Another 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