa to the Cubs for Mark Guthrie. Then June 9 he was traded to the Rangers for Brant Brown. Finally August 4 he was traded to the Jays for Pete Munro.
Speaking of Mitch Webster, here he is! He came to the Jays in the 1979 minor league draft from the Dodgers. He spent 1983 and 1984 bouncing between Toronto and Syracuse. In 1985 he was traded to the Expos for Cliff Young. He was a regular for the Expos in 1986 and 1987, leading the league in triples in 1986. In 1988 he was traded to the Cubs for Dave Martinez and went on to be a fourth outfielder for many years, retiring in 1995.
David Segui spent 337 games for Montreal from 1995-1997 and 31 games for the Jays in 1999. He did sign as a free agent in 2000 but was traded to the Rangers in the deal that brought Brad Fullmer to the Jays.
Fred Manrique played a grand total of 33 games between the Jays and Expos. He was a rather forgettable player overall, with his fame in being part of a trade involving Sammy Sosa.
Jim Mason was an original member of the Blue Jays, drafted from the Yankees in the Expansion Draft. He played with the Jays until May 9 when he was traded to the Rangers with Steve Hargan for Roy Howell.
In 1979, he played for Montreal and was rather unremarkable.
He retired after the 1979 season.
Matt Stairs was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Montreal Expos. (At the time, Canada wasn't part of the Amateur Draft) He ended up only playing 19 games for the Expos in 1992-1993 before bouncing around the majors. In 2006, he signed with the Jays as a free agent.
He played regularly with the Jays and then was traded to the Phillies in 2008. He ended his career with the former Montreal Expos when he played for the Washington Nationals.
Kenny Williams is better known as the Executive Vie President for the Chicago White Sox, but before that he was a bit player for six seasons. He was picked up by the Jays from the Tigers in 1990, when the Tigers put him on waivers. Williams was the starting centre fielder when Dave Stieb threw his no-hitter. He also had a bizarre baserunning incident in 1990. He was running from second, ran over the third base coach, had to run back to second and was able to get back. He ended up scoring a run.
In 1991 he was waived by the Jays and picked up by the Expos. He played 34 games and was released by the Expos at the end of the season. He then went into scouting for the White Sox and the rest is history.
Orlando Merced played one season each for the Jays and Expos. He was part of a trade between the Jays and Pirates. He played for the Jays in 1997. He played 98 games and then filed for free agency.
In 1999, he signed with the Expos. He played 93 games for them before going to Japan for a year.
Otis Nixon played for the Expos from 1988-1990. His biggest asset was his speed. He was traded to the Braves in 1991.
He signed with the Jays in 1995, playing in 1996 and part of 1997, when he was traded to the Dodgers in August.
Overall, he has the most stolen bases by a player who never played in an All Star game.
Randy Knorr was a backup catcher for the Jays between 1991 and 1995.
He didn't hit much and generally played when Pat Borders took a day off.
He signed with the Expos for the 2001 season where again, he was a backup. He stayed with the Expos in a minor league role until 2004, when he played for the Edmonton Trappers and became a Canadian citizen.
He since coached for the Nationals until 2015.
Rene Gonzales was drafted by the Expos in 1982, in the 5th round. He played for the Expos in 1984 and 1986, playing 40 games total. He was part of the trade that brought Dennis Martinez to the Expos from the Orioles. In 1991, he was traded to the Jays for a minor league player.
Through his career he was a role player, filling in where he was needed off the bench.
Rick Cerone was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in 1975, in the 1st round. In 1976 he was traded to Toronto with John Lowenstein for Rico Carty.
He generally didn't hit very well as a Jay. 1979 was the year with the most playing time, hitting
He was traded to the Yankees in the offseason.
Rob Ducey:
Jays: 1987-1992, 2000
Ron Fairly
Expos: 1969-1974
Jays: 1977
He has the distinction of being on both teams' rosters in their first season. In both cases, he was traded to the team: to the Expos from the Dodgers, and then to the Blue Jays from the Athletics. He was also the only All Star for the Jays in 1977.
Sal Butera
Expos: 1984-1985
Jays: 1988
In both cases, a free agent signing. 1988 was his last season as a player.
Sandy Martinez
Jays: 1995-1997
Expos: 2001
A rather forgettable player on forgettable teams.
Steve Nicosia
Expos and Jays: 1985
He got both teams in during his last major league season. Released by the Expos and signed by the Jays.
