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1988 Topps

Author: Matt Kuzma and David McEllis

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Every card has a story to tell.

In this 700+ episode series, Matt Kuzma and David McEllis discuss a different 1988 Topps baseball card every week.

Send your questions and suggestions to 1988ToppsPodcast@gmail.com.
249 Episodes
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Mark Davis (#482)

Mark Davis (#482)

2026-02-0146:40

This left-hander turned his 1989 NL Cy Young into a fat contract worth 13 million packs of Phillies' Franks. Card #482 on Beckett - https://marketplace.beckett.com/cardinvestors_1277/item/1988-topps-482-mark-davis_86912470Hall of Fame Card Corner for this card: https://baseballhall.org/discover/cardcorner-1988-topps-mark-davis A Sad $13 Million Man - https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-06-08-sp-781-story.html SABR Article about Mark’s First Win: https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/july-30-1983-mark-davis-earns-first-win-for-giants-with-shutout-of-rival-dodgers/ Hot Dog ad: https://youtu.be/dOfFdykWS5M?si=p4XKfvZfqW2nuNqe Mark in the 1989 All Star Game: https://youtu.be/g8SErfKgyFo?si=VR79KEnGXi8eI9UU&t=7711 
Dwayne Murphy (#424)

Dwayne Murphy (#424)

2026-01-2550:12

This 6-time Gold Glover caught everything, whether it was drive to the gap in right or a great deal at Taco Bell! Card #424 on Beckett -  https://marketplace.beckett.com/threestarssportscards_925/item/1988-topps-424-dwayne-murphy_43464375SABR Bio by Dan Schoenholz - https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/dwayne-murphy/Hall of Fame Card Corner - https://baseballhall.org/discover/cardcorner-1988-donruss-dwayne-murphy Archived article about Hammer lawsuit - https://web.archive.org/web/20070817071129/http://www.millslawfirm.com/media-15.html1982 Topps Blog post about Dwayne- https://1982topps.blogspot.com/2014/04/card-29-dwayne-murphy.htmlDwayne the Football coach - https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-06-25-sp-8439-story.htmlMark Langston on Sabrina - https://bsky.app/profile/1988toppspodcast.bsky.social/post/3ma4swh2gfc2p DUAAAAANE - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BI-aDjb2sAA Murphy and Norris Gold Gloves - https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/mike-norris-and-dwayne-murphy-of-the-oakland-athletics-news-photo/1125839394 1980 A’s season in Review - https://youtu.be/hWcYNNgef50?si=r7VRX_mc9NwKpJqi&t=923 1981 Taco Bell Commercial - https://youtu.be/bdAeBULUbI8?si=fkAuHGwPJVMJZDHAKlingon Pop Warrior on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/TheKlingonPopWarriorjenbom 
Butch Wynegar (#737)

Butch Wynegar (#737)

2026-01-1648:24

The 1952 classic, "Botch-a-me," by Rosemary Clooney, is a play on "Bacia me" which means "kiss me" in Italian. It has nothing to do with a guy named Butch. Card #737 on Beckett - https://marketplace.beckett.com/hooplasportscards_1082/item/1988-topps-737-butch-wynegar_82605424Hall of Fame Card Corner - https://baseballhall.org/discover/cardcorner-1978-topps-butch-wynegarSABR Article about Butch’s big year - https://sabr.org/journal/article/butch-wynegar-from-single-a-to-the-major-league-all-star-game-in-one-year/1986 Article about Butch leaving NY - https://www.upi.com/Archives/1986/08/04/New-York-Yankees-catcher-Butch-Wynegar-who-left-the/9117523512000/BP interview with Butch - https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/8101/prospectus-qa-butch-wynegar/ Minor League Interview - https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-350176Twins Daily article about Early Butch - https://twinsdaily.com/forums/topic/70808-butch-wynegar-had-an-incredible-two-year-start-to-a-13-year-career/ Opening Day Homer - https://youtu.be/EV5g8PD7-Us?si=KVjevlzyMeJV3qF8Twins, Yankees, Angels
This "dandy little glove man" is one of only 15 players in MLB history to complete an unassisted triple play. Card  #71T on Beckett - https://marketplace.beckett.com/bigmacsportscards_709/item/1988-topps-traded-71t-mickey-morandini-oly-xrc_3220964088 Topps Blog - https://88topps.blogspot.com/2008/10/71t-mickey-morandini.htmlBuy us a coffee? https://buymeacoffee.com/1988toppspd BallNine interview - https://ballnine.com/2023/03/09/mickey-morandini/ Mickey the Ace’s obstacle - https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/06/sports/baseball/baseball-aces-obstacle-on-way-to-hall-of-fame-mickey-morandini-a-268-hitter.html Mickey’s high School Coach interviewed - https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/hsother/2020/04/15/mickey-morandini-bob-oberdorf-leechburg-blue-devils-philadelphia-phillies-chicago-cubs-toronto-blue-jays-wpial-baseball/stories/202004150028 Tony Lucadello SABR Bio - https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/tony-lucadello/ Mickey’s Unassisted triple play - https://www.mlb.com/video/morandini-turns-triple-play-c26319797 Mickey hits a NLCS Triple off Maddux - https://www.mlb.com/video/morandini-s-two-run-triple-c31254281?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share Mickey hit in the head with a Blauser throw - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wW1Oa9ISIrk
Mark Langston (#80)

