1973 Topps Countdown

The 1973 Topps set was the last to be released in consecutive series for a number of years. The set also featured the last cards of Willie Mays and Luis Aparicio as active players. The total number of cards in the set was trimmed to 660, a number that would remain for several years. A special career home run leader card, all-time leader cards, and 6 more boyhood flashback cards were also included. Suspect photography was rampant in this set. Here is my top 10 card countdown for the 1093 Topps set.

#10 Willie Davis

Davis worked part time as an actor on television. He probably wishes he was back on the set after this chin music from a Phillie pitcher.

# 9 Ed Brinkman

Brinkman's batting average was 0.224 after his 12th season in the majors. I am surprised it was that high with this batting stance. He must have been a good fielder to last so long.

# 8 Don Zimmer

A nice shot of the Zimmer enjoying his chaw of Redman. In fact, he has a wad in every picture I have ever seen of him.

# 7 (tie) Hank Aaron

Aaron is still the career home run king in my book. When this card came out, he was still 41 home runs short of Babe Ruth's career mark. At this point in his career, he was moved from the outfield to first base.

#7 (tie) Jim Breazeale

Jim was called up to the big leagues just as the Braves moved Aaron to first base. Tough luck for him, but if you have to ride the pine, it might as well be behind Hammerin Hank.

# 6 Bob Locker

The Cubs made Locker play without a number or his last name on the back of his jersey. It reminds me of the last guy picked for the little league team after all the real uniforms had been assigned.

# 5 Frank Duffy

This action shot looks like it was taken through a telescope. Either that or they decided to blacken the background for some reason. The runner was trying to take Duffy out on this play. It looks like Duffy fared better as the runner was left buns up and eating dirt.

# 4 Fred Norman

San Diego didn't draw many fans on this day. Plenty of good seats along the 3rd base line. That is a shame because they had some sweet uniforms back then. I'd say the best until the 1978 Astros.

#3 John Ellis

John is definitely upset about this umpire's call. Or is he mad that the Indians made him play without a hat and in some cheesy practise jersey? His card lists him as a catcher, but he was playing first base on this day. I think the cameo head shot of the A's player is a nice touch as well.

#2 John Hilton Rookie Card

Hilton was selected by the Padres in the first round of the 1971 draft. He lasted 4 seasons in the major leagues compiling a career 0.213 batting average. He amassed 6 home runs during this span. Too bad he had to share this card with two other guys, but that is how Topps rolled back then.

#1 Pat Corrales

I never saw Javy Lopez block the plate like this. This was a violent collision judging by the grimace on the catcher's face. Notice that he is still clutching the ball.