Thank you for mentioning me Terry, your support means the world to me. That 82 Kmart set was my first exposure to vintage cards, though it would take me many years to actually acquire some of those cards. That set represents my childhood and when I started collecting. I love the 71 Blue that you have and the story behind it. The walk down memory lane today was simply fantastic and thank you for taking us along with you.
My pleasure, Doug. I love your channel and this was the perfect video to bring you up. I really enjoyed the video on your 62 Mantle. It resonated with me as collector being I was also influenced by the 82 Kmart set. The 62 Topps Mantle was a dream card for me too along with the 65 Mays. Yeah, I am enjoying adding some cards that should have been in my collection years ago. Thanks, my friend. Have a great weekend.
As a kid, going into Kmart was kind of magical for me. There was always the smell of popcorn throughout the store and the Icee machine sat right up front. My store here, in my little town, even had a restaurant. And don’t forget the blue light specials going on around the store. Now, our store sets empty and that magic is gone.😢 Thanks for the Vida blue history lesson. Great video my friend.
Hi Shannon! I do remember our Kmart having a restaurant too. Though, I think it closed in the mid 80s. I remember Hills having the popcorn smell because their concession stand was in the front. Yes, the blue light special. One of the most popular insults you could throw at a classmate of the era. Haha. Our Kmart is storage building now. Thanks for sharing your memories, Shannon. I hope all is well with you.
Yet again, I really enjoyed this presentation, Terry. Vida Blue was one great pitcher. I was fortunate to watch him dominate in his early years. I remember that 1971 season. Many thought Vida would win 30 games with that fabulous start. His early career was very similar to what Fernando and Doc Gooden did in their early campaigns. And Vida's smile lit up the TV screen. And Mark Fidrych was a classic. His antics were comical but he could really pitch. So glad you got your '71 Vida. Thanks for a wonderful video! Oh, and I sure miss that smell of fresh popcorn every time I walked into our local Sears store back in the '60's. Those were the days.
Hi Rob, It makes me happy to know you enjoyed the video. It’s great that you were around to witness Vida at his best. He was quite a talent. I was also happy to learn what a good person he was. I know he ran into some drug issues, but I don't want to allow the mistakes he made during a part of his life to define all of it. People are complicated. Mark Fidrych is one of my all-time favorite baseball personalities. I am fond of characters; they make life more interesting. I didn't know that Sears sold popcorn. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
What a year Blue had in 71! That’s my favorite card of his. Great that you have it in your collection now, Terry, and to see it in the spotlight. I really enjoyed all the information about him and of the card that year. It’s crazy to me that he didn’t have a 200 K season. He had the goods to be not only a HOFer but an all timer. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Hugo! I remember you showing a modern version of the 71 Blue in your video on the Black Aces. It is such a great card. Yeah, I was surprised that he never had 200 strikeouts after having 300. I agree the talent was there to be a HOFer but too often careers don't go as planned. He was still one of the best pitchers of his era and his 1971 season was magical. I love having that captured in my collection. Have a great rest of the week, Hugo.
I always enjoyed window shopping at Kmart! He-Man & Thundercats were my toys of choice! Great shout-out to Videoguy! Fernando Mania! FANTASTIC BIG 3 cards from 1971! Thanks for sharing, Terry!
I never bought Thundercats, but my best friend growing up had them. They were pretty awesome. I really enjoy the relaxing feel of Doug's channel. I hope you and the Mrs. have a great weekend!
Hi Terry! Really great addition with the ‘71 Vida Blue! The image of him just looks like he loves the game. Im glad you were able to add it. As I get older I have more fun adding cards I couldn’t get in my childhood as I do getting hall of famers. I understand exactly what you talk about with cards like this Blue. My dad was a big Vida Blue fan. I grew up hearing about him. I didn’t realize he never had a 200k season but a 300k season. It’s amazing how close he was associated to Koufax. Loved seeing it lined up with the Namath and the Orr. It’s fun to see all three lined up and they all have a smile on their face. Thanks for sharing, Terry! Hope you have a great weekend!
Good morning, Andy! Yes, the picture does capture his love of the game. That is one of the things I read about him from magazines of the time is how happy and kind he was. I am glad you can relate to why these types of cards matter to me. I don't remember seeing Blue pitch too often and by then he was past his prime but the Kmart cards resonate for guys my age. There were no card stores where I lived in 1982 and I went to one show at that point, so I hadn't seen some of these Topps issues. I am sure that set opened the door for many of us to collect cards from the 60s and 70s. The comparison to Koufax was in both of the magazines I read and a few online articles looking back to that season. His curveball was something to behold and his fastball was in the high nineties which was very fast in those days. I haven't found a good explanation as to why he never even had a 200 strikeout season after 1971. Good point about Namath, Orr and Blue having a smile on their face. It is my favorite card of each of them. I think 1971 was the best year for Topps across all four sports. I love the basketball set too. You have a great weekend. Hopefully, you have some baseball games with the kids. Take care
Another great one, Terry! I remember so well, laying on my sofa and reading Vida's biography in early 1972 getting ready for the upcoming season. 1971 was so magical, and I would collect, read and watch anything sports related. Vida's was a story of what could have been. Sure he had a border line hof career, but he could have been much more. Even with his final stats, he might have been pushed over the threshold if he had performed better in the playoffs and world series. Throw in the drug trials and that about did it for him. I still have fond memories though.
Thanks Mike! Vida's 71 season was special and an impossible act to follow. Especially, with the holdout in 1972 that had him start the season late. You're right he could have been a HOFer. Thanks for sharing your memories of him. My favorite part of the SABR article was the author's long wait for series 5 to come out. That had to be frustrating.
Terry, congrats on picking up your 1971 Vida Blue! Wow! Such a stunning card! And all the more so because it's depiction on a Kmart card captivated you in your youth! 🤯🤯🤯 As always, I love hearing your most excellent thoughts! The colors on your 1971 Joe Namath! What a card! I hope you and your family are doing well! 😊👊
Thanks Adam! I can't believe I never owned one until now. I put my group of 71s together years ago but didn't include him at the time. The funny thing is the Vada might be my favorite card in the set. Either that one or the Munson. So, I am glad to own it now. Those Kmart cards where a gateway for many guys my age into vintage. Yes, I love that Joe Namath card. All is well here. I hope everything is good with you too. Take care, my friend.
Great historical perspective n personal! It certainly was a different time back then when our parents didn't have to worry about us as much. In 73 Vida won 20 games. All great cards at the end!
