I first saw reference to the
Just Commons site back in March on the
Wallach blog. I've ordered a couple of times, working on player collections (Tony Gwynn, Nolan Ryan, Lou Whitaker, Bobby Grich, Brian Downing, Kole Calhoun, and of course Rod Carew), set needs (1979 Topps, last 3 cards for 1982 Fleer, 1978 Topps).
I just received my fourth order. This time I just wanted some vintage Angels cards. I trolled the lower end of the price ranges and got some
1967:
I know the design is simple, but I like it. Probably because its simple. Although, green nameplate for the Angels?
1968:
I've read alot of opinions about the burlap border, but again, I like it. Except that not all the borders are the same. Mincher's burlap is much bigger than everyone else's tightnit pattern.
1969:
Again, simple. I like simple. For a long time, my 1969 Topps Rod Carew was the oldest card in my collection as a kid. Maybe its just nostalgia for me...
1970:
Another set that I don't think gets the love it deserves. Maybe the grey border is uninspired, but its clean. And the backs are actually rather attractive. I like the blue/yellow combination they used.
Speaking of backs of cards, you can learn alot on the backs of cards. I don't know about anybody else, but I usually flip a card almost immediately when I get one. I like looking at the stats, reading the commentary, seeing the minor league cities if they're listed. And this batch of cards reveals some good information.
For instance, I solved the mystery of Tom Egan's hat:
It seems that the Angels couldn't find him a hat with a logo in 1967, and they still couldn't afford one in 1969. Well, now I know why:
Look at all the "huge bonus"es the Angels were handing out in the 60's. Forget hats, we'll throw money at amateur players.
I also learned why the Angels weren't winning on the field:
Too busy perfecting their skills in the pool halls.
But they were good in high school:
I guess that's why they were throwing around all those bonuses....
We can also learn how one player "led the club in batting", while his teammate "paced the Angels with a .276 mark"
Nice Topps. Confusing kids.
Here we learn how a major league career ends:
When the only thing a bio writer has to say about your career is that you were assigned to the minor leagues...not good. This card serves as a sunset card though.
Here we can learn about ballplaying relatives:
I knew about Spencer's grandfather. McGlothlin's brother is new to me though. Good stuff
A little cross-promotion:
Brunet is the answer to the trivia question on Rojas' card, and Rojas is the answer on Brunet's card. I'm probably the only one who finds that interesting.
I think we collectors spend alot of time admiring the fronts of cards, or critiquing card designs and photos. But see how much fun is on the backs of cards?
