1968 Topps - Willie Stargell

Willie Stargell is a a player I always wanted a card of. I can't say why really. I never saw him play. I don't know much about him. But I liked his name (Willie is good name). And he is one of only a few players that look like they belong in a Pirates uniform. So when I won this from the bid board at the card shop I was pretty excited.

I posted about the 1968 Topps cards earlier, admiring their forgiving border design and bright photography. Here in the Stargell example you can see the dreaded Topps pink, which looks particularly terrible with the red last name. Another knock against the '68 Topps is the silliness of trying to fit the position and team name in the circle. Still, I enjoy this card.

Willie Stargell, admired for his name and his intimidating physique as he was, is also admirable for his feats on the field. The HOFer was probably the most prominent power hitter of the '70s.

Here is his 1974 Topps card.

Here he is with another Pittsburgh hero.