Hey TJ…thanks for sharing another “piece of your collection puzzle”. Vida Blue is one of my buddy’s favorite players and just last week I gave him Vida’s 1982 In Action card which spurred his fond memories of watching Blue while growing up in the Bay Area. Good timing on your video as now I’ve heard two recent recollections of Vida Blue’s talent through card collecting. As you point out often, that communication between friends/family/community is the real benefit of the cardboard.
My pleasure, Todd. Thanks for sharing about your buddy liking Vida Blue. That is nice of you to gift him a 1982 Vida in Action. How funny my video came out around the same time. He was a special player who had an amazing 1971 season. I am glad that Topps had such a striking card to go along with that season. Yes, cards have much more meaning when it is about friends, family and community. Have a great weekend!
I was delighted to go down memory lane with you regarding K-Mart. I bought my first cards at a K-Mart in Buena Park California in 1990. They were the first card set issued for The Simpsons. Hahha I liked the store and indeed my mom felt safe to let me explore the toy isle for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and even gel out in the car on a cool summer morning while she bought things for the dining room or mantle. Happy times. I really appreciate your feeling compelled to share a nice amount of the career of Vida Blue. I have always been interested in him. The season of 300 strikeouts never to be accompanied by a 200 strikeout season is remarkable Wow! That's a real lesson in negotiating that Mr Blue's asking price was declined. It goes to show you that alot of times we just cannot rise to our full potential without good leadership. I've always been uneasy around authority figures and they play a very dynamic role in stories youve shared. Sonny Jurgenson and Otto Graham come to mind. Why cant those in charge trust our judgment to do our best work? Well I never partied like Mr Jurgenson, but maybe its just the dynamic of those in charge versus those of us in charge of our own destiny or in Sonny's case, his own curfew. Hahah have a terrific Sunday This video was another Gem! You do more for the imagination with straightforward honest, earnest speech and respect for your content than any amount of flashy editing or production. Not a peace sign but a two seamed fastball grip and a 100th year of baseball patch. Little touches like that make this channel great.
Hi Avian! The days when kids had more independence. The world was probably not safer then, but we also didn't live an age where we had access at our fingertips to all that is bad in the world. I am a parent now and wouldn't let my kids venture to the toy aisle on their own either. I am glad you have fond memories of looking at TMNT figures and waiting outside. I am sure you had the radio on with the hits of the day. I knew Vida had a stellar 71 season but it was enlightening to read about how his popularity transcended baseball into the larger popular culture. Vida was right up there with Archie Bunker, Scooby Doo, Mary Tyler Moore and Dirty Harry. That is an interesting question about why some authority figures tend to be more controlling which can inhibit those they lead from reaching their full potential. I think some leaders lack the emotional intelligence to try and understand what motives their people. Many had a my way or highway attitude and were trying to force the player into their system. I appreciate the candor about your struggle with authority figures. Thank you for the complimentary words of my approach to videos. Yeah, my style is not high on editing and production style. I do want my cards to show well but most of my time is spent preparing what I want to talk about. Have a great rest of the week!
Hello Terry, as always i enjoyed to look at the cards, and listen to the stories (specialy the Vida Blue story) and listen about nostalgia moments. This 1971 Topps Vida Blue is a great add to your collection. I have the same feeling about any card from the 91-92 NBA Upper Deck set. Thanks Terry for sharing and have a great week-end.
Hi Fabien, cards are a great way to collect the memories. 91-92 was a great time to be a fan of the NBA. I am glad you enjoyed the video. You have a great weekend too.
1971 I was just walking, so don’t remember this year, but I know about Vida Blue. I was always fascinated by his name. By the time I was collecting cards, he was a good but not great pitcher. As always excellent stuff Terry and congratulations on landing that 71 Topps Vida Blue.
In 1971, I wasn't even a thought yet. My brother was born that year. Like you, I remember him as a pretty good pitcher. It was interesting to read the SABR Blog and to look at those older magazines to see just how big of a deal he was. Thanks Ken!
Thanks Zach! I didn’t see a Walmart in my area until 1992. I worked at Sam’s Club for 7 years while I was going to college and then a couple years after until I started my career. It was a good place to work.
Love this one Terry! Vida Blue was a beast in 1971 and that is one card I definitely need to add to my collection! In Southen California when was growing up there was a chain called Gemco that was similar to Kmart and I remember wondering the toy aisles while my mom shopped. Love the cards in this video, the 65 Mays and of course the 69 Killebrew. The three 71s at the end, Blue, Namath and Orr are classic. The 71 Orr is one of my all-time favorite cards! Have a great weekend !
Hi Steve! I am glad you enjoyed the video. I should've added that Vida card years ago being it is a special one. I just never got around to it. That card is definitely a good fit for your collection. I couldn't wait to pair the Orr, Namath and Blue together. If I still had my 71 Lew Alcindor. I would've added him to as he was picked as the most popular basketball player in that issue. Yeah, the 71 Orr is my all time favorite hockey card. I love the set too. You have a great weekend too.
Absolutely love the 71’ Vida Blue it’s one of my favorite cards that I own as well. Being a uniform guy I didn’t even notice the mlb patch right below the logo because of the sleeveless shirts. That’s also I beautiful copy of the Broadway Joe you have. Enjoyed learning more about Vida Blue. Hope you have a good weekend Terry!
Thanks Mike. That's awesome you own the same card. He was on top of the baseball world, and I am glad Topps put out such a beautiful card of him that year. The MLB patch is a giveaway that the photo is from 1969. You will start seeing it in the later series of 1969 Topps which tells you those photos were taken in spring training or earlier in the season. You have a great weekend too. Hopefully, you have a baseball game to coach.
Ha! I think I have a half dozen of those KMart sets! It was fun looking through those when they came out and seeing some of those vintage cards for the first time! Love the 71 Topps Vida Blue! Such a great looking card and he was a beast on the mound in the early to mid 70s! His 71 season was epic too, he won both the Cy Young and MVP awards which is a tough feat for a pitcher! Good stuff as always my friend!
Hi Jim! Stop hoarding all those Kmart sets! Haha. They were fun to look through as a young collector. There was no internet to see what older cards looked like, so these sets served a good purpose for beginning collectors. The 71 set has two of the most iconic cards of the 70s with the Blue and Munson. Like many, it is one of my favorite sets. Yeah, one of the magazines I read was critical of Blue winning the MVP over a position player. Have a great weekend!