Mark Langston (#80)

2025-12-1356:041

Fine, he didn't invent "The Wave," but he was still a very good pitcher. Card #80 on Beckett -  https://marketplace.beckett.com/cardgallery_900/item/1988-topps-80-mark-langston_61023426Krazy George unleashes The Wave - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sqGxQoORYE Hall of Fame Card Corner - https://baseballhall.org/discover/CardCorner/1990-Fleer-Mark-LangstonSI Langston signs his big contract in 1989 - https://vault.si.com/vault/1989/12/11/rich-mans-game-with-the-collapse-of-collusion-and-with-clubs-prospering-as-never-before-baseball-salaries-are-now-out-of-sight1989 SI Article about Mark - https://vault.si.com/vault/1989/04/24/a-wanted-man-when-the-talk-is-trade-the-name-heard-most-often-is-that-of-seattles-mark-langstonIs it Safe to Throw a Breaking Ball? - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10293565/Mike Witt Closes out Combined No-Hitter - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29jZckxXli0 Mark discusses his heart attack - https://youtu.be/KhJmU2Rjw-s?si=c_Lw8HcM8WxUhtpY&t=103 Mark pitches in Letterman’s hallway - https://youtu.be/04zpzh22BSo?si=oVTVL0w-b1kmTz49 Tino Martinez hits a Grand Slam - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsP21Taiu0EMariners, Angels, Padres, Expos
John Cangelosi (#506)

John Cangelosi (#506)

2025-11-2950:061

The member of the 1997 World Series-winning Florida Marlins who most resembles a Les Miserables character. Card #506 on Beckett - https://marketplace.beckett.com/item/900/1988-topps-506-john-cangelosi_31263472John interviewed for MILB - https://www.milb.com/news/herd-chronicles-john-cangelosi-career-included-plenty-of-hits-stolen-b-309537676John talks about 1997 World Series - https://www.mlb.com/news/john-cangelosi-reflects-on-1997-world-series-winRick Cerone’s YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAKT__QBx7KzxL_b589fhTg Adam Darowski talks about the 4000 Hit Club https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lwFzvM8240 Most Rookie stolen bases since 1920 - https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/tiny/blrn8 Cangelosi Pitches - https://www.mlb.com/video/cangelosi-pitches-scoreless-9th-c539434683
Rick Cerone (#561/27T)

Rick Cerone (#561/27T)

2025-11-1551:17

This Jersey-born catcher was chosen instead of Bo Derek for a fashion ad and had a #1 hit on the country charts (in Syracuse.)Card 561 - https://marketplace.beckett.com/cardshack_727/item/1988-topps-561-rick-cerone_15842271Card 27T - https://www.sportscardspro.com/game/baseball-cards-1988-topps-traded/rick-cerone-27tHall of Fame Card Corner - https://baseballhall.org/discover/CardCorner-1978-Topps-Rick-Cerone SABR Bio by Steve Friedman - https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/rick-cerone/ A Long Run Home - https://youtu.be/XenZSo3tnwA?si=d-gZQojJVO4CnLDTNJ News story about Long Run Home - https://www.nj.com/yankees/2023/06/the-wild-story-of-a-nj-baseball-legends-long-forgotten-country-song.html Line drive kills a rally - https://youtu.be/g__TmBglW9U?si=KZbZbqE0NSFg4js8&t=5785 10 Jeans ads - https://youtu.be/tNUbjCDXHHs?si=5bTStbCRJyw1m9b8 Rick Shuts up George - https://youtu.be/awQtGTg8XX4?si=_FKaItH5P4TO8nWIGeo Cities site - https://www.geocities.ws/cesarano/ceronesings.html NJ News story about Rick - https://newjersey.news12.com/positively-new-jersey-yankees-legend-dishes-on-little-known-singing-stint
Rick Mahler (#706)

