My favorite players that I don't collect: Yankee Edition Part 2

 

As I've started working on the list of "My favorite players that I don't collect", I've revised how I'm going to do it. First, I'm limiting it to 9 players max for each team. That means I'm going to have to make some tough decisions. Second, the list is fluid. Just because someone is on the list, doesn't mean that they won't get replaced. As a matter of fact, it's already happened. I'll get to that later. 

Just to recap Part 1, Mantle, Berra, Gehrig, Ruth and DiMaggio are on my list of Yankees that I want at least one card of from their playing days. To reiterate, there are financial limitations to which cards I acquire, but I will do what I can. 

Next on my list of favorite players that I don't collect is Billy Martin. Now, this one is a little different. Billy Martin isn't on my list for his playing as much as he is for his managing. I absolutely loved it when he was managing the Rangers. I loved his fiery, take no prisoners attitude. I actually felt bad for him when he was managing the Yankees and dealing with Steinbrenner all the time. I thought about going with a manager card, but I'm going to go with either the 1954 or 1957 Topps cards. 

     

I'm telling you, the more I look at '54 Topps cards, the more I like them. I think I will always be a fan of '57 Topps.

I remember Reggie Jackson and the A's winning it all in the early '70s. Despite that, I mostly remember Reggie as a Yankee. His postseason play with the Yankees was something to remember. 

The '78 Topps is my favorite Reggie Jackson card. It reminds me so much of that ferocious swing he would take. It's funny, but I don't ever remember him hitting singles or doubles. He had over 2500 hits and 463 doubles! I do remember the home runs though.  

If I liked a Yankee during my childhood it was Ron Guidry. He always seemed to dominate when he pitched. I definitely feel as if he is underrated when it comes to great pitchers. Cy Young, 5 times Gold Glove winner, 2 times World Series winner, 2 times ERA winner. 

'84 Topps is my favorite Guidry card. I almost went with the '78 Topps because of the year he had in '78, but this one is my favorites. 

Okay, the last one was a little harder to decide. I went back and forth before I came up with my choice. I am literally changing my mind as I type this. The last one of my favorite players that I don't collect is...Derek Jeter. I think Jeter is overrated as a player, but I like the way he played the game with hustle and giving it all he's got every time I saw him on the field. 

When I think of Jeter, I think of defense. He wasn't the best shortstop defensively, but he was a 5 time Gold Glove winner. Because of the defense, I chose the '98 Topps card. I always love an action shot and I wanted defensive picture on the card instead of him swinging a bat. 

Well, that's it for the Yankees. I think I'll throw this out there...If you can guess who my other choice that Jeter beat out was, I'll send you something. I don't know what, because I just thought of this, but I will try and make it for your favorite team. (This is a limited time offer!!!) 

Peace, 

Michael

Isaiah 40:31