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Artwork for 1988 Topps
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1988 Topps

Matt Kuzma and David McEllis

Every card has a story to tell.

In this 700+ episode series, Matt Kuzma and David McEllis discuss a different 1988 Topps baseball card every week.

Send your questions and suggestions to 1988ToppsPodcast@gmail.com.

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  • 23 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 39 min
  • English

Episodes 23

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  • S7 · E282
    October 26 · 53 min

    Mariano Duncan (#481)

    1988 Topps Podcast Top Florida DJs 1. Quad City 2. Rick Dees 3. Steve Aoki 4. *NEW* DJ Kitty 5. DJ Khaled Card 481 on Go Collect: https://gocollect.com/sports-card/mariano-duncan-1988-topps-481 Rays Mascots: https://www.mlb.com/rays/fans/rays-rookies/mascots Ed Lynch Brawl: https://youtu.be/VFwrYtuFMjA?si=2IlNCOe5R5HKvzur&t=6482 Bunting for a double: https://youtu.be/Jo2mxWr52aU?si=DjwrE5gfpGDyKtYZ Baseball Boogie: https://youtu.be/XWQ1K4SVbA8?is=V31tek3R_ZcjsXQN Mariano in Reds Hot: https://youtu.be/rCGfY2l6Niw?si=R4NfZca-ptz8RgHc&t=156 Reds win in 1990: https://youtu.be/VCMfmaNDBAQ?si=Y52HS3ch5azfiFTS The Biggest hit of Mariano’s career: https://www.mlb.com/video/mariano-duncan-s-grand-slam?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share Play Today Win Today: https://www.mlb.com/news/yankees-magazine-mariano-duncan

  • S7 · E281
    October 12 · 36 min

    Luis Rivera (#94T)

    Find someone who looks at you the way we look at the 1987 Expos uniforms. Card 94T on Whatnot: https://www.whatnot.com/listing/TGlzdGluZ05vZGU6MjIyODQ0ODg3OQ== Pope’s letter to Jerry and the Sox: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1664251381725565&set=a.804458641038181 Luis Rivera Sabr Bio by Tony S Oliver: https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/luis-rivera/ Luis gets hit by a line drive: https://www.mlb.com/video/rivera-gets-drilled-by-foul-ball-c1520341083 Luis helps this smooth kid:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pA3Zt37Fqd4 Luis throws out a first pitch: https://www.mlb.com/video/luis-rivera-throws-ceremonial-first-pitch?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share 1988 Topps Blog on Luis: https://88topps.blogspot.com/2008/10/94t-luis-rivera.html

  • S7 · E280
    October 6 · 32 min

    Mike Birkbeck (#692)

    Johnny Appleseed was real? Card 692 on Fanatics Collect https://www.fanaticscollect.com/buy-now/901a742b-f10c-4f53-9a30-c9f6266674c7 Bulkbag: https://micahw156.tumblr.com/post/21460486558/bulk-bag https://kentstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/mike-birkbeck/1617 Greatest 21 Days interview Part 1: https://greatest21days.blogspot.com/2012/04/mike-birkbeck-interview-part-1-always.html Interview Part 2: https://greatest21days.blogspot.com/2012/04/mike-birkbeck-interview-part-2-any.html Interview Part 3: https://www.greatest21days.com/2012/04/interview-mike-birkbeck-part-3-their.html

  • S7 · E279
    October 1 · 55 min

    Mickey Tettleton (#143/120T)

    Tettleton, the best name for a power-hitting tea salesman since Chester Chamomile. Card 143 on Fanatics Collect https://www.fanaticscollect.com/buy-now/e57099a5-ba15-4302-98e5-2f873da6e69f Card 120T on Fanatics Collect https://www.fanaticscollect.com/buy-now/a1485f4a-750a-462a-8102-2e68bd26ab0e 1981 Dwight Evans: https://www.sportscardspro.com/game/baseball-cards-1981-topps/dwight-evans-275 1982 Dwight Evans: https://www.sportscardspro.com/game/baseball-cards-1982-topps/dwight-evans-355 Where did the Mickey’s come from: https://bsky.app/profile/baumann.bsky.social/post/3lqsxbmy4xs2t David Laurila interview: https://blogs.fangraphs.com/a-conversation-with-80s-90s-slugger-mickey-tettleton/ OK State Article: https://okstate.com/news/2014/12/1/Mickey_Froot_Loops_Tettleton Q & A with Mickey: https://www.ocolly.com/sports/q-a-former-osu-baseball-player-mickey-tettleton-talks-being-scared-to-death-during-mlb/article_eaba321e-0f97-11ee-a31b-7b446af94fe1.html Vin introduces Mickey: https://youtu.be/g8SErfKgyFo?si=KqrQVhyf-EsW5xfw&t=9852 Sylvia talks about Froot Loops: https://youtu.be/bm--4pkKJ9o?si=wCz9ulMu0-L9FMmP&t=23 Maya Angelou for Froot Loops: https://youtu.be/_tBoYDPOO90 Mickey puts one out of Camden: https://www.mlb.com/video/tettleton-smacks-homer-to-right-c20049421?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share Slo-Mo of Mickey’s stance: https://youtu.be/UB5qeqgx9FY?si=YqHtGr929kCKfIcd

