It's from Upper Deck's 2009 SP Legendary Cuts set and it features the two best Cubs third baseman in my lifetime. And both swatches have a blue pinstripe on them. I really like this card!
Ron Santo was the Cubs third baseman from 1960 - 1973. He was an All-Star nine times and won the Gold Glove five times. He hit 337 homers and was arguably the National League's best third baseman during his playing time.
He was shipped across town after the 1973 season, when the Cubs dumped most of the 1969 holdovers. Bill Madlock took over at third and it looked like the Cubs would be set at the hot corner for another 14 seasons. But Madlock lasted only three years and so began the quest to replace Santo.
Madlock was one of 97 different player to play third base for the Cubs between 1974 and 2003! During that span, Opening Day saw 18 different players covering the base.
And then came Aramis Ramirez. The Cubs stole him from the Pirates on July 23, 2003. He (and Kenny Lofton) cost the Cubs Matt Bruback, Jose Hernandez, and Bobby Hill. Aramis has been a fixture at third base ever since, averaging nearly 30 homers and 100 RBI's.....
....until now. He has been in a funk all season, and is currently on the disabled list with thumb problems. His average is a measly .168. When he comes back off the DL I sure hope that he can get things figured out. I really don't want to have the revolving door at third re-opened!
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