Upper Deck Collector's Choice: Paying Homage

Disclaimer: These images were taken from the interwebs.

As I recall, these cards were pretty cheap back in the day. I have many of them, so they must have been.  One thing I noticed as I was going through was the hilarity of the photography that the powers-that-be chose to use on these cards. 

The props, the people, the camera angles, the scenarios...all deserve to be paid homage to.

Jay Buhner and son.  Nothing says fatherly love like making your toddler put a baseball bat full of dirt and pine tar in his mouth to pose for a baseball card photograph. The "V.J. Lovero Showcase," to be exact. Look at the kid's eyes. He seems to be thinking, "I didn't sign up for this."  I'm sure it was tasty.

I like this card because it captures the era so well.  Check out that awesome cell phone that must weigh 5 pounds! This has the "Cal is one of us" feel to it.

Photographer: Ok Rick, look tough and mean. 
Rick: I've got the best pose for that. 
Photographer: Perfect!
Rick: Yeah but now I have splinters in my mouth.

"I'll flex my huge "natural" muscles by lifting this 7 1/2 pound dumbbell with the Rangers logo on it." If only we knew then what we know now.  This card speaks volumes! 

Proof that Jack Armstrong was assigned to the team sunflower seed bucket has forever been cemented on this gem.

I love this card. Yes, the woman posing with Griffey is one thing, but look at the death grip she has on his wrist! Does anyone know who she is? Some kind of homerun contest winner?

How can we remind everyone that Michael Jordan is first and foremost a basketball player? Right, put up a picture of him taking a "shot" in a baseball uniform. 

Michael Jordan is such a great athlete that it takes more than one photographer to capture him for his baseball card, as is shown here.  Are those Air Jordan cleats?

Just a little bit of fun for a Monday after a holiday.  I've got more of these cards to highlight in later posts.