The steroid era is back ... on cards

Remember when everyone was crazy about steroids? We had to get those dirty players out of the game and clean up the wonderful game of baseball. Steroids have no place in sports!

OK, I’m being overdramatic, but many felt that way about PEDs back then and still feel that way now. I am not saying they’re right or wrong. Simply stating, they are there.

What’s interesting has been the latest baseball autographs offered in Topps release that feature a number of players from the steroid era. I noticed this while going through eBay listings for 2014 Topps Tier One. Autographs of Mark McGwire, Jose Canseco, Juan Gonzalez and Rafael Palmeiro were there ready for someone reliving those years to snatch up the cards.

Personally, I don’t have an issue with these autographs being in sets. Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa brought the country back to baseball after the 1994 strike. I was 18 during the memorable home run race. I watched every moment I could, tuning into SportsCenter to see if either had hit a home run that night. I was at work at The Sports Authority the night McGwire broke the record and immediately got a phone call from a friend to let me that he just passed Roger Maris’ record.

I was excited about the feat. Even though he knocked a Yankee from the top of the record book, I loved baseball so much and was thrilled to see someone break the record.

Obviously, we know how that all changed, but it doesn’t take away how I felt that night. So maybe it’s these memories – and the years in between – that makes it OK to collect these guys again.

Mark McGwire cards

Rafael Palmeiro cards

Jose Canseco cards

Juan Gonzalez cards

Jose... Jose... Jose... Canseco

I was looking through some random old boxes of cards trying to put together some team lots for the collectors that I have traded with in the past in the event any of them are needed and stumbled across some vintage fun. I like odd cards, but what I like better are the cards or promos that most people never thought to keep, much less toss into a penny sleeve for safe keeping.

Here is my classic find:
1985 Burger King - Jose Canseco card



While the back of the card didn't translate well in the scan, you get the idea. I have a whole mess of random old sets from Burger King, Wonder Bread, Mc Donalds, etc. I wish they would do stuff like this now, it adds a little spice to your collection and it's something that you don't have to buy a hobby box to complete. You just have to cough up a little cash to get it, or eat your weight in french fries.

If my memory serves me correctly, I believe 2001 was the last time one of these sets was around (at least in the NY area). I have a McDonald's team set of the Yankees from then, and it's one of my favorites despite putting players separately with their respective cards. One day when I am motivated I will scan some of those.

Since this was in the box as well, I figured I would feature another one of his cards that stood the test of time nicely. I have a soft spot for the 89 Bowman, they were slightly oversized, had nice pictures which were mostly headshots that they have shied away from over the years for action shots, and they would be great for signatures if I ever get motivated for TTM stuff.