As I mentioned the other day, this past weekend was my birthday, and I was lucky enough to receive some card related gifts, which I plan on showing off here in the near future. In the meantime, I give you this.

1971 Topps #500 Jim Perry

Imagine this: It’s 1946 in Williamston, NC. You’re 11 year old Jimmy Perry. It’s late June, so school has just let out and you’re looking forward to a long summer of baseball. You get up early and scarf down the breakfast your mom has made you and run out the door and down the dusty street toward the sandlot on the next block where you’re planning on meeting up with your buddies. Halfway there, you hear a squeaky voice behind you “Hey Jim, wait up for me.” It’s your little brother, Gaylord. God, why can he go play with kids his own age? Doesn’t he know how embarrassing it is to have to bring along your little brother, especially when his name is Gaylord? Geez. Way to pick a name, Mom. Well, better him than me. I’m Jim Perry, dammit. I’m going to grow up to be a great pitcher in the big leagues. One day, baseball fans everywhere will know the name Perry.

Fast forward 45 years. The name Perry has been enshrined amongst the other immortals in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. The name Gaylord Perry.

Well, at least the one time we faced each other, he got hung with the loss. Stupid Gaylord.

Tags: 1971 Topps, Cardboard Abuse, Jim Perry
Filed Under: Card of the Moment by slangon
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