You may have seen a few of these posting up on Twitter and other blogs, but I'm going to go ahead and share just in case you haven't.
I checked my mailbox earlier today and found a Christmas card from Topps.
Included with the Christmas card was an actual card. More specifically, a Topps NOW highlight card:
Naturally, the card would feature the Cubs, the Yankees....
...and the Red Sox. Nice to see a nod to Ichiro included, also.
Now don't get me wrong, Kris Bryant represents just about everything that brought the Cubs their first title in more than 100 years. And I understand acknowledging Big Papi, as this was his last season. And Ichiro is, well, inhuman......
I don't hate Gary Sanchez, I really don't. What he did this year was incredible. But aligning that with the other three moments featured on the card isn't quite right. To me, the other moments represent a culmination of events: careers for Ichiro and Ortiz and an entire century (and more) of waiting for the Cubs.
So, you ask, what would have been more appropriate for the card?
Well, including this guy would have been my first choice:
Of all of the people retiring, I'm not sure many represent a true history of the game in the way that Mr. Vin Scully does. The man has made some of the most iconic calls in the sport's history. Scully represents the final tie to times of old. With him gone, the sport has lost it's history's keeper, essentially.
I didn't sit down to criticize Topps for their card design; the thoughts came to me as I was typing. In reality, I think it is a very kind gesture by the company to send out these cards to everyone who purchased a Topps NOW card. We often spend a good bit of time complaining about Topps, but on occasion, they get something right. This is one of those times.
Thanks Topps!
