Ten years must be the maximum run that Topps can handle for their stickers. The first incarnation ran from 1981 through 1990. They stopped after that ten year run.
The second incarnation debuted in 2011 and it ran through 2020. Topps has announced that there will be no sticker set this year. If they follow the same pattern, look for them to return in 2041.
I looked to see if there was a single Cubs players that was included all of the stickers for either of the two runs. There wasn't. The closest I could some was with two players in each run.
Bill Buckner and Ryne Sandberg take us through the '80s...
... while Starlin Castro and Anthony Rizzo do the same for the 2010s. One thing that becomes obvious when you look over the two runs is that the designs of the 2010s are much better than those in the '80s.
I'd imagine I'm preaching to the choir here, but every time I see a picture of Buckner, I think about what a monster career the guy had and what a shame it is that he's often remembered for just one play. I don't think he's an HoFer, but he's a Hall-of-Very-Good-er. Was lucky enough to meet him at a coupe of signing events. Such a good person.
ReplyDeleteOn the flip side of that, at least Boston fans came to appreciate him even after that play and recognized both his time in Boston and his overall achievements. When he returned to Boston a couple years later he was welcomed back with a standing O. Each return after that garnered him with respect.
DeleteSpeaking of BoSox, Buckner and Rizzo both spend time featured. Hmmm....
Billy Buck is one of my top five all-time favorite Cubs players. The numbers he put up over his career are amazing, especially when you consider the physical issues he dealt with.
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