It is so hard to believe that K-Mart and Sears are gone for the most part. I couldn't wait for the Sears Christmas catalog to come out. My brother and I would bury our heads picking out our list to send to Santa. I remember ALCO, Gibson's, and Temple as other similar stores as K-Mart. Always loved the Vida Blue card. I watched an interview once where he said that was not his signature on the 1971 card. These are the unis that helped me become an A's fan. I was planning to talk about that in an upcoming video. Enjoyed listening to you talk about him.
Hi Drew! It is a shame that a company like Sears that was around since the 1800s went out of business but as Billy Beane said in Money Ball, "Adapt or die." Yes, the Wish Book is filled with good memories. I used to love all the NFL team apparel and other items like garbage cans, lamps, curtains etc. I didn't know that about his signature. Interesting. I look forward to your video on him. Thanks!
Man, I spent a lot of time in my local Kmart growing up outside of Chicago. There was even a Kmart about 2 miles from where I was stationed in San Diego in the navy in the mid 80's. Always love your trips down memory lane! I'll be revealing my massive sports mag collection soon and I plan on modeling my channel after your's by telling the back stories. Magazines are much more than who's on the cover.
Kmart was the place to shop in many communities. A lot of us in our 40s and up have shared experiences of blue light specials, trips to the toy aisle and the smell of the fertilizer in their lawn and garden department. I look forward to seeing your collection when you're ready to show it. Yes, magazines give you greater insight into the events, players and time in which they played. Thanks, my friend.
Oh man really pulling on the heart strings in this one ❤❤. Funny your generation loved the kmart mvp card on cards and my generation loved the turn back the clock mvp card on card !!! I have that 71’ Vida Blue autographed to go along with my MVP run. Looks like we are collecting the exact same cards but using different cards as are reference 😂😂😂 love it. I also have a few boxes of those kmart cards because ofcourse i needed them😊. Absolutely glorious video well done my friend 🤗👊🤙🤙
Thanks Dylan! As you know, part of my content is preserving my memories of growing up and collecting. I am glad to hear it resonates with you. For many of us, those Kmart cards were the first glimpse at some of these Topps sets. There were very few card shows around and no card stores. I believe I went to only one show up to point and I was very young. I figured you would have at least one of those Kmart set know what a fan of card on cards you are. Haha! That is awesome you have the Vida card autographed. Great choice. He had nice looking and easy to read signature on the 71. I put that card right up there with the Munson as the most iconic in the set. I attribute that to those Kmart sets that so many from age group saw. Have a great weekend my friend!
Great video. Kmart and Woolworths was always my favorite stores when I was a kid. I remember watching Vida Blue pitch when I was a kid. I thought he was a good pitcher. It slways seemed to me he was in every pack I opened sometimes twice that and thr dreaded checklist. Now that I'm getting old I think they're both cool. Cheers.
I appreciate the comment. That's great you were able to see Blue pitch some as a kid. I remember him with the Giants and with the Royals but did not see many of their games where I lived. I probably saw him most on This Week in Baseball. Funny how some of the things that annoyed us kids are now appreciated as adults. As we age, our perspective changes as we become more reflective. I hope you have an enjoyable Sunday. Terry
Both Sears and K-Marr bring back memories. My Mom worked for Sears and she took me with her to work while I was in Christmas break in 1980 and that’s when I discovered cards at the GC Murphy. Sad that they are not almost extinct. I still think the 1971 Vida Blue is the coolest card in the set.
Thanks Chris! I can't disagree with you about Vida being the coolest. The Blue, Aaron and Garvey are the three I remember most from my early collecting days. Of course, Munson is an iconic card, but I don't recall seeing it back then. It is sad to see two retail giants virtually extinct.
I believe you had shared in a previous video, wanting that 71 Blue. At least that is what I remember. So glad you were able to add it now. I love the story about Kmart and shopping with your mom. Your introduction to vintage cards. I was fresh out of college that year and cards were only going to come back in the picture for me in 1987. I did buy a set for my collection. I'm glad to have collected earlier on from 70-74. I do remember his cards those years. Thanks for sharing his accomplishments, for sharing your cards and the ride down memory lane.
Hi Dan! I may have shared that I wanted the Blue. It has been on my list for the past couple of years. It was very expensive for a while. Fortunately, the price has come down some making it a good time to acquire it for my collection I imagine the Kmart cards were a gateway into vintage for a lot of collectors my age. 70-74 was a good time to be collecting. Though, I found it interesting in the SABR article about how frustrating it was to wait for certain players to come out in the later Topps series. I always appreciate hearing your thoughts.
Another great video Terri! I don’t know much about Vita blue other than he threw fast and was a winner for those A’s teams in the 1970s. I know I don’t have many of his cards but he’s just a player I don’t know much about, but I really like this video in your stories about yourconnection to this 1971 tops. I also love box sets not just the Kmart but all box set! I have the 1986 or 1987 Kmart and some of the set that you show here. Great job as always Terry. Thanks for sharing
Thanks Jason! That Kmart set was a gateway for so many guys my age into vintage. It was a fun set and at the time you couldn’t easily see what each year looked like. I enjoyed most learning about how his 71 season transcended the game and entered the popular culture. My kind of card. I know you like those boxed sets. They’re pretty cool. Thanks, my friend.
Got my first baseball card out of a card vending machine in the entrance, at the nearest Kmart when I was 6 in 1986. Think it was like a quarter, or something like that for 1 card. I put the coin(s) in, and pressed the mechanism thingamabob (modern vending machine computerized buttons will never have the same feel...younger generations don't know what they're missing! ) hoping for a Pete Rose! And got some unknown common, lol. But I was hooked! Ironically, as a kid I never was interested so much in those Kmart branded special editions, I only wanted the "real" cards like Topps, Fleer, and Donruss. (Even though these technically WERE Topps!) Decades later as an adult, I started buying them for the nostalgia, and how cool those cards actually are. Wish I could go back in time and tell my jaded little kid self to buy tons of those Kmart cards on the frequent family trips! 😅
Thanks for sharing your Kmart memories. I remember the card vending machines but never bought one. I didn’t buy too many boxed sets. Like you, I preferred the regular issues and loved to open packs. The days when you were looking for your favorite players. Have a great week.
