Names I Can’t Believe Aren’t Famous – Buddy Biancalana

1986 Topps – Buddy Biancalana

As it turns out, the name Buddy Biancalana actually was famous – albeit for only a short time in the mid-1980’s, and mostly because David Letterman made fun of him for being bad at hitting a baseball.  That said, he also ended up finishing second in World Series MVP voting as his Kansas City Royals won the championship in 1985.  That was not as a joke – that was mostly because of his .435 OBP in the seven game series.

If you don’t remember when Buddy Biancalana was famous, you’re certainly not alone.  I just thought he had a funny-sounding name, which is why I started this post.  If you want to have a full grasp of Biancalanamania, read this article from People Magazine, originally published on November 25, 1985.  That was 28 years ago, if you don’t already feel old. 

Also – White Wool?  Is that really what it means?

Names I Can’t Believe Aren’t Famous – Paul Householder

1986 Topps – Paul Householder

Let’s be honest here.  Paul Householder isn’t really holding a lot of houses.  It’s a funny sounding name, sure, but it doesn’t accurately describe his occupation or appearance.  In looking at this baseball card from 1986 Topps, I’d suggest that his name should be Paul Myhairiswaytoocoolforahat.

That is all.

Manly, Magical Mustaches – Gary Ward

1986 Topps - Gary Ward

It’s not just about the mustache.  It’s about the whole package, including the Afro, the sideburns, and the flavour saver.  Put them all together, and you get Gary Ward, circa 1985.  That is one hell of a manly marvel of facial hair.  No wonder his son also played in the big leagues (Daryle Ward).

Once again, 1986 Topps comes through in the clutch with another great card.  This is one of the best sets you can buy for $8 – there is seemingly no end to the greatness.

Two Teams, One Player – Bill Gullickson

I’ve always liked seeing two cards of the same player in the same set, playing for different teams.  I’m not sure why, I guess I just always thought it was cool that there could be two cards exactly the same, except with a different team logo and updated photo.  This section will be the place that I share some of the ones I like and find interesting.  Welcome aboard.

Leading us off in this category is Bill Gullickson from 1986 Topps.  Gullickson won 162 games in his career, including an AL-leading 20 in 1991 with the Detroit Tigers, after he’d played a few years in Japan.

1986 Topps - Bill Gullickson

Here is Bill’s base 1986 Topps card, number 229.  He is doing his best to make that Expos clown cap look good.

1986 Topps Traded - Bill Gullickson

Here is Bill’s 1986 Topps Traded card, number 42T.  I like that it’s the same style photo as the Expos card – cap, team jacket, no baseball action anywhere in sight.  The stats on the back are the same, but the “Talkin’ Baseball” feature now has a Reds fact instead of an Expos fact, and it shows that he was acquired via trade on 12-19-85.

1986 O-Pee-Chee - Bill Gullickson

1986 O-Pee-Chee - Bill Gullickson (Back)

Now, here is the unique twist to the Topps/O-Pee-Chee days, when the two companies shared similar designs – the 1986 O-Pee-Chee base card, number 229.  This one features the same photo as the Topps base card, but with the Reds team name and some text indicating “Now with Reds.”  The card back, however, is the Expos card back, not the Reds back – except bilingual, of course.  It needs to be bilingual for us Canadians to understand it – we get confused when something is printed with in just one language.

See?  Damn cool.

Names I Can’t Believe Aren’t Famous – Razor Shines

1986 Topps - Razor Shines

So I was tearing through an $8 box of 1986 Topps baseball, when I came across this card.  I was already thinking life was grand because of the glory of the ’86 Topps set, but this put it over the top for me that day.  I literally laughed out loud when I saw the name.  Razor Shines.  How the hell have I gone my whole life without knowing who this man is?

Seriously, look at the photo – this guy oozes cool.  You can just tell he’s pissed that the photographer made him take his aviators off before he took the photo, and you know he’s going to hold out as long as he can before he starts wearing batting helmets with the ear cover.  Those mutton chops creeping onto his cheeks are spectacular as well.

Razor actually never suited up for a game in 1986, but finished his illustrious career with two hits in 11 at-bats for the Expos in 1987.  Total Major League at-bats: 88.  Total Major League runs: zero.

Razor is now the first base coach for the New York Mets and is something of a Minor League legend, apparently.  Oh, the joys I find with Google.

Razor Shines is further proof that 1986 Topps may be the greatest set of all time with almost no financial value.