Random Card of the Day

Speaking of the 1984 Donruss Mattingly RC, I finally picked one up a couple weeks back for the price I wanted to pay all along. Only took 30 years. (I had one in my set, but not one for the Mattingly collection.)

Not a Yankees fan and like most people I actually love to see them lose but there is no question that Mattingly should be in the Hall of Fame. Growing up in the late 80's and early 90's, he was above and beyond one of the best hitters and fielders in the game. Next to Tony Gwynn, Mattingly was right there as a pure hitter. He was a great all-around player that could hit for a high average, good power, almost never struckout and was the best fielding first baseman in his era. Not having him in the Hall of Fame is a shame and a "black eye" for the voting committee.

 As a lifetime Yankee fan who thinks Mattingly was a great player, due to his shortened career, I dont think he should be in the HOF.    I just wish he had 4-5 more healthy years.   Kiner got in with only 10 years, so if Mattingly got in, would I object?  Of course not.      Though Kiner did lead the NL his first seven seasons in the majors. Not too shabby and definitely hall worth.

I bought an 84 Donruss Mattingly RC as well. If I had this thing graded, I bet it would be at LEAST a 9. I love looking at it sometimes.....just to see how great it's condition is. I can't part with it though.....

Mattingly had iconic cards, and growing up watching him play, he is also my favorite player.  He would have been a hall of fame lock if not for his back injuries.  His '84 Donruss and Topps rookie cards are iconic for the 80's, right up there with Rickey Henderson, Ripken Jr., and Griffey Jr.  I would include the '85 McGwire to round out the top 5 of the 80's, but given the steroid scandal, here's my top 5.....

1 - 1980 Topps Rickey Henderson

2 - 1984 Donruss Don Mattingly

3 - 1989 Upperdeck Ken Griffey Jr.

4 - 1982 Topps Traded Cal Ripken Jr.

5 - 1984 Fleer Update Kirby Puckett