Nice video….Collected ‘71 baseball and ‘71 hockey….’72 was our first football season…I like the idea of the series…but certainly a fun era for me and my grade school buddies…
Hi Kevin, '71 was a great year for card design in all four of the major sports. Thank you for watching and taking a moment to comment. Have a great week. Terry
TJ as always brother you did a great job I grew up in Sacramento not far from Oakland and was a huge Vida Fan he was must see or hear as I would listen on the radio every time he started ….was just a joy to watch him pitch ….keep up the good work buddy love your channel
Thanks Adam! What a wonderful experience you had being able to watch and listen to the A's games where Vida pitched. I enjoyed learning more about the impact he had not only on the game, but the country in 71. It's not easy to make the cover of Time magazine as an athlete. Even though I never saw him in his prime, the Kmart set made me aware of him and the image on his 71 has always stayed with me. Now I am nearly 50 years old and I am drawn back to that time. I appreciate the comment and you sharing your memories of Vida. Have a nice weekend.
Super video Terry. I enjoyed that tribute to Vida Blue. I only got to see him at the end of his career so I sadly missed the glory years for him. My dad always liked him and said he was so happy when Charlie Finley sold him to the Yankees but Commissioner Kuhn voided the deal. So somehow I became a Vida collector. That 71 card is super looking. I don't know if Vida Blue ever really had a bad card. Thanks for sharing.
Great story about your dad being happy when Vida became a Yankee. Imagine if they were able to keep him. The start of free agency was crazy times in baseball. Especially, for a cheapskate like Finley who knew he wouldn’t pay his players. Like you, I only remember Vida’s days with the Giants and Royals. Thanks Ed!
*Some Neat Cards, Find Videos of Nintendo, ZELDA Games, NFL, 5 of My Card Collection and more by Jim NFL 7!* Cool cards of Reggie Jackson and Vida Blue!
K Mart is actually a specialty store like Caldors and Bradles a department store would be like Sterns , B Altmans , Sears , Lord & Taylor I know K mart IS NOT a department store a specialty store!!! nice 1971 Vida Blue both Topps and K Mart , nice 1973 of Mr. October and 1976 of Munson , sweet 1977 Mark Fiyyrch , nice 1981 Fernando 1984 Dwight Gooden nice cards. I did see Vida Blue pitch alot not every game but alot!!! sweet 1972 , sweet 1974, Vida Blue is not is the high number set. the high number set which came out in August is from 644 to 752 his card number is 544!! nice 1980 and nice 1972 sports illustrated , do you have his rookie 1970 card 21 with Gene Tenace? back in the 80's and 90's did you have Caldors and Bradles in Niagra Falls?
Hi Mark! There was no Caldors or Bradles in Niagara Falls that I recall. I do not have his 1970 Topps rookie card. I went for the 71 instead as it has more meaning to me and it was his signature season. Maybe, I will get it the 1970 someday. That's great you got to see Blue pitch a lot. When I was a kid, there were not many games with him on TV where I lived. You're right that Blue is not a high number. I don't believe I stated that in my video. Based on the information from Mark Armour who wrote for SABR and collected the set. that series came out in July, maybe August which is what I stated in my video. He didn't state when the high numbers came out, but of course, it would have been after that. Thanks Mark!
@@tjmacvintagecardsnostalgia648 If that guy Mark is correct I don't understand why that set came out in August I thought only high number serise came out later in the year. this i'm confused. I have Vid'a card from 1979 got it as a kid. we had both Caldors and Bradles in lower state New York and in Ramsey New Jersey. Walmart is where Caldors use to be and Kohls is where Bradles use to be..
Hi Terry. The three players you feature at the end (Orr, Blue and Namath) were the BEST (along with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) in 1971 not only from a performance POV but also just in popular culture. These guys were IT and I still hold them all in the highest regard. Vida Blue didn't become a HOF player, but his numbers were solid. Maybe if he doesn't hold out in 1972 or maybe a trade to the Yankees after the A's dynasty crumbled, his career victories would be closer to 300. Regarding the cards, man the Orr and Namath RC's are both ICONIC cards. Definitely great cards. The 71 cards from all three of these players are great. I love them. I liked as a six year old that Vida Blue printed his name as his autograph. I could read this better than a signature. I never realized Vida's hand was the grip for his fastball. Fascinating! We had K-mart growing up, but we were more of a Sears family. hahaha. I think I had checked out of the by 1982 so these are neat to see. Fidrych, Fernando and Doc had amazing rookie years and we're talked about in pop culture just like Vida Blue, that's a great analogy using those guys. Thanks for sharing, Terry!
Hi Rick! Yes, Kareem was the choice in the magazine as the best in basketball at the time. Not that you couldn't figure that out. You're right he was nearly as big as a pop culture figure as a basketball player. Especially, as the years went on. You're right that Vida could've had better overall numbers had he not held out or gone to the Yankees. It goes to show you that there is sometimes a fine line between a HOF career and one that is on the borderline. I would like to know why his strikeout numbers dropped so much after 71. I am not aware of any injuries. I do believe he became more of a finesse pitcher. Yeah, I couldn't wait to group Vida with Joe and Bobby. They look fantastic together. I would go clothes shopping at Sears when I was in the later grades in elementary school. Got my first pair of corduroys there. Thanks Rick!
Thank you for mentioning me Terry, your support means the world to me. That 82 Kmart set was my first exposure to vintage cards, though it would take me many years to actually acquire some of those cards. That set represents my childhood and when I started collecting.
I love the 71 Blue that you have and the story behind it. The walk down memory lane today was simply fantastic and thank you for taking us along with you.
My pleasure, Doug. I love your channel and this was the perfect video to bring you up. I really enjoyed the video on your 62 Mantle. It resonated with me as collector being I was also influenced by the 82 Kmart set. The 62 Topps Mantle was a dream card for me too along with the 65 Mays.
Yeah, I am enjoying adding some cards that should have been in my collection years ago.
Thanks, my friend. Have a great weekend.
As a kid, going into Kmart was kind of magical for me. There was always the smell of popcorn throughout the store and the Icee machine sat right up front. My store here, in my little town, even had a restaurant. And don’t forget the blue light specials going on around the store. Now, our store sets empty and that magic is gone.😢 Thanks for the Vida blue history lesson. Great video my friend.
Hi Shannon! I do remember our Kmart having a restaurant too. Though, I think it closed in the mid 80s. I remember Hills having the popcorn smell because their concession stand was in the front. Yes, the blue light special. One of the most popular insults you could throw at a classmate of the era. Haha. Our Kmart is storage building now. Thanks for sharing your memories, Shannon. I hope all is well with you.
