Pack Break: 2009 Topps Series 2
Written by Steve on July 5th, 2009Another really nice 2009 Topps Series 2 pack. I did get short-changed by a card again though. This better not happen on all of the packs in the box, or I’ll have to complain to Topps.
#586 Nelson Cruz
2009 has featured more imaginative photography from Topps. Here’s Nelson Cruz eating dirt. Is he safe?
#626 Scott Hairston
Career Best Legends #LGCB-WJ Walter Johnson
Walter “The Big Train” Johnson was, according to my analysis, the most dominant pitcher in the history of baseball. He finished his 21-year career in 1927 with a 417-279 record, 2.17 ERA, 3,508 Strikeouts, and an all-time record 110 Shutouts.
Six of the “Career Best” stats on the back of the card came from his 1913 season where he pitched 11 Shutouts, compiled a 1.14 ERA, went 36-7, averaged only one walk per 9 innings, had a 0.78 WHIP, and had a SO/BB ratio of 6.39. He led the league in all of these stats in 1913, resulting in his first of two AL MVP awards.
Legends of the Game #LG-GM Greg Maddux
Legends of the Game inserts return in Series 2, but this time it features living legends and an arcane card lettering system instead of a logical and easy-to-understand numbering system.
“Greg Maddux went into 1993 having compiled a fine composite ERA of 3.24 in his previous four seasons, but no league leaderships. From that point, however, he dominated the category. His 2.36 mark started a run of three NL titles, two runner-up finishes and then a fourth crown. In those six campaigns, Maddux’s ERA of 2.15 was a yawning 0.80 lower than any other pitcher’s.”
Topps Town #TTT34 Dustin Pedroia
Blue? I guess that’s a refreshing change.
“Already the owner of an AL MVP Award, Dustin added some fresh hardware during Spring Trianing in 2009: The Golden Paddle, a ping-pong trophy he earned by winning a televised match against teammate Jed Lowrie.”
#604 Gregg Zaun
#442 Cliff Pennington
#533 Darin Erstad
#560 Adrian Beltre