  • S7 · E278
    September 21 · 42 min

    Dwight Evans (#470)

    Did Evans have the most home runs in the AL in the 1980s? Do bears bear? Do bees be? Do Deweys dew? Card 470 on Fanatics Collect - https://www.fanaticscollect.com/buy-now/57f33990-dd56-40e5-96b2-fe5bd767a4df SABR Bio by Bill Nowlin: https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/Dwight-Evans/ Old School Comiskey hat vendor: https://baseballegg.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/comiskey-park-chicago-1986.jpg Dewey Interview: https://youtu.be/UXZZK3ni_rY?si=dZpOi-jVe3dgmoDl&t=45 1975 World Series Homer: https://www.mlb.com/video/evans-game-tying-homer-c31146833?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share Great World Series catch for double play: https://www.mlb.com/video/evans-game-saving-catch-c25572383?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share Season opening homer in 1986: https://www.mlb.com/video/evans-goes-deep-on-opening-day-c63708283?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share Joe Posnanski makes the HOF case: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2311881/2021/01/13/hall-of-fame-outsiders-dwight-evans/ Analysts compare Dwight and RIce: https://baseballanalysts.com/archives/2009/07/please_know_thi.php

  • S7 · E277
    September 14 · 33 min

    Mark Marquess (#65T)

    There are the Queensbury Rules and the Vanderpump Rules, but the Marquess of Stanford Rules are 1. Coffee and 2. Red Meat. Card #65T on Fanatics Collect - https://www.fanaticscollect.com/buy-now/37dada08-fb5a-4bf5-a188-c110758ba037/1988-topps-traded-65t-mark-marquess-oly-co? USA Statement upon Mark’s death: https://www.usabaseball.com/news/usa-baseball-mourns-the-loss-of-former-president-mark-marquess Stanford story about Marquess’ Legacy: https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2026/02/mark-marquess-baseball-legacy ABCA Hall of Fame: https://www.abca.org/ABCA/ABCA/Awards/Hall-of-Fame/Hall-of-Fame-Inductee.aspx?Ordinal=172 National Baseball Congress story: https://nbcbaseball.com/mark-marquess/ MLB Obituary: https://www.mlb.com/news/mark-marquess-legendary-stanford-baseball-coach-dies-at-78 ABCA Interview: https://www.abca.org/magazine/magazine/2018-1-January_February/Cover_Interview_Mark_Marquess.aspx 1987 CWS Walk off Grand Slam: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=325811103741100 1988 CWS Final full game: https://youtu.be/cIGMrK_d3nI?si=mZgc0zRAjd2ZRcpK&t=8859

  • S7 · E276
    September 7 · 27 min

    Chuck Jackson (#94)

    I'm sorry Chuck Jackson (woooooo) I am for real Never meant to say "don't know that guy" Your card 94 looks super fly I'm sorry Chuck Jackson (wooooo) I am for real Sorry you got stuck in Triple A You deserve your big league shot today Card #94 on eBay: https://ebay.io/m/lkezIk Greatest 21 Days Chuck Jackson: https://www.greatest21days.com/2026/07/chuck-jackson-played-multiple-positions.html Facebook post from Ingraham High: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2205378300/posts/10163630194748301/ Reggie Waller LA Times: https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-02-11-sp-1532-story.html Reggie Waller Jr. video on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1A3YLug1tG/

  • S7 · E275
    September 1 · 25 min

    Pope Hat Night August 2026

    It was a mitre fine night at the ballpark. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7507490/2026/08/12/pope-hat-night-chicago-white-sox-sellout/ https://www.ncronline.org/news/pope-leos-chicago-white-sox-pitches-papal-pride-peace-40000-pope-hats