Yet again, I really enjoyed this presentation, Terry. Vida Blue was one great pitcher. I was fortunate to watch him dominate in his early years. I remember that 1971 season. Many thought Vida would win 30 games with that fabulous start. His early career was very similar to what Fernando and Doc Gooden did in their early campaigns. And Vida's smile lit up the TV screen. And Mark Fidrych was a classic. His antics were comical but he could really pitch. So glad you got your '71 Vida. Thanks for a wonderful video! Oh, and I sure miss that smell of fresh popcorn every time I walked into our local Sears store back in the '60's. Those were the days.
Hi Rob,
It makes me happy to know you enjoyed the video. It’s great that you were around to witness Vida at his best. He was quite a talent. I was also happy to learn what a good person he was. I know he ran into some drug issues, but I don't want to allow the mistakes he made during a part of his life to define all of it. People are complicated.
Mark Fidrych is one of my all-time favorite baseball personalities. I am fond of characters; they make life more interesting.
I didn't know that Sears sold popcorn. Thanks for sharing.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
What a year Blue had in 71! That’s my favorite card of his. Great that you have it in your collection now, Terry, and to see it in the spotlight. I really enjoyed all the information about him and of the card that year. It’s crazy to me that he didn’t have a 200 K season. He had the goods to be not only a HOFer but an all timer. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Hugo! I remember you showing a modern version of the 71 Blue in your video on the Black Aces. It is such a great card. Yeah, I was surprised that he never had 200 strikeouts after having 300. I agree the talent was there to be a HOFer but too often careers don't go as planned. He was still one of the best pitchers of his era and his 1971 season was magical. I love having that captured in my collection. Have a great rest of the week, Hugo.
Love this video Terry...."Limited Edition" to me, meant everyone on the planet can own one...well done my friend!!
I think you have the same definition as Topps and Kmart. Haha. I am glad you enjoyed. Have a great weekend Mike!
I always enjoyed window shopping at Kmart! He-Man & Thundercats were my toys of choice! Great shout-out to Videoguy! Fernando Mania! FANTASTIC BIG 3 cards from 1971! Thanks for sharing, Terry!
I never bought Thundercats, but my best friend growing up had them. They were pretty awesome. I really enjoy the relaxing feel of Doug's channel. I hope you and the Mrs. have a great weekend!
I liked collecting Vida , was able to snag a few TTM’s of him before he passed . Always nice to
He seemed like a nice guy. Even articles I read back in the 70s talked about him being good natured. Have a great weekend Adam!
Well-told story. Looking forward to more.
Thank you for watching. I am glad you enjoyed.
Hi Terry! Really great addition with the ‘71 Vida Blue! The image of him just looks like he loves the game. Im glad you were able to add it. As I get older I have more fun adding cards I couldn’t get in my childhood as I do getting hall of famers. I understand exactly what you talk about with cards like this Blue.
My dad was a big Vida Blue fan. I grew up hearing about him. I didn’t realize he never had a 200k season but a 300k season. It’s amazing how close he was associated to Koufax.
Loved seeing it lined up with the Namath and the Orr. It’s fun to see all three lined up and they all have a smile on their face. Thanks for sharing, Terry! Hope you have a great weekend!
Good morning, Andy! Yes, the picture does capture his love of the game. That is one of the things I read about him from magazines of the time is how happy and kind he was. I am glad you can relate to why these types of cards matter to me. I don't remember seeing Blue pitch too often and by then he was past his prime but the Kmart cards resonate for guys my age. There were no card stores where I lived in 1982 and I went to one show at that point, so I hadn't seen some of these Topps issues. I am sure that set opened the door for many of us to collect cards from the 60s and 70s.
The comparison to Koufax was in both of the magazines I read and a few online articles looking back to that season. His curveball was something to behold and his fastball was in the high nineties which was very fast in those days. I haven't found a good explanation as to why he never even had a 200 strikeout season after 1971.
Good point about Namath, Orr and Blue having a smile on their face. It is my favorite card of each of them. I think 1971 was the best year for Topps across all four sports. I love the basketball set too.
You have a great weekend. Hopefully, you have some baseball games with the kids. Take care
Another great one, Terry! I remember so well, laying on my sofa and reading Vida's biography in early 1972 getting ready for the upcoming season. 1971 was so magical, and I would collect, read and watch anything sports related. Vida's was a story of what could have been. Sure he had a border line hof career, but he could have been much more. Even with his final stats, he might have been pushed over the threshold if he had performed better in the playoffs and world series. Throw in the drug trials and that about did it for him. I still have fond memories though.
Thanks Mike! Vida's 71 season was special and an impossible act to follow. Especially, with the holdout in 1972 that had him start the season late. You're right he could have been a HOFer. Thanks for sharing your memories of him. My favorite part of the SABR article was the author's long wait for series 5 to come out. That had to be frustrating.
Great video. Thanks for sharing this story. ❤
Thanks so much. I am glad you enjoyed.
Terry, congrats on picking up your 1971 Vida Blue! Wow! Such a stunning card! And all the more so because it's depiction on a Kmart card captivated you in your youth! 🤯🤯🤯 As always, I love hearing your most excellent thoughts! The colors on your 1971 Joe Namath! What a card! I hope you and your family are doing well! 😊👊
Thanks Adam! I can't believe I never owned one until now. I put my group of 71s together years ago but didn't include him at the time. The funny thing is the Vada might be my favorite card in the set. Either that one or the Munson. So, I am glad to own it now. Those Kmart cards where a gateway for many guys my age into vintage.
Yes, I love that Joe Namath card.
All is well here. I hope everything is good with you too.
Take care, my friend.
Great video, always enjoy listening to your stories and memories. The cards are great also, thanks Terry
Thanks Orlando. It means a lot, my friend.
Great historical perspective n personal! It certainly was a different time back then when our parents didn't have to worry about us as much. In 73 Vida won 20 games. All great cards at the end!
Thanks Mike! Yes, kids had a lot more freedom to roam around back then. Vida was also the only pitcher to start a NL and AL All Star game.
Hey TJ…thanks for sharing another “piece of your collection puzzle”. Vida Blue is one of my buddy’s favorite players and just last week I gave him Vida’s 1982 In Action card which spurred his fond memories of watching Blue while growing up in the Bay Area. Good timing on your video as now I’ve heard two recent recollections of Vida Blue’s talent through card collecting. As you point out often, that communication between friends/family/community is the real benefit of the cardboard.
