Player: Julio Franco
Set: 1983 Topps Update and 1983 Donruss
Card Number: 34T and 525
Why is These Cards are Must Have?: What is interesting is that both Topps and Fleer in 1983 didn’t issue a Franco card in their regular issued sets. However, Donruss, the mavericks they were decided to issue one. So I listed that one as the XRC and the Topps one in the update as the RC. What can you say about Franco, he played for 23 seasons, some of the guys who were his teammates in 2007, weren’t even born when he broke into the league. He had 2586 hits in 2527 games, good for over a hit a game. Does that make him a Hall of Famer? Not a chance, although he was one of the most feared second basemen in baseball in the early to mid 80s, I just don’t think it’s worthy of entry into the HOF. Of course if longevity was a key to entering the Hall he would get in, he just didn’t do enough in his mid to late years. If you are wondering why he is in a Phillies and an Indians uniform, it’s because 12/9/82 he was traded (along with 4 other players) to the Indians for Von Hayes. A good trade for both teams if you ask me.
On a Scale of 1 to 10, How Must Have Are These Cards?: A 4, many people might argue with me but he’s not a Hall of Famer, he has been around long enough that you have to have him in your collection, he’s an icon, everyone knows his name. You can find these cards for between $1 – $2 on eBay (more if graded).