Rick Mahler (#706)

2025-10-2637:09

We've got a new jingle! If you want to win, here's what they say: Just start Rick Mahler on Opening DayCard 706 on Beckett -https://marketplace.beckett.com/gamesandcards_87/item/1988-topps-tiffany-706-rick-mahler_30276986Rick on Opening Day - https://www.si.com/mlb/braves/news/rick-mahler-thrived-on-opening-day-for-the-bravesRick in Santurce - https://beisbol101.com/rick-camp-and-rick-mahler-santurce-crabbers-imports-and-atlanta-braves-teammates-part-i/ Hall of Fame Card Corner -  ​​https://baseballhall.org/discover/cardcorner-1982-donruss-rick-mahlerRick’s Obituary - https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/2005/03/03/rick-mahler-dies-at-51/31685396007/
Tim Flannery (#513)

Tim Flannery (#513)

2025-10-1646:091

Meet Flan, the coolest guy in the set. SABR Bio by Bob Webster - ⁠https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/Tim-Flannery/⁠ Card 513 on Beckett - https://marketplace.beckett.com/gamesandcards_87/item/1988-topps-513-tim-flannery_3057062488 Topps Blog - https://88topps.blogspot.com/2008/06/513-tim-flannery.htmlFlannery in 1984 NLCS - ⁠https://youtu.be/H5qOcuKn4oU?si=iOUFTnOhYlgeXg_d⁠ 1988 Fleer Surfboard card - ⁠https://baseballdimebox.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-gems-of-junk-wax-pt-51-1988-fleer.html⁠ Flannery as the Mascot - ⁠https://www.mlb.com/news/tim-flannery-gets-ejected-dresses-as-mascot⁠ Flannery sends Pagan home - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SjFx0h-v5M Bochy and Flannery, The Odd Couple - https://youtu.be/fqEQUOmcvo0?si=hXRIjugeOvGXU5Hk NY Times story about Tim - https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/14/sports/baseball/tim-flannery-lunatic-fringe.html Waiting on a Miracle - https://youtu.be/ZDzwdbcDM14?si=7MjO4B3o2b3bqjAU 
The Eyes of Texas were upon him... and Steve Goodman thought he should keep his eyes on the ball. Card 416 on Beckett -https://marketplace.beckett.com/cardgallery_900/item/1988-topps-tiffany-416-keith-moreland_52217595Card 72T on ebay - https://www.ebay.com/itm/256599166743?chn=ps&mkevt=1&mkcid=28&google_free_listing_action=view_item&srsltid=AfmBOorX-wMs_y7VE54PdANUHAJtW5heoqxpLVAZqPyt4M3gHYLi7WkzXpEBrian Dayett’s RIP Baseball Obit - https://ripbaseball.com/2025/09/19/obituary-brian-dayett-1957-2025/ Baseball Hall of Fame Card Corner - https://baseballhall.org/discover/card-corner/1981-donruss-keith-moreland1975 Keith Moreland photo - https://www.facebook.com/bruce.weirauch/photos/keith-moreland-1975/10226878910590919/ Keith has a health scare - https://www.kvue.com/article/sports/ncaa/longhorns/ut-baseballs-keith-moreland-shares-his-story-of-survival/269-56a334e1-2c57-4197-ba7a-95d307ce41d8 Keith in the Longhorn Hall of Honor - https://texaslonghorns.com/honors/hall-of-honor/keith-moreland/724 Keith drives in a run in the World Series - https://youtu.be/oU687r6KCIs?si=4DJ8l_KVuvP_TVAN&t=10346 Keith charges Ed Lynch - https://youtu.be/txJl8Gr38Ks?si=RAVIthN6A-nFWqCf&t=4222 Keith does a Drug PSA - https://youtu.be/8lJDoEjTb-0?si=5QTSiX2W39hJOm8q Steve Goodman’s A Dying Cubs Fan’s Last Request - https://youtu.be/7xBxZGQ1dJk?si=mukizA86X6UlytPz 
Brian Dayett (#136)

Brian Dayett (#136)