My pleasure, Todd. Thanks for sharing about your buddy liking Vida Blue. That is nice of you to gift him a 1982 Vida in Action. How funny my video came out around the same time. He was a special player who had an amazing 1971 season. I am glad that Topps had such a striking card to go along with that season.
Yes, cards have much more meaning when it is about friends, family and community.
Have a great weekend!
Another great one. Tbanks for sharing.
Thanks Steve! Have a great Sunday.
I was delighted to go down memory lane with you regarding K-Mart.
I bought my first cards at a K-Mart in Buena Park California in 1990. They were the first card set issued for The Simpsons. Hahha
I liked the store and indeed my mom felt safe to let me explore the toy isle for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and even gel out in the car on a cool summer morning while she bought things for the dining room or mantle. Happy times.
I really appreciate your feeling compelled to share a nice amount of the career of Vida Blue. I have always been interested in him. The season of 300 strikeouts never to be accompanied by a 200 strikeout season is remarkable
Wow! That's a real lesson in negotiating that Mr Blue's asking price was declined. It goes to show you that alot of times we just cannot rise to our full potential without good leadership.
I've always been uneasy around authority figures and they play a very dynamic role in stories youve shared.
Sonny Jurgenson and Otto Graham come to mind. Why cant those in charge trust our judgment to do our best work?
Well I never partied like Mr Jurgenson, but maybe its just the dynamic of those in charge versus those of us in charge of our own destiny or in Sonny's case, his own curfew.
Hahah have a terrific Sunday This video was another Gem!
You do more for the imagination with straightforward honest, earnest speech and respect for your content than any amount of flashy editing or production.
Not a peace sign but a two seamed fastball grip and a 100th year of baseball patch. Little touches like that make this channel great.
Hi Avian! The days when kids had more independence. The world was probably not safer then, but we also didn't live an age where we had access at our fingertips to all that is bad in the world. I am a parent now and wouldn't let my kids venture to the toy aisle on their own either. I am glad you have fond memories of looking at TMNT figures and waiting outside. I am sure you had the radio on with the hits of the day.
I knew Vida had a stellar 71 season but it was enlightening to read about how his popularity transcended baseball into the larger popular culture. Vida was right up there with Archie Bunker, Scooby Doo, Mary Tyler Moore and Dirty Harry.
That is an interesting question about why some authority figures tend to be more controlling which can inhibit those they lead from reaching their full potential. I think some leaders lack the emotional intelligence to try and understand what motives their people. Many had a my way or highway attitude and were trying to force the player into their system. I appreciate the candor about your struggle with authority figures.
Thank you for the complimentary words of my approach to videos. Yeah, my style is not high on editing and production style. I do want my cards to show well but most of my time is spent preparing what I want to talk about.
Have a great rest of the week!
Hello Terry, as always i enjoyed to look at the cards, and listen to the stories (specialy the Vida Blue story) and listen about nostalgia moments. This 1971 Topps Vida Blue is a great add to your collection. I have the same feeling about any card from the 91-92 NBA Upper Deck set. Thanks Terry for sharing and have a great week-end.
Hi Fabien, cards are a great way to collect the memories. 91-92 was a great time to be a fan of the NBA. I am glad you enjoyed the video. You have a great weekend too.
1971 I was just walking, so don’t remember this year, but I know about Vida Blue. I was always fascinated by his name. By the time I was collecting cards, he was a good but not great pitcher. As always excellent stuff Terry and congratulations on landing that 71 Topps Vida Blue.
In 1971, I wasn't even a thought yet. My brother was born that year. Like you, I remember him as a pretty good pitcher. It was interesting to read the SABR Blog and to look at those older magazines to see just how big of a deal he was.
Thanks Ken!
I’m more of a Walmart generation but loved the KMARt box sets. Every time I see a vida card I assume he is in the HOF. Great story telling once again
Thanks Zach! I didn’t see a Walmart in my area until 1992. I worked at Sam’s Club for 7 years while I was going to college and then a couple years after until I started my career. It was a good place to work.
Love this one Terry! Vida Blue was a beast in 1971 and that is one card I definitely need to add to my collection! In Southen California when was growing up there was a chain called Gemco that was similar to Kmart and I remember wondering the toy aisles while my mom shopped.
Love the cards in this video, the 65 Mays and of course the 69 Killebrew. The three 71s at the end, Blue, Namath and Orr are classic. The 71 Orr is one of my all-time favorite cards!
Have a great weekend !
Hi Steve! I am glad you enjoyed the video. I should've added that Vida card years ago being it is a special one. I just never got around to it. That card is definitely a good fit for your collection.
I couldn't wait to pair the Orr, Namath and Blue together. If I still had my 71 Lew Alcindor. I would've added him to as he was picked as the most popular basketball player in that issue. Yeah, the 71 Orr is my all time favorite hockey card. I love the set too.
You have a great weekend too.
Thx for sharing those cards. Those are about 10-15 years after my collecting career.
My pleasure. I appreciate you watching.
Absolutely love the 71’ Vida Blue it’s one of my favorite cards that I own as well. Being a uniform guy I didn’t even notice the mlb patch right below the logo because of the sleeveless shirts. That’s also I beautiful copy of the Broadway Joe you have. Enjoyed learning more about Vida Blue. Hope you have a good weekend Terry!
Thanks Mike. That's awesome you own the same card. He was on top of the baseball world, and I am glad Topps put out such a beautiful card of him that year. The MLB patch is a giveaway that the photo is from 1969. You will start seeing it in the later series of 1969 Topps which tells you those photos were taken in spring training or earlier in the season.
You have a great weekend too. Hopefully, you have a baseball game to coach.
Ha! I think I have a half dozen of those KMart sets! It was fun looking through those when they came out and seeing some of those vintage cards for the first time! Love the 71 Topps Vida Blue! Such a great looking card and he was a beast on the mound in the early to mid 70s! His 71 season was epic too, he won both the Cy Young and MVP awards which is a tough feat for a pitcher! Good stuff as always my friend!
Hi Jim! Stop hoarding all those Kmart sets! Haha. They were fun to look through as a young collector. There was no internet to see what older cards looked like, so these sets served a good purpose for beginning collectors. The 71 set has two of the most iconic cards of the 70s with the Blue and Munson. Like many, it is one of my favorite sets. Yeah, one of the magazines I read was critical of Blue winning the MVP over a position player.
Have a great weekend!
