Everyday Normal Guys – Mitch Webster

1991 Topps - Mitch Webster

Today, we continue our honouring of the unhonoured, our recognition of those who might not otherwise be recognized.  Our subject is an Everyday Normal Guy named Mitch Webster.

Why is he ordinary?:

-Bounced around the Major Leagues – played for three teams in 1991 alone (Cleveland, Pittsburgh, LA Dodgers)
-Bounced around Major League diamonds regardless of the uniform he wore – all the outfield positions and even a little first base.
-Career batting average of .263 – not terrible, not great, just regular.
-Is from Larned, Kansas.  Population 4,263.  Yeah, I spelt it right.  Larned.

What could potentially separate him from the ordinary?

-Led the NL in triples in 1986 with 13.
-Played for both Canadian MLB teams, the Montreal Expos and Toronto Blue Jays.  Is not a legend in either city.

Everyday Normal Guys – Jim Acker

1991 Topps - Jim Acker

Hey – a new category!  This one is designed to help us celebrate the ordinary.  The category is named after a great tune from Jon Lajoie – if you don’t know who Jon Lajoie is, please learn and then come back.  And then, while you’re at it, check out his show The League on the FX Network.  It’s fucking unreal, easily one of the best shows on TV.

Let’s also keep in mind, that while I am referring to these gentlemen as Everyday Normal Guys, they also became professional athletes, so be sure you keep that context in mind when you’re e-mailing me to ask me who the fuck I think I am.

Subject:

An Everyday Normal Guy named Jim Acker.

Why is he ordinary?:

-A sub-.500 career record (33-49)
-Occasional starter, occasional closer, never great at either
-Played in Atlanta between 1986 and 1989.  The Atlanta Braves were not good then.  They’ve been good since, but not then.
-Is from Freer, Texas.  Where?  Exactly.
-Check out that everyman beard.

What could potentially separate him from the ordinary?

-Won the AL East title with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1985.  Was then traded to Atlanta midway through 1986, and the Jays didn’t win another division crown until he returned in 1989.  That included an epic collapse in September 1987, and performances below expectation in 1986 and 1988.  Was it a curse?  We may never know.

Newsworthy – Cito Gaston

1990 Topps - Cito Gaston

Thanks, Cito, for all the great years, and the not so great ones too.  It’s been a great ride being a Blue Jays fan.

1991 Topps - Cito Gaston