In 1976 Mr. Collins became the first batter in Seattle Mariners history.  He scored the first run in Mariners history, also.

Lots of great info on Mr. Wilson from Wikipedia:

Wilson was best known for his tremendous throwing arm, and led all National League outfielders for assists in 1985 and 1986, throwing out 18 and 20 base-runners from right field, respectively. In 1987, Wilson twice threw out base runners who attempted to reach first base after apparent singles into right field.

Wilson’s nickname was Glennbo, a reference to Rambo. Wilson also appeared in a Phillies promotional ad dressed as Rambo.

This is also the first card that I can recall featuring a glasses strap.

After Monday’s post questioned Mr. Sabo’s place in baseball eye-wear history, I wanted to remind everyone of why most people associate him with Rec-Specs in the first place.  Whether or not he pioneered their use in MLB, he wore them well, and wove the Rec-Specs name into the consciousness of 7-13 year old baseball card collectors.  And he was featured in this amazing “Diamond Kings” card.

Mr. Jones hit seven home runs in 527 career games.  He was the first base coach for the 2004 Red Sox.

Borat mixed with Fred Armisen anyone?  Anyone?

Another “repeat nerd,” Mr. Garrelts has become eligible for the lifetime achievement award.  You can check out his first appearance here.

Mr. Garrelts had several good-to-great seasons for the Giants, including 1989, in which he led the National League in ERA.

I like how the glare on his glasses makes his eyes look as if he’s “powering-up” Teen Wolf style.

Not to be confused with Don Robinson. Mr. Robinson was given the nickname “The True Creature” by Pete Rose (who was the Reds’ manager).  He also came within one strike of throwing a perfect game on May 2, 1988.  Montreal’s Wallace Johnson broke it up with a single.

Mr. Ladd had a short career as a relief pitcher with the Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners, and Milwaukee Brewers. He had one memorable season – 1983, when he posted a 2.55 ERA (148 ERA+), 0.932 WHIP, and 25 saves in 44 appearances, taking over the closer role for the injured Rollie Fingers.

I like how the Mariners logo on the card is positioned directly over where the logo is on Mr. Ladd’s jersey.

Sticking with 1984 Donruss, here’s Jerry Hairston (Sr.), father of current major leaguers Jerry Hairston, Jr. and Scott Hairston, both of the San Diego Padres. Hairston’s brother, John Hairston, played in 3 games for the Chicago Cubs in 1969, and Hairston’s father, Sam Hairston, got into four games as a 31 year old rookie for the Chicago White Sox in 1951. Sam Hairston’s career batting line (7 plate appearances): .400/.571./.600 (220 OPS+).

Do the Hairstons hold the title for most family members to play in the major leagues? The Alou family was much more accomplished, but there were only 4 of them. Ditto for the Boone family.

Another one from 1984 Donruss, Mr. McLaughlin was a fairly effective relief pitcher whose best season was 1981, when he posted 10 saves and a 140 ERA+ for Toronto.

I like this card for two reasons:

1. It’s the first card to be featured on Nerd Baseball from the 1984 Donruss set, which is my all-time favorite modern baseball card set (I’m currently working on assembling a high grade ’84 Donruss set); and
2. The card is really nerdy.

Also, my apologies for the lapse in posting; expect new nerd cards twice weekly in the coming months. I hope everyone is enjoying the first week of the baseball season.