Today’s 9–Harold Baines page 2

I keep my White Sox collection by players last name. When that player reaches 9 cards (a page), they get a post in the Today’s 9 series. I just recently moved all my cards into alphabetical order so most of these posts are just catching up and making sure everybody get’s their due.

HAROLD BAINES

Cards (L-R) – (top row) 1988 Donruss All-Star, 1988 Score, 1988 Topps

(middle row) 1988 Topps mini, 1989 Donruss, 1989 Donruss (green back)

(bottom row) 1989 Topps, 1989 Topps mini,  1996 Leaf Signature Series

Played with the Sox from 1980-1989, 1996-1997, 2000-2001

Was All-Star in 1985-1987, 1989, 1991, 1999

Won a Silver Slugger award in 1989

Card back info –

“Only member of the White Sox to be selected to the ‘87 All-Star team.  Was his 3rd All-Star selection, the other coming in ‘85 and ‘86.  Bothered by after-effects of knee surgery early in ‘87 and was limited to DH duty.  Hit .304 in ‘84 with 29 HR and 94 RBI and .309 in ‘85 with 22 HR and 113 RBI.  Despite being hampered by a bad knee in ‘86, hit .296 with 21 HR and 88 RBI.  2nd on White Sox’ all-time homer list with 140 going in ‘87” – 1988 Donruss All-Star

“Harold, who has never received the acclaim he should as one of baseball’s best players, was disabled for a month by knee surgery and hampered most of the 1987 season by its after affects.  Because of his loss of mobility, Harold had to leave right field, where he was tops, and became the White Sox designated hitter.  Nonetheless, he was chosen for the All-Star game for the third time in a row and set a White Sox record for career home runs.  In July, Harold’s .343 BA ranked ninth in the AL.  Harold, who was the first player picked in the 1977 free-agent draft, set a league mark with 22 game-winning RBI’s in ‘83.  “Even when Harold’s not swinging real good, he’s swinging good,” said manager Jim Fregosi.  “He has an amazing knack of getting hits when he has to.” = 1988 Score

“Harold signed as a 1st round draft selection with the White Sox, June 7, 1977 by scout Bennie Huffman.” – 1988 Topps

“Was scouted as a little leaguer by former White Sox owner Bill Veeck.” – 1988 Topps mini

“White Sox’ all-time HR leader.  Underwent knee surgery prior to ‘87 season and has been reduced to DH duties since.  Led White in RBI last year.  White Sox’ HR, RBI and hits leader in ‘86.  4th in AL in RBI and 6th in batting in ‘85.  All-Star ‘85-‘87.  Led AL in slugging (.541) in ‘84 and topped Chisox in battling and RBI.” – 1989 Donruss

“He belted 1st major league Home Run: 4-19-80.  His first major league Grand Slam: 7-7-82.” – 1989 Topps

“Harold hit a Home Run in the 25th inning.  May 9, 1984” – 1989 Topps mini

“A solid .300 hitter against both righties and lefties, Harold rejoined his original team when he signed with the Chisox as a free agent.  He did so well during his first tour that the team retired his No. 3.  It was reactivated for his return.  At age 37, Harold remains a serious long-ball threat.” – 1996 Leaf Signature Series

Cards in Sox uniform that I own currently – 23

Was really excited when I got the Harold Baines auto from Dennis at “Too Many Grandersons.”  He was one of my favorites growing up.