Great breakdown on Vida Blue there Terry! I’m on the hunt for the 1971 Topps Bobby Orr! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks CK! Good luck with your hunt for the hour. 71 Topps/OPC is my favorite hockey set.
Amazing video, sir! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks David! Much appreciated.
It is so hard to believe that K-Mart and Sears are gone for the most part. I couldn't wait for the Sears Christmas catalog to come out. My brother and I would bury our heads picking out our list to send to Santa. I remember ALCO, Gibson's, and Temple as other similar stores as K-Mart. Always loved the Vida Blue card. I watched an interview once where he said that was not his signature on the 1971 card. These are the unis that helped me become an A's fan. I was planning to talk about that in an upcoming video. Enjoyed listening to you talk about him.
Hi Drew! It is a shame that a company like Sears that was around since the 1800s went out of business but as Billy Beane said in Money Ball, "Adapt or die." Yes, the Wish Book is filled with good memories. I used to love all the NFL team apparel and other items like garbage cans, lamps, curtains etc.
I didn't know that about his signature. Interesting. I look forward to your video on him.
Thanks!
@@tjmacvintagecardsnostalgia648 Each year, I would get new pajamas with the Vikings on it. lol Love the catalog.
Man, I spent a lot of time in my local Kmart growing up outside of Chicago. There was even a Kmart about 2 miles from where I was stationed in San Diego in the navy in the mid 80's. Always love your trips down memory lane! I'll be revealing my massive sports mag collection soon and I plan on modeling my channel after your's by telling the back stories. Magazines are much more than who's on the cover.
Kmart was the place to shop in many communities. A lot of us in our 40s and up have shared experiences of blue light specials, trips to the toy aisle and the smell of the fertilizer in their lawn and garden department.
I look forward to seeing your collection when you're ready to show it. Yes, magazines give you greater insight into the events, players and time in which they played.
Thanks, my friend.
Great way to start my morning…another Terry video, KMART, and Vida Blue.
Thanks Mitchell! I appreciate it.
Awesome as always my friend 🎉
Thank you! Have a great weekend!
Oh man really pulling on the heart strings in this one ❤❤. Funny your generation loved the kmart mvp card on cards and my generation loved the turn back the clock mvp card on card !!! I have that 71’ Vida Blue autographed to go along with my MVP run. Looks like we are collecting the exact same cards but using different cards as are reference 😂😂😂 love it. I also have a few boxes of those kmart cards because ofcourse i needed them😊. Absolutely glorious video well done my friend 🤗👊🤙🤙
Thanks Dylan! As you know, part of my content is preserving my memories of growing up and collecting. I am glad to hear it resonates with you.
For many of us, those Kmart cards were the first glimpse at some of these Topps sets. There were very few card shows around and no card stores. I believe I went to only one show up to point and I was very young. I figured you would have at least one of those Kmart set know what a fan of card on cards you are. Haha!
That is awesome you have the Vida card autographed. Great choice. He had nice looking and easy to read signature on the 71. I put that card right up there with the Munson as the most iconic in the set. I attribute that to those Kmart sets that so many from age group saw.
Have a great weekend my friend!
Gave a video like - Another great video, Terry. All three are terrific cards.
Thanks Brian! I am thrilled with the Vida addition.
Great video. Kmart and Woolworths was always my favorite stores when I was a kid. I remember watching Vida Blue pitch when I was a kid. I thought he was a good pitcher. It slways seemed to me he was in every pack I opened sometimes twice that and thr dreaded checklist. Now that I'm getting old I think they're both cool. Cheers.
I appreciate the comment. That's great you were able to see Blue pitch some as a kid. I remember him with the Giants and with the Royals but did not see many of their games where I lived. I probably saw him most on This Week in Baseball.
Funny how some of the things that annoyed us kids are now appreciated as adults. As we age, our perspective changes as we become more reflective.
I hope you have an enjoyable Sunday.
Terry
Both Sears and K-Marr bring back memories. My Mom worked for Sears and she took me with her to work while I was in Christmas break in 1980 and that’s when I discovered cards at the GC Murphy. Sad that they are not almost extinct. I still think the 1971 Vida Blue is the coolest card in the set.
Thanks Chris! I can't disagree with you about Vida being the coolest. The Blue, Aaron and Garvey are the three I remember most from my early collecting days. Of course, Munson is an iconic card, but I don't recall seeing it back then. It is sad to see two retail giants virtually extinct.
I believe you had shared in a previous video, wanting that 71 Blue. At least that is what I remember. So glad you were able to add it now. I love the story about Kmart and shopping with your mom. Your introduction to vintage cards. I was fresh out of college that year and cards were only going to come back in the picture for me in 1987. I did buy a set for my collection. I'm glad to have collected earlier on from 70-74. I do remember his cards those years. Thanks for sharing his accomplishments, for sharing your cards and the ride down memory lane.
Hi Dan! I may have shared that I wanted the Blue. It has been on my list for the past couple of years. It was very expensive for a while. Fortunately, the price has come down some making it a good time to acquire it for my collection
I imagine the Kmart cards were a gateway into vintage for a lot of collectors my age. 70-74 was a good time to be collecting. Though, I found it interesting in the SABR article about how frustrating it was to wait for certain players to come out in the later Topps series.
I always appreciate hearing your thoughts.
Such a similar story to my own surrounding that Kmart set. Including Vida giving the peace sign!! ✌️ 😂
I think those Kmart cards got a lot of guys our age into vintage. That's funny you thought it was a peace sign too. Thanks Eric!
Another great video Terri! I don’t know much about Vita blue other than he threw fast and was a winner for those A’s teams in the 1970s. I know I don’t have many of his cards but he’s just a player I don’t know much about, but I really like this video in your stories about yourconnection to this 1971 tops. I also love box sets not just the Kmart but all box set! I have the 1986 or 1987 Kmart and some of the set that you show here. Great job as always Terry. Thanks for sharing
Thanks Jason! That Kmart set was a gateway for so many guys my age into vintage. It was a fun set and at the time you couldn’t easily see what each year looked like. I enjoyed most learning about how his 71 season transcended the game and entered the popular culture. My kind of card. I know you like those boxed sets. They’re pretty cool. Thanks, my friend.
@@tjmacvintagecardsnostalgia648 So cool Terry!
Got my first baseball card out of a card vending machine in the entrance, at the nearest Kmart when I was 6 in 1986. Think it was like a quarter, or something like that for 1 card.
