In 1982 there were 17 player who received Rookie of the Year votes. 11 of the 17 players made it onto cardboard in at least 1 of the 4 major releases, Topps, Topps Traded, Fleer and Donruss. In my last post I put 4 of the remaining 6 onto a multi-player 1982 Donruss Rated Rookie card. For the other two, I created this Fleer Major League Prospects card.
Had this card actually been made in 1982, I probably would have given my eye teeth for it. Ryne Sandberg and Wade Boggs (along with Tony Gwynn) had the most sought after cards of the 1983 Topps set and were dominant at their positions throughout the '80s. Both players were solid hitters in 1981 at the AAA level. Sandberg hit .293 while Boggs hit .335. Sandberg was even a September call up for the Phillies before being traded to the Cubs.
They both saw action on opening day 1982. Boggs didn't play in the opening game for the Red Sox but started game 2 of an opening day double header. Ryno was an opening day starter for the Cubs. Neither of these players started at the position they were best known for. Boggs played first base in his first big league game. Sandberg spent most of his first season as the Cubs third baseman.
Sandberg and Boggs would eventually enter the Hall of Fame together in 2005. For Sandberg it was his 3rd year of eligibility but Boggs was a 1st ballot Hall of Famer.
Wow. If they made that card we'd both have no eye teeth. I did not know Boggs played 1st in his debut. Awesome info :) Good quiz question.
ReplyDeleteAlmost perfect...but Ryno wasn't traded to the Cubs until January, so he probably should be in Phillies garb. But I love the concept and design. Can't wait to see more '82 prospects!
ReplyDeleteI feel like the 1982 Phillies Sandberg has been done to death. He played the entire season for the Cubs but I haven't seen any cards depicting him as an '82 Cub. If it helps we can give this fake card a high number or say it was part of an update series. lol.
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