Tom Hutton
Jays 1978
Expos: 1978-1981
He not only played for both the Jays and Expos but has also broadcast games for both teams. He currently does Miami Marlins games.
Tom Lawless
Expos: 1984
Jays: 1989-1990
He was traded by the Reds for Pete Rose in 1984.
He retired after the 1990 season because he generally could not hit. He moved into coaching and managing.
Tony Solaita
Jays and Expos: 1979
It's odd. I believe the picture used on the card to the right has him in an Expos away uniform with the Jays hat airbushed on. It has the inconsistent sizing that plagued Topps since 1977.
He was a home run hitter in the minors but never got past part time status in the Majors. In 1980 he went to Japan. Sadly, the first Samoan-born player was murdered in 1990 in Samoa.
Other players that have toiled for both teams in the Great White North that I don't have cards for are: Michael Barrett, Tony Batista, Raul Chavez, Maicer Izturis, Tony Johnson, Luis Lopez, Ken Macha, Juan Rivera, Hector Torres, and Brad Wilkerson.
First will be Al Oliver. Oliver played for the Expos in 1982 and 1983. Both years leading the league in doubles. 1982 he also led in average and hits while 1983 he also led in grounded into double plays. Oliver was a fairly consistent player for most of his career, He was a multiple time All Star, including his two years with Montreal. He would end his career in Toronto, coming to the Jays from the Dodgers for Len Matuszek. He played 61 games for the Blue Jays, primarily at First and Designated Hitter. He retired at the end of the season, forced to according to the man himself. He ended off with 2743 hits. If not for the collusion of owners, he may have had a shot at 3000.
Next is Alex Gonzalez. He started his career with the Blue Jays in 1994. A rather ordinary player over the course of his time with the Jays, he ended up being traded to the Cubs for Felix Heredia in 2001. In 2004, he spent part of the year with three teams: The Cubs, The Padres, and The Expos. He was traded to the Expos in a Trade Deadline deal involving four teams. He was then sent to the Padres in September in a conditional deal that didn't seem to have a finishing point.
Next is Brad Fullmer.
He started his career as an Expo, drafted in the second round in 1993. He was often injured throughout his career, lasting from 1997-2004. He played for Montreal from 1997-1999, then was part of a three team trade that sent him to Toronto, Lee Stevens to Montreal from Texas, and David Segui to Texas from Toronto.
Damaso Garcia. A rather interesting player for the short time he played. He came to the Jays from the Yankees, in a trade that brought Chris Chambliss and Paul Mirabella to the Jays. He was the regular second baseman from 1980-1986. He was a solid player, but nothing spectacular, making the All Star team twice and not much else. He didn't walk or strike out.The interest comes from an incident in 1986. He was in a slump and after one game, burned his jersey in order to try to break the slump. The manager at the time, Jimy Williams, was not happy and confronted Garcia in front of the team. He ended up getting traded to the Braves at the end of the season.
Now a part time player, he was on the Expos in 1989. Again, he was a solid piece, but not enough to keep a job. After he retired he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour that limited his mobility.
Darrin Fletcher was a bit player for the Dodgers and the Phillies before going to Montreal in a trade. Getting regular playing time, he turned out to be a solid player. He signed with the Jays in 1998 and had his best season in 2000. In 2002, he retired midseason. 
In 2000, Dave Martinez tied a record for playing on four teams in the same season. Traded on May 12 from Tampa to the Cubs for Mark Guthrie. Then June 9 he was traded to the Rangers for Brant Brown. Finally August 4 he was traded to the Jays for Pete Munro.
Speaking of Mitch Webster, here he is! He came to the Jays in the 1979 minor league draft from the Dodgers. He spent 1983 and 1984 bouncing between Toronto and Syracuse. In 1985 he was traded to the Expos for Cliff Young. He was a regular for the Expos in 1986 and 1987, leading the league in triples in 1986. In 1988 he was traded to the Cubs for Dave Martinez and went on to be a fourth outfielder for many years, retiring in 1995. 
David Segui spent 337 games for Montreal from 1995-1997 and 31 games for the Jays in 1999. He did sign as a free agent in 2000 but was traded to the Rangers in the deal that brought Brad Fullmer to the Jays.
Fred Manrique played a grand total of 33 games between the Jays and Expos. He was a rather forgettable player overall, with his fame in being part of a trade involving Sammy Sosa. 