2025-09-2138:59

Clutch hitting defined: this guy hit two home runs the night he was supposed to be laid off, saving his job and probably 10 more years of solid Quad-A ball. Card 136 on Beckett - https://marketplace.beckett.com/cardgallery_900/item/1988-topps-tiffany-136-brian-dayett_52217315Newsweek Obit - https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/former-yankees-cubs-outfielder-passes-away-2126503MILB interview with Brian - https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-17914562 Brian hits a double -  https://youtu.be/atkHXEDH73o?si=HMFczPED3HuE0L8u Brian hits a grand slam - https://youtu.be/TFnSF7ZcoQY?si=job7EfZ2m-v_rHCU Brian’s Obituary - https://www.watsonfhtn.com/obituaries/Brian-Kelly-Dayett?obId=45239942Charlene Kuzma’s Obituary - https://www.heritageofandover.com/obituary/charlene-kuzma
Mike Boddicker (#725)

Mike Boddicker (#725)

2025-09-1446:30

Counterintuitively, when Rod Carew says your pitching is "Little League Slop," it probably means you are doing something right. Card 725 on Beckett - https://marketplace.beckett.com/ziggys_672/item/1988-topps-725-mike-boddicker_32570532SABR Bio by Bill Johnson https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/Mike-Boddicker/ SABR Game story about Boddicker’s World Series win - https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/october-12-1983-orioles-knot-world-series-on-mike-boddickers-gem/ Baseball Prospectus interview - https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/9805/prospectus-qa-mike-boddicker/ Hawkeye Hall of Fame - https://hawkeyesports.com/hof/class-of-2024/mike-boddiker Baseball Hall of Fame Card Corner - https://baseballhall.org/discover/cardcorner-1984-donruss-mike-boddicker Boddicker ends 1983 ALCS Game 2 - https://youtu.be/IlOOwoaiNYQ?si=imlQaGVxXLDkdg4_&t=7947 Boddicker Ks Schmidt to end World Series Game 2 - https://youtu.be/YbBzLXq4MEY?si=gW8ct02IHtEmmNOP&t=9945
Bob Knepper (#151)

Bob Knepper (#151)

2025-09-0448:07

This controversial pitcher closed off opportunities for women umpires for decades by opening his big mouth. Card 151 on Beckett - https://marketplace.beckett.com/baseballcardconnection_794/item/1988-topps-151-bob-knepper_34326495SABR Bio by David E. Skelton - https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/bob-knepper/Hall of Fame Card Corner - https://baseballhall.org/discover/card-corner/1989-topps-bob-knepperWhere did all the Bobs go? - https://www.mlb.com/cut4/where-did-all-the-bobs-in-baseball-go-c301633434 "Careless and Insensitive" - https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/06/18/Houston-Astros-pitcher-Bob-Knepper-who-called-the-National/7331582609600/Knepper apologizes - https://www.efootage.com/videos/108045/knepper-statement-sexist-commentsBob in the SI Vault - https://vault.si.com/vault/1988/06/20/some-say-no-leica-astro-lefty-bob-knepper-has-a-decidedly-controversial-focus-on-the-world-but-his-pitching-this-year-is-right-on-targethttps://tht.fangraphs.com/tht-live/25th-anniversary-pitcher-misses-perfecto-in-debut-by-one-pitch/Article about Female Umpires - https://baseballhall.org/discover-more/stories/baseball-history/woman-in-blue
Jeff from Two Strike Noise joins David for a Giants game and a pack of legends. Two Strike Noise - https://twostrikenoise.podbean.com
A card so great, we just had to sing about it.Card 102T on Beckett - ⁠https://marketplace.beckett.com/threestarssportscards_925/item/1988-topps-traded-102t-nelson-santovenia_67275693⁠Kenny Williams and Jerry Krause -  https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/how-jerry-krause-before-he-built-a-dynasty-with-michael-jordan-was-shaped-by-his-time-in-baseball/ Nelson and Bill and Ted - https://ultimateclassicrock.com/nelson-bill-and-ted/ Miami Hidden Ball Trick - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j45ztPQ6i2I⁠ Article about the Grand Illusion - ⁠https://miamihurricanes.com/news/2007/04/13/205542924-2/⁠ Canadian Baseball Network (behind paywall) - https://www.canadianbaseballnetwork.com/canadian-baseball-network-articles/2015/5/7/santovenia-hopes-to-make-mo-town Nelson's Coaching Biohttps://mdcathletics.com/information/directory/bios/Nelson_Santobenia
Jim Presley (#285)