  • S7 · E274
    August 24 · 30 min

    Steve Peters (#84T)

    Saving games and saving lives. Card 84T on ebay: https://ebay.io/m/wA7uER Oklahoman story about Steve’s Twins: https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/columns/berry-tramel/2008/08/10/joy-of-twins-soothes-ex-cardinal-steve-peters-despair/61556372007/ Oklahoman story about 1985 Sooners: https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1985/03/21/sooners-staff-off-to-super-start-runs-something-oklahomas-pitchers-allow-few-of/62770011007/ Baseball Cards Substack Steve Peters: https://baseballcards.substack.com/p/steve-peters-was-there-for-some-big?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web Athletes of OKC FD:https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=477406853016529 Greatest 21 days post about steve: https://www.greatest21days.com/2014/04/steve-peters-one-out-120.html

  • S7 · E273
    August 18 · 55 min

    Greg Gagne (#343)

    While shortstop Greg Gagne did not receive any National Baseball Hall of Fame votes after his solid career, wrestler Greg Gagne was inducted into the Tragos and Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2024. Card 343 on SportsCardsPro: https://www.sportscardspro.com/game/baseball-cards-1988-topps/greg-gagne-343 Greg with the Dodgers Story: https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-03-05-sp-43214-story.html It’s Great to Be Alive video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qqs4DeOn4-Y Frank and Moon Zappa on Letterman: https://youtu.be/ijg2_vVyu0Q?si=FEPTxca9H8YpMPgj&t=336 Valley Girl - Frank Zappa: https://youtu.be/R5Q1yVLSR3I?si=DMCFCxC3tdUgrHq8 Worst Stolen Base % since 1961: https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/tiny/Ck053 2 Inside the Parkers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I76wIWY1Tyc Greg’s RBI, World Series Game 7 1987: https://www.mlb.com/video/twins-take-the-lead-in-6th-c523496283?partnerId=web_multimedia-search_video-share Wrestle Rock Rumble: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oY2sc9-4ANg 1991 World Series Game 1 Homer: https://www.mlb.com/video/gagne-and-hrbek-s-game-1-homers-c2522570683 Breaks up a Perfecto: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19FwQPLyJ9/

  • S7 · E272
    August 9 · 50 min

    Frank Williams (#773)

    This side-armer was #2 among non-closing relievers (400+ IP) in the 1980s until a car accident changed his life. Wear your seatbelt, folks. Card 773 on SportsCards Pro: https://www.sportscardspro.com/game/baseball-cards-1988-topps/frank-williams-773 88 Topps Blog: https://88topps.blogspot.com/2008/09/773-frank-williams.html Tom Hawthorn blog about Frank: https://tomhawthorn.blogspot.com/2009/01/frank-williams-baseball-pitcher-1958.html Google Groups discussion of Frank: https://groups.google.com/g/alt.obituaries/c/FBEpKUZ72pg?pli=1 First Nations article about Frank: https://windspeahttps://groups.google.com/g/alt.obituaries/c/FBEpKUZ72pg?pli=1ker.com/news/footprints/frank-williams-major-league-pitcher-reached-the-heights-and-the-depths Story about Frank’s only start: https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/05/06/Rookie-Frank-Williams-tossed-a-two-hit-complete-game-shutout-and/3632452664000/ Frank’s other cards showing his motion: https://www.comc.com/Players/Baseball/Frank_Williams/c6137/Cards/ Stathead search of non-closers in the 80s: https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/tiny/SBOg3

  • S7 · E271
    August 1 · 30 min

    Pittsburgh Visit July 2026

    Your hosts drive to Pittsburgh to watch a baseball game, see the sights, and eat way too many pierogi. Featuring Tim from Pittsburgh Sports Memories and Justin (and son) from 1986-92 Pirates! Pittsburgh Sports Memories podcast: https://pittsburghsportsmemories.weebly.com/ Justin’s 1986-92 Pirates instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1992pirates/ Max’s Allegheny Tavern: https://maxsalleghenytavern.com/index.html Allegheny City Brewing: https://www.alleghenycitybrewing.com/ Primanti Brothers: https://primantibros.com/ The Point State Park history: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/point-state-park/history Andy Warhol Museum: https://www.warhol.org/

  • S7 · E270
    July 29 · 28 min

    Robbie Wine (#119)