Jim Mason was an original member of the Blue Jays, drafted from the Yankees in the Expansion Draft. He played with the Jays until May 9 when he was traded to the Rangers with Steve Hargan for Roy Howell.In 1979, he played for Montreal and was rather unremarkable.
He retired after the 1979 season.
Matt Stairs was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Montreal Expos. (At the time, Canada wasn't part of the Amateur Draft) He ended up only playing 19 games for the Expos in 1992-1993 before bouncing around the majors. In 2006, he signed with the Jays as a free agent.
He played regularly with the Jays and then was traded to the Phillies in 2008. He ended his career with the former Montreal Expos when he played for the Washington Nationals.
Kenny Williams is better known as the Executive Vie President for the Chicago White Sox, but before that he was a bit player for six seasons. He was picked up by the Jays from the Tigers in 1990, when the Tigers put him on waivers. Williams was the starting centre fielder when Dave Stieb threw his no-hitter. He also had a bizarre baserunning incident in 1990. He was running from second, ran over the third base coach, had to run back to second and was able to get back. He ended up scoring a run.In 1991 he was waived by the Jays and picked up by the Expos. He played 34 games and was released by the Expos at the end of the season. He then went into scouting for the White Sox and the rest is history.
In 1999, he signed with the Expos. He played 93 games for them before going to Japan for a year.
He signed with the Jays in 1995, playing in 1996 and part of 1997, when he was traded to the Dodgers in August.
Overall, he has the most stolen bases by a player who never played in an All Star game.
Randy Knorr was a backup catcher for the Jays between 1991 and 1995.
He didn't hit much and generally played when Pat Borders took a day off.
He signed with the Expos for the 2001 season where again, he was a backup. He stayed with the Expos in a minor league role until 2004, when he played for the Edmonton Trappers and became a Canadian citizen.
He since coached for the Nationals until 2015.Rene Gonzales was drafted by the Expos in 1982, in the 5th round. He played for the Expos in 1984 and 1986, playing 40 games total. He was part of the trade that brought Dennis Martinez to the Expos from the Orioles. In 1991, he was traded to the Jays for a minor league player.
Through his career he was a role player, filling in where he was needed off the bench.
He generally didn't hit very well as a Jay. 1979 was the year with the most playing time, hitting
| G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | CS | BB | SO |
|---|
| 136 | 514 | 469 | 47 | 112 | 27 | 4 | 7 | 61 | 1 | 4 | 37 | 40 | .239 | .294 | .358 | .652 |
In 1992, he signed with the Expos to back up Gary Carter. He played 33 games before being released due to the emergence of Darrin Fletcher.
Rob Ducey:
Jays: 1987-1992, 2000
Expos: 2001
I actually did not realize he played for the Expos at all. He signed with the Expos after the Phillies released him.
Robert Perez
Jays 1994-1997
Expos; 1998
Expos: 1969-1974
Jays: 1977
He has the distinction of being on both teams' rosters in their first season. In both cases, he was traded to the team: to the Expos from the Dodgers, and then to the Blue Jays from the Athletics. He was also the only All Star for the Jays in 1977.
Sal Butera
Expos: 1984-1985
Jays: 1988
In both cases, a free agent signing. 1988 was his last season as a player.
Jays: 1995-1997
Expos: 2001
A rather forgettable player on forgettable teams.
Expos and Jays: 1985
He got both teams in during his last major league season. Released by the Expos and signed by the Jays.
Tom Hutton
Jays 1978
Expos: 1978-1981
He not only played for both the Jays and Expos but has also broadcast games for both teams. He currently does Miami Marlins games.
Expos: 1984
Jays: 1989-1990
He was traded by the Reds for Pete Rose in 1984.
He retired after the 1990 season because he generally could not hit. He moved into coaching and managing.
Tony Solaita
Jays and Expos: 1979
It's odd. I believe the picture used on the card to the right has him in an Expos away uniform with the Jays hat airbushed on. It has the inconsistent sizing that plagued Topps since 1977.
He was a home run hitter in the minors but never got past part time status in the Majors. In 1980 he went to Japan. Sadly, the first Samoan-born player was murdered in 1990 in Samoa.
Other players that have toiled for both teams in the Great White North that I don't have cards for are: Michael Barrett, Tony Batista, Raul Chavez, Maicer Izturis, Tony Johnson, Luis Lopez, Ken Macha, Juan Rivera, Hector Torres, and Brad Wilkerson.
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