Today’s 9–Gordon Beckham, page 4

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.

GORDON BECKHAM

Cards (L-R) – (top row) 2011 Topps Diamond Die Cut, 2011 Topps Gypsy Queen, 2011 Topps Gypsy Queen mini

(middle row) 2011 Topps Gypsy Queen Future Stars, 2011 Topps Lineage, 2010 Topps Nation Chicle Chrome refractor (#’d 21/50)

(bottom row) 2011 Bowman Platinum Gold, 2011 Bowman Gold, 2010 Topps Wal-Mart

Played with the Sox from 2009-current

Was 5th in Rookie of the Year voting in 2009.

Card back info –

“Diamond Deed:  Beckham showed off multiple skills in a 4-3 victory over the Angels on September 12, 2009.  He reached base four times, swatted a solo homer, stole a base and scored two runs.  His ninth-inning single set up the winning tally by moving a man to third base.” – 2011 Topps Diamond Die Cut

“On June 6, 2010, Beckham ended a slump of 112 at-bats without an extra-base hit.  From that point forward, he raked 31 of them in his final 80 games.” – 2011 Topps Gypsy Queen

“A young Yogi Berra once staffed the outfield.  Jackie Robinson played first base as a rookie.  Position changes are as old as the game itself, so Beckham – whose bat profiles well anywhere – willingly made one from third base to second to help the team in 2010.” – 2011 Topps Gypsy Queen Future Stars

“The NCAA’s top home run hitter and an All-American at Georgia in 2008, Beckham claimed a slot in the White Sox lineup by the middle of the following year.  As a third baseman, he was picked by Sporting News as the 2009 AL Rookie of the Year.  Last season Gordon slid to second, where he is a rising star.” – 2011 Topps Lineage

“A look at Beckham doesn’t reveal exceptional size or brawn, so where does the young star’s power come from?  His secret is his strong forearms, which, in turn, help him generate bat whip from his wrists.  A program involving wrist-curls with barbells are one way for a baseball player to power-up his forearms.” – 2010 Topps National Chicle Chrome Refractor

“Beckham made his MLB debut on 6/4/09, starting at third base against the Athletics.  On that same date in 1936, Detroit Tigers catcher Mickey Cochrane collapses, and must be removed from the game, after racing to an inside-the-park home run.” – 2011 Bowman Platinum Gold

“Resume – Notched first career four-hit game on 7/18/10.  Finished fifth in 2009 AL Rookie of the Year voting.  Smashed 14 homers and 28 doubles.  2008 SEC Player of the Year honoree.  Skills – Generates plus power with great bat speed and hip rotation.  Has strong arm and smooth actions in field.  Hard worker.  Evolution – After setting a U. of Georgia record with 28 homers in ‘08, Beckham proved he could wield a wooden bat by whacking .322 in 59 Minor League games.” – 2011 Bowman Gold

“The fastest non-pitcher ever to go from the draft to a White Sox uniform (364 days), Gordon took a few weeks to acclimate in 2009, then blossomed.  In his final 85 games, he batted .288 with 13 home runs.  A game-ending hit against the rival Cubs on June 27 was a high point that he described as “the best feeling I’ve ever had playing baseball.” – 2010 Topps Walmart

Cards in Sox uniform that I own currently – 39

Autos/Relics I currently own of player above - 3

Beckham is saying all the right things right now before the season starts up.  Hopefully, in turn, he will be better than he was last year.

The bottom 2 card backs were listed on previous pages.  But as I add cards to the album, I start at the last card and add them until I fill that side of the page and scan it, so you don’t get any duplicate cards.  After that I change they way they are in my album so that the parallels are all side by side.  The 2010 Topps Walmart is my 4th parallel (and the base) of that card that I have and the 2011 Bowman gold is now beside the base card.