    Note: An entire minute of audio related to the proper pronunciation of Worcester, Pennsylvania was deleted in the editing of this podcast. You're welcome. Card #119 on Beckett: https://www.beckett.com/baseball/1988/topps/119-robbie-wine-3914575 Greatest 21 Days post: https://www.greatest21days.com/2014/04/robbie-wine-lucky-enough-1295.html Penn State Bio: https://gopsusports.com/staff/robbie-wine Robbie inducted into PA Sports Hall: https://www.timesherald.com/2013/09/22/robbie-wine-reflects-on-life-in-baseball-induction-into-pa-sports-hall-of-fame/ DBat Amarillo: https://www.dbatamarillo.com/ Scout and GM Al Rosen in a Miller Lite Commercial: https://youtu.be/GBQ5LjHWMXM?si=KN2HRP5j7uQEVEc7

  • S7 · E269
    July 20 · 51 min

    Joaquin Andujar (#47)

    Hot dog! This pitcher from the DR had All-Star stuff, but also got ejected from a World Series game. Card 47 on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JJYNJI8 RetroSimba about Joaquin and Whitey: https://retrosimba.com/2019/05/13/whitey-herzog-made-pitch-for-prodigal-son-joaquin-andujar/ SABR bio by Malcolm Allen: https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/joaquin-andujar/ RetroSimba about Joaquin and Hub: https://retrosimba.com/2015/09/17/how-hub-kittle-got-joaquin-andujar-to-cardinals/ Defector article about Starter jackets: https://defector.com/the-rise-and-fall-of-starter-the-coolest-company-on-earth Joaquin in the 1979 All Star Game: https://youtu.be/OMJK6CA6G3Y?si=QU7_fUA2ZuzJFXb8&t=4066 1982 World Series Game 3 injury: https://youtu.be/zqctfh4zBiM?si=K5N9qdfZixMQoDgk&t=7323 Joaquin’s warmup in 1982 World Series Game 7: https://youtu.be/veJj5iI4TM8?si=0Psxqtei3BfrMcF2&t=654 Joaquin vs Gantner: https://youtu.be/NSt-8-6iUZw?si=cn-UrCJnTcoi7DpJ&t=122 Joaquin hits a grand slam: https://www.mlb.com/video/andujar-s-grand-slam?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share Andujar vs Krukow: https://youtu.be/6w_qtEPt92k?si=WbP4kUmfiLNZJ0T4 Joaquin gets tossed from 1985 World Series: https://youtu.be/3LBpIjqR-dQ?si=2eCr9YbM0gTa8vS3&t=8274

  • S7 · E268
    July 12 · 43 min

    Scott Fletcher (#345)

    Spot Fetcher is a great dog name, right up there with Cookie Rojas and Moose Haas. Card 345 on Sports Cards Pro: https://www.sportscardspro.com/game/baseball-cards-1988-topps/scott-fletcher-345 Ron Kittle gets married: https://www.mlb.com/news/ron-kittle-married-during-white-sox-game SABR bio by Bill Nowlin: https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/scott-fletcher/ Georgia Southern Hall of Fame: https://gseagles.com/honors/georgia-southern-athletics-hall-of-fame/scott-fletcher/46 Sosa Trade retrospective: https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/02/t-r-sullivan-a-retrospective-on-the-harold-baines-sammy-sosa-trade.html Remember that guy? https://sports.yahoo.com/remember-guy-scott-fletcher-230626014.html Brooke Fletcher gets a surprise from dad - https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/brooke-fletcher-gets-surprise-dad-160058524.html Stathead shortstops by WAR 1983-1993- https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/tiny/hiMZ2 Spot Fetcher - https://www.presidentialpetmuseum.com/pets/spot/ Last Comiskey Documentary youtube videos: https://www.youtube.com/@lastcomiskey1990/videos

  • S7 · E267
    June 29 · 30 min

    Vicente Palacios (#322)

    This journeyman pitcher played for at least 15 teams, and that was just in the summer! Card 322 on eBay: https://ebay.io/m/aOEolb Hall of Fame Card Corner: https://baseballhall.org/discover/cardcorner-1989-fleer-vicente-palacios Vicente Palacios at Greatest 21 Days: https://www.greatest21days.com/2011/09/vicente-palacios-he-did-7.html Palacios article on RetroSimba: https://retrosimba.com/2024/07/19/how-vicente-palacios-shouldered-his-way-to-success/ Video about Vicente’s nohitter (Spanish) https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cz7CumqSmKM/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet Video about Vicente from Aguilas(spanish): https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1D5yYmP8wH/ Painted Cap analysis of this card: https://x.com/PaintedCap/status/1308614022514655235

  • S7 · E266
    June 22 · 47 min

    Lance Parrish (#95/669)

