“The 1970 season saw Bob Gibson’s 274 strikeouts (in only 294 IP) eclipse his own record that he set in 1965, when he sat down 270 batters.  Known as the best pitcher in Cardinals history, Gibson also won his second Cy Young award that year, the first season in which they played on AstroTurf at Busch Stadium.”

2003 Topps Series 1:

1. #163 Carl Everett
2. #132 Brian Daubach
3. #99 Jose Rijo
4. #16 Kerry Wood
5. Record Breakers #RB-BG Bob Gibson
6. #364 Derek Lowe (All-Star)
7. #248 Shawn Chacon
8. #228 Juan Cruz
9. #126 Juan Uribe
10. #253 Mark Grudzielanek

“Since his rookie season in 1991, Rodriguez has been a model of consistency behind the mask and in the batter’s box.  During his 12-year career with the Texas Rangers, “Pudge” has always been a fan favorite in Arlington for his clutch hits and stout defense.  The 1999 American League MVP (35-113-.332) shows power to all ends of the field, and his shotgun for an arm can be counted on to throw out roughly half of would-be base stealers.”

2003 Topps Series 1:

1. #84 Rafael Furcal
2. #23 Roberto Hernandez
3. #134 Aaron Rowand
4. #68 Matt Morris
5. Hobby Masters #HM14 Ivan Rodriguez
6. #367 Mike Scioscia (Sporting News All-Stars) (Manager)
7. #259 Adrian Beltre
8. #100 Ichiro
9. #162 Greg Vaughn
10. #261 Kazuhiro Sasaki

“Mike was a rare American find out of the non-drafted roles to play his way into prospect status.  After completing his college career at Texas A&M, he was signed by the Brewers, for whom he has pitched brilliantly in relief, striking out well over a batter per inning in his Minor League career to date.  Over the course of 2002, Adams was promoted twice.  He began ’03 as the closer for Huntsville (AA).”

2003 Topps Traded and Rookies:

1. #T30 Robert Person
2. #T35 Mike Venafro
3. #T51 Lenny Harris
4. #T46 Byung-hyun Kim
5. #T85 Shannon Stewart
6. #T42 Steve Avery
7. #T93 Steve Parris
8. Gold #T264 Mike Adams (Serial#0130/2003) (First Year)
9. Chrome Traded #T75 Troy O’Leary
10. Chrome Traded #T218 Nathan Panther (First Year)

2003 Topps Series 2:

1. #481 Rick Reed
2. #666 Jeff Francis (Draft Pick)
3. #445 Rodrigo Lopez
4. #476 Jay Payton
5. #712 Scott Rolen (Sporting News All-Stars)
6. Red Backs #LW Larry Walker
7. #596 John Lackey
8. #438 Mike Maroth
9. #475 Einar Diaz
10. #502 Jose Hernandez

“Drew, the third U. of South Carolina shortstop taken in the first round in the last five June Drafts, hopes to follow Adam Everett and Brian Roberts to the Majors.  Known to his teammates as “The Franchise,” he set a Gamecocks record with 111 hits in 2002, while leading his team to the final game of the College World Series.  The First Team All-SEC selection was the 10th overall pick of the draft.”

He made 15 plate appearances for the Texas Rangers in 2006, and has played AA or AAA baseball ever since.  He is currently in the Los Angeles Angels’ organization.

2003 Topps Series 2:

1. #450 Pedro Martinez
2. #629 Juan Encarnacion
3. #489 Scott Rolen
4. #667 Drew Meyer (Draft Pick)
5. #570 Jake Peavy
6. #703 Barry Zito (Cy Young Award)
7. #482 Pedro Astacio
8. #642 Houston Astros (Team Card)
9. #651 Philadelphia Phillies (Team Card)
10. #632 Atlanta Braves (Team Card)

2003 Topps Series 1:

“In Cliff, the Indians feel they landed a future mid-rotation starter in the Bartolo Colon trade with the Expos in July 2002.  For two Double-A teams in ’02, Lee posted Randy Johnson-style numbers:  10.7 strikeouts and 6.3 hits allowed per nine innings.  He also pitched effectively in eight starts with Buffalo (3.77 ERA).  Cliff mixes four excellent pitches:  fastball, slider, change-up and curve.”

1. #304 Cliff Lee (First Year)
2. #273 Jeff Torborg (Manager)
3. #318 Derell McCall (First Year)
4. #277 Jerry Royster (Manager)
5. #296 Il Kim (First Year)
6. #340 Alex Rodriguez/Magglio Ordonez/Miguel Tejada (League Leaders)
7. #13 Andruw Jones
8. #137 Cesar Izturis
9. #208 Paul Lo Duca
10. #240 Rey Ordonez

“Nook’s speed has made him a feared weapon through his Minor League career.  The shortstop-turned-centerfielder finished second in the Midwest League (A) with 67 steals in 2001, then was the ’02 Florida State League (A) leader in that category.  A former Yankees draftee who declined their offer and attended junior college, he has been taught to switch-hit in an effort to make him a lead-off hitter.”

Once regarded as the fastest player in baseball, injuries and the fact that he was named in the Mitchell Report prevented him from signing with any Major League club in 2008.  He played independent professional baseball in 2008 and 2010.  No news on his plans for 2011.

2003 Topps Traded and Rookies:

1. #T130 Jeff Mathis (Prospect)
2. #T163 Mike Fontenot (Prospect)
3. #T125 Chin-Feng Chen (Prospect)
4. #T157 Jason Lane (Prospect)
5. #T141 Walter Young (Prospect)
6. #T128 Alex Herrera (Prospect)
7. #T153 John Buck (Prospect)
8. #T160 Jason Arnold (Prospect)
9. Chrome Traded #T87 Ugueth Urbina
10. Chrome Traded #T201 Nook Logan (First Year) (Rookie)

“With his easy, swift swing, Andy swats shots to all fields — and often out of the yard.  Just 18, he ranked among the top sluggers in the Sally League (A) in 2002.  He led the circuit in RBI, finished second in homers and placed fourth in doubles and slugging percentage.  He even won the pre-game homer-hitting contest at the league All-Star Game.  Marte also shows cat-like reflexes at third base.”

Now with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, Andy Marte is one of those players who has excelled at the AAA level, but has difficulty adjusting to the Major League level of play.  However, if his .345 Spring Training batting average is any indication, 2011 could be Marte’s breakout season.

2003 Topps Series 1:

1. #247 Ellis Burks
2. #74 Brad Fullmer
3. #272 Bob Brenly (Manager)
4. #300 Andy Marte (First Year) (Rookie)
5. Blue Backs #EC Eric Chavez
6. #343 Larry Walker/Vladimir Guerrero/Todd Helton (League Leaders)
7. #178 Juan Pierre
8. #217 Tim Wakefield
9. #141 Ramon Santiago (Topps All-Star Rookie)
10. #181 Aramis Ramirez