I put the coin(s) in, and pressed the mechanism thingamabob (modern vending machine computerized buttons will never have the same feel...younger generations don't know what they're missing! ) hoping for a Pete Rose! And got some unknown common, lol. But I was hooked!
Ironically, as a kid I never was interested so much in those Kmart branded special editions, I only wanted the "real" cards like Topps, Fleer, and Donruss. (Even though these technically WERE Topps!)
Decades later as an adult, I started buying them for the nostalgia, and how cool those cards actually are. Wish I could go back in time and tell my jaded little kid self to buy tons of those Kmart cards on the frequent family trips! 😅
Thanks for sharing your Kmart memories. I remember the card vending machines but never bought one. I didn’t buy too many boxed sets. Like you, I preferred the regular issues and loved to open packs. The days when you were looking for your favorite players.
Have a great week.
Nice cards I remember Vida Blue. Those were some great A's teams early 70's. Too bad Finley broke them up.
Thanks Jim! Yeah, Finley was pretty cheap. The A's did have a good thing.
Nice video….Collected ‘71 baseball and ‘71 hockey….’72 was our first football season…I like the idea of the series…but certainly a fun era for me and my grade school buddies…
Hi Kevin, '71 was a great year for card design in all four of the major sports. Thank you for watching and taking a moment to comment. Have a great week. Terry
TJ as always brother you did a great job I grew up in Sacramento not far from Oakland and was a huge Vida Fan he was must see or hear as I would listen on the radio every time he started ….was just a joy to watch him pitch ….keep up the good work buddy love your channel
Thanks Adam! What a wonderful experience you had being able to watch and listen to the A's games where Vida pitched. I enjoyed learning more about the impact he had not only on the game, but the country in 71. It's not easy to make the cover of Time magazine as an athlete. Even though I never saw him in his prime, the Kmart set made me aware of him and the image on his 71 has always stayed with me. Now I am nearly 50 years old and I am drawn back to that time. I appreciate the comment and you sharing your memories of Vida.
Have a nice weekend.
Super video Terry. I enjoyed that tribute to Vida Blue. I only got to see him at the end of his career so I sadly missed the glory years for him. My dad always liked him and said he was so happy when Charlie Finley sold him to the Yankees but Commissioner Kuhn voided the deal. So somehow I became a Vida collector. That 71 card is super looking. I don't know if Vida Blue ever really had a bad card. Thanks for sharing.
Great story about your dad being happy when Vida became a Yankee. Imagine if they were able to keep him. The start of free agency was crazy times in baseball. Especially, for a cheapskate like Finley who knew he wouldn’t pay his players.
Like you, I only remember Vida’s days with the Giants and Royals.
Thanks Ed!
*Some Neat Cards, Find Videos of Nintendo, ZELDA Games, NFL, 5 of My Card Collection and more by Jim NFL 7!*
Cool cards of Reggie Jackson and Vida Blue!
Thanks!
K Mart is actually a specialty store like Caldors and Bradles a department store would be like Sterns , B Altmans , Sears , Lord & Taylor I know
K mart IS NOT a department store a specialty store!!!
nice 1971 Vida Blue both Topps and K Mart , nice 1973 of Mr. October and 1976 of Munson , sweet 1977 Mark Fiyyrch , nice 1981 Fernando
1984 Dwight Gooden nice cards.
I did see Vida Blue pitch alot not every game but alot!!! sweet 1972 , sweet 1974,
Vida Blue is not is the high number set. the high number set which came out in August is from 644 to 752 his card number is 544!!
nice 1980 and nice 1972 sports illustrated ,
do you have his rookie 1970 card 21 with Gene Tenace?
back in the 80's and 90's did you have Caldors and Bradles in Niagra Falls?
Hi Mark! There was no Caldors or Bradles in Niagara Falls that I recall.
I do not have his 1970 Topps rookie card. I went for the 71 instead as it has more meaning to me and it was his signature season. Maybe, I will get it the 1970 someday.
That's great you got to see Blue pitch a lot. When I was a kid, there were not many games with him on TV where I lived.
You're right that Blue is not a high number. I don't believe I stated that in my video. Based on the information from Mark Armour who wrote for SABR and collected the set. that series came out in July, maybe August which is what I stated in my video. He didn't state when the high numbers came out, but of course, it would have been after that.
Thanks Mark!
@@tjmacvintagecardsnostalgia648
If that guy Mark is correct I don't understand why that set came out in August I thought only high number serise came out later in the year. this i'm confused.
I have Vid'a card from 1979 got it as a kid.
we had both Caldors and Bradles in lower state New York and in Ramsey New Jersey.
Walmart is where Caldors use to be and Kohls is where Bradles use to be..
Gotta love the fake pitching the photographers asked the players to do back in the day
Haha Yes
Hi Terry. The three players you feature at the end (Orr, Blue and Namath) were the BEST (along with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) in 1971 not only from a performance POV but also just in popular culture. These guys were IT and I still hold them all in the highest regard.
Vida Blue didn't become a HOF player, but his numbers were solid. Maybe if he doesn't hold out in 1972 or maybe a trade to the Yankees after the A's dynasty crumbled, his career victories would be closer to 300. Regarding the cards, man the Orr and Namath RC's are both ICONIC cards. Definitely great cards. The 71 cards from all three of these players are great. I love them. I liked as a six year old that Vida Blue printed his name as his autograph. I could read this better than a signature. I never realized Vida's hand was the grip for his fastball. Fascinating!
We had K-mart growing up, but we were more of a Sears family. hahaha. I think I had checked out of the by 1982 so these are neat to see.
Fidrych, Fernando and Doc had amazing rookie years and we're talked about in pop culture just like Vida Blue, that's a great analogy using those guys.
Thanks for sharing, Terry!
Hi Rick! Yes, Kareem was the choice in the magazine as the best in basketball at the time. Not that you couldn't figure that out. You're right he was nearly as big as a pop culture figure as a basketball player. Especially, as the years went on.
You're right that Vida could've had better overall numbers had he not held out or gone to the Yankees. It goes to show you that there is sometimes a fine line between a HOF career and one that is on the borderline. I would like to know why his strikeout numbers dropped so much after 71. I am not aware of any injuries. I do believe he became more of a finesse pitcher.
Yeah, I couldn't wait to group Vida with Joe and Bobby. They look fantastic together.
I would go clothes shopping at Sears when I was in the later grades in elementary school. Got my first pair of corduroys there.
Thanks Rick!