    He's the catcher to call when trouble's near! Card 95 on eBay: https://ebay.io/m/idD12W Card 669 on eBay: https://ebay.io/m/4HV7QD SABR bio by Mike Lassman: https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/Lance-Parrish/ Lance on the Top Tigers Countdown: https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/1/11/5283538/top-tigers-countdown-21-lance-parrish Lance tells the Tina Turner story: https://youtube.com/shorts/_EmngX_4EYE?si=mibRu-yYodpEDD5F Lance, Chet, Lou, Tram and a baby Tiger: https://www.instagram.com/p/DNjCwnZslpn/ Tigerrr Catcher Poster: https://sportsposterwarehouse.com/products/lance-parrish-tiger-catcher-1983-detroit-tigers-vintage-wall-poster-nike-inc Lance the Car Salesman: https://youtu.be/PIq9jjZFcqg?si=7FrcZxPp-j_C5FQT World Series blast off the Goose: https://youtu.be/fnL73KqjmW8?si=jNDvMrxIkWkYjh-b Bless You Boys Song: https://youtu.be/QTUA7g1mhcg?si=46_su9Clt7M492PF Lance and Mr. Drummond: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsA4yBT-r8g WAR leaderboard, Catchers 1979-1986: https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/tiny/rh6iJ

  • S7 · E265
    June 8 · 45 min

    Kal Daniels (#622)

    We have forgotten to reference the poem about the plums that were in the icebox Forgive me they were delicious so sweet and so cold and good for throwing Card 622 on Beckett: https://marketplace.beckett.com/tripleplaysportscards_764/item/1988-topps-622-kal-daniels_49852943 SABR Bio by Heath Santo: https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/kal-daniels/ High School Jersey Retirement: https://sportsmic.com/eagles-baseball-legend-kal-daniels-number-retired/ 2020 MLB Article: https://www.mlb.com/news/kal-daniels-reds-cult-hero Kal fielding blooper: https://youtu.be/6unKL_3_Azc?si=GXjOoOH2AmutYiHV Kal blast off Orel Hershiser: https://youtu.be/tM128HpYaJ4?si=131pK9WcrRFdk-0D Kal’s 1990 season review: https://youtu.be/yhSmfWtc-Bc?si=oqbSbJpmemI_dhAX Most seasons 25 homers 150 OPS+, >450 ABs: https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/tiny/8Ii5j

  • S7 · E264
    June 1 · 38 min

    Walt Weiss (#126T)

    Face it, anyone can look scrawny next to the forearms of the Bash Brothers. Card 126T on Beckett: https://www.beckett.com/baseball/1988/topps-traded/126t-walt-weiss-xrc-3916218 Card 263 Big on ebay: https://ebay.us/m/diQDu8 Henry Cotto catch: https://youtu.be/9-fgOMQBdTY?si=DvWSzj-b6l2_kB4z&t=180 Walt Weiss SABR Bio by Ken Reed: https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/walt-weiss/ Walt Weiss first grand slam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5b9VRz2_Wo 1988 ALCS RBI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cjSk385Iww 1989 World Series homer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epIn_Oa8c9g 1990 Walt is taken out: https://youtu.be/cGh6TExbYjs?si=gjz9QbsSyiH-WK4_&t=10682 1998 All Star Game story: https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-jul-08-sp-1857-story.html Walt takedown of Jorge Soler: https://youtu.be/xb-LcvtyAd0?si=mDKP3ZWmu0lavPQD&t=133

  • S7 · E263
    May 24 · 36 min

    Ed Lynch (#336)

    Welcome to Season 7 of the 1988 Topps Podcast! This week, a pitcher and GM who didn't have many strikeouts, but did have a number of punch outs. Card 336 on ebay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/354828366005 SABR bio by Jon Springer: https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/Ed-Lynch/ Unflattering 1987 Topps card: https://www.reddit.com/r/baseballcards/comments/t5xzw2/there_are_as_few_unflattering_photos_on_a_card_as/ Lynch vs Zonk: https://youtu.be/txJl8Gr38Ks?si=RAVIthN6A-nFWqCf&t=4222 Lynch vs Mariano Duncan: https://youtu.be/VFwrYtuFMjA?si=d7ce1OdxvRoBCdIZ&t=6494 Ed’s Real Estate business: https://keyselectrealestate.com/agents/ed-lynch Ed’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Surfing_Baseball_with_Ed_Lynch/videos

Showing 1–20 of 23 episodes