Player: Kirk Gibson
Set: 1981 Fleer and Topps
Card Number: 481 and 315 respectively
Why is These Cards are Must Have?: Is Gibson a Hall of Famer? No! Did he have one of the most clutch hits in baseball? Yes! Of course I am talking about Gibson’s pinch hit home run off of Dennis Eckersly in game 1 of the 1988 World Series. In that year he had won the MVP (although not selected to the All Star team), but he had two injuries at the time, left hamstring and right knee. He shouldn’t have even played in that game. But down in the bottom of the 9th LaSorda made the call to put him in and he tattooed the ball over right center, causing Vin Scully to shout, “I don’t believe what I just saw!” Overall he had a good career, his stats running about the same as Eric Davis, Ray Lankford, and Raul Mondesi. His place in baseball history though will forever remain the improbable home run he hit in that World Series game.
On a Scale of 1 to 10, How Must Have Is This Card?: A 3 for either card, he may never become a Hall of Famer, and most certainly his career numbers may be forgotten, but that home run will never be forgotten. You find find either one of these cards on eBay for no more than a dollar.
It was Jack Buck that said “I don’t believe what I just saw.” … Scully was the one who said “the impossible has happened …” or something to that effect. I might be wrong on the Scully part.
I had both of these at one point. Still might have them in my box of Tigers to give/trade. Nice choice!
I gotta disagree. This card is probably a 6 or a 7 on the list. This mofo was clutch not once but twice in WS play. Always one of the top 5 moments in MLB history. He achieved what every kid practices in their back yard. The card is no ricky or cal, but you can tell he is one tough sob in that topps card. Greatest moment plus nice looking card plus grit equals 6 or 7.