Category: Card of the Week

Whitewashed Capital

1975-76 Topps card #189 – Bill Clement

1975-76 Topps card #189 - Bill ClementDuring the summer of 1975, the Philadelphia Flyers traded center Bill Clement to the Washington Capitals. This transaction was apparently important enough to prompt Topps’ art department to revise their photo of Clement for their 1975-76 set. Unfortunately, his trade wasn’t quite worthy enough to merit revision to the entire photograph. Only Clement’s jersey had been altered to reflect the trade. His torso screams “Capitals,” while his legs (and heart, probably) still say “Flyers.” Continue reading “Whitewashed Capital”

These Angels Don’t Fly

1978-79 St. Louis Blues Postcards – Blue Angels

1978-79 St. Louis Blues Postcards - Blue AngelsThe name “Blue Angels” conjures up images of the U.S. Navy’s aerial acrobatics team, flying their jet fighter planes at breakneck speed through the sky at your local air and water show. But in the 1970s, the St. Louis Blues had a cheerleading squad by the same name. Continue reading “These Angels Don’t Fly”

Election Day Champs!

1954 Quaker Oats Sports Oddities card #10 – Chicago Blackhawks

1954 Quaker Oats Sports Oddities card #10 - Chicago BlackhawksAt the 2011 National Sports Collectors Convention, I found cards that I’ve never seen before, including this. Issued by Quaker Oats in 1954, the Sports Oddities set features illustrations on the front and an unusual sports story on the back.

The left half of the card front is a cool action painting of a Chicago Blackhawks player – clad in the old “barber pole-style” uniform – slamming on the breaks, spraying ice everywhere. A goalie who, based on his orange and yellow jersey, appears to be with the Philadelphia Blazers (I know, wrong era, wrong league) sprawls out to make a stick save.

And to the right, we have a boring political illustration. But what do the ‘Hawks have to do with politics?

Continue reading “Election Day Champs!”

Modern Art Masterpiece

1976-77 O-Pee-Chee card #240 – Cesare Maniago

Cesare ManiagoAt 6-foot-3, former NHL goalie Cesare Maniago stood out among his peers. He played in the 1960s and 1970s, during an era where most goalies were of average height. Maniago’s tall frame – mixed with an unfortunate background and a hasty “jersey re-coloring” led to one strange-looking hockey card. Continue reading “Modern Art Masterpiece”

Santa’s New Sleigh

1992 Upper Deck Christmas card #1 of 10 – Santa’s New Sleigh

1992 Upper Deck Christmas card #1 of 10 - Santa's New Sleigh‘Tis the season to show off awful, Christmas-themed trading cards. This one in particular was part of a 10-card set issued by Upper Deck in 1992. Each card shows Santa Claus and his elves engaged in different sporting activities – baseball, football, basketball and of course, hockey. The dealer that I purchased this set from can’t recollect its exact origin, but believed that Upper Deck sent it to him “back in the day” as a sort of promotional item. Continue reading “Santa’s New Sleigh”

Pat Burns

1990-91 Pro Set card #669 – Pat Burns

1990-91 Pro Set card #669 - Pat BurnsFormer NHL coach Pat Burns passed away last week after a lengthy battle with cancer. The man had an impressive career, wining coach of the year honors three times and a Stanley Cup in 2003. But what always stuck with me were his blowups. Burns would yell and cause quite a commotion when he got angry during a game. With his stocky build and mustache, he was reminiscent of former National Football League coach Mike Ditka, who was legendary for his sideline tantrums. Continue reading “Pat Burns”