Jim Presley (#285)

2025-08-0135:21

If there are three true outcomes in baseball, this Mariners bomber had two of them (the HRs and Ks) nailed.Card 285 on Beckett - https://marketplace.beckett.com/item/1082/1988-topps-285-jim-presley_53873437Escambia Mascot Riots in 1976 New York Times - https://www.nytimes.com/1976/03/07/archives/racial-animosity-turns-to-violence-in-pensacola-fla-on-issue-of.html Opening Day Walk Off Grand Slam - https://youtu.be/b34n3DBbiIg?si=rFPrEBtb43HJ_O6g 2nd Walk off Grand Slam - https://www.mlb.com/video/presley-s-walk-off-slam-in-11th-c1709636783 2016 Interview with Jim - https://www.kvue.com/article/sports/one-on-one-with-express-coach-jim-presley/269-270797388 
Ken Williams (#559)

Ken Williams (#559)

2025-07-2458:22

Inside: Everything you ever wanted to know about the 2005 World Series-winning Chicago White Sox. RIP Bobby JenksCard 559 on Becketthttps://marketplace.beckett.com/baseballcardconnection_794/item/1988-topps-559-ken-williams-rc_343269101988 Topps in Sports Illustrated https://www.si.com/collectibles/the-five-essential-baseball-cards-of-1988-topps Leadbelly in Lincoln, NE https://getleaded.com/ SABR Bio by Bill Prudenhttps://sabr.org/bioproj/person/ken-williams/SABR Bio of the other Ken Williams by Joseph Wancho with poemhttps://sabr.org/bioproj/person/ken-williams-2/Base path anticshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SInxwZTZp8&t=1s2005 ALCS dropped third strike?https://youtu.be/9Tn5CQ9vyYQ?si=fRkkNbwQcxAPRkgiWilliams on race and racism in America in 2020https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U9nJ7S9KeI
Felix Fermin (#547)

Felix Fermin (#547)

2025-07-1443:53

Before this defensive specialist became a legendary manager in the Dominican League, he was almost a landmark trade in Yankees' history.Card 547 on Beckett - https://www.beckett.com/baseball/1988/topps/547-felix-fermin-3915004Baseball Hall Card Corner - https://baseballhall.org/discover/cardcorner-1988-topps-felix-fermin Pablo Cruz and the death of Alfredo Edmead - https://www.si.com/mlb/2021/06/18/alfredo-edmead-jr-pablo-cruz-life-after-death-daily-cover Mariano for Felix Fermin? https://www.mlb.com/news/mariano-rivera-almost-got-traded-to-mariners Felix makes a sweet double play - https://youtu.be/AjGcyaQ3N0o?si=MBhrvVJzDfk7ChzH Felix shows great range - https://youtu.be/nqelGxZjj_8?si=7J_i2gKdVtePp05J
Don Mattingly (#2/300/386)

Don Mattingly (#2/300/386)

2025-07-0401:24:53

Plain and simple, he had the best-known name, face, and sideburns of 1980s baseball and baseball cards. Base card #300https://marketplace.beckett.com/item/1082/1988-topps-300-don-mattingly_53873452Record Breakers #2https://marketplace.beckett.com/cardgallery_900/item/1988-topps-2-don-mattingly-rb_62538603All Star #386 on eBayhttps://www.ebay.com/itm/225908282343World of Baseball Don Mattingly - https://baseballcards.substack.com/p/1988-topps-world-of-baseball-don SABR Bio by James Lincoln Ray - https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/Don-Mattingly/Don’s HOF Case at MLB https://www.mlb.com/news/don-mattingly-hall-of-fame-caseDon’s 1987 Topps Birthday Mystery - https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/29043681/cracking-birthday-mystery-don-mattingly-1987-topps-baseball-card Don talks about the Hit Man poster - https://youtu.be/1iRtD14A9Io?si=dMwC5kZb8426ZaCu   Don and Niekro in a New Coke Ad - https://youtu.be/OxjZfs3OUmM?si=4jnF0NzCM_l7QTHq 1989 SI Article - https://vault.si.com/vault/1989/02/06/the-hit-man-hits-back-after-his-most-trying-year-as-a-yankee-don-mattingly-is-now-back-home-in-indiana-preparing-to-attack-the-upcoming-season 1995 ALDS Home Run - https://youtu.be/LrAU5Kxnr04?si=6MzcQxKMzuh-7McZ
Moose Haas (#606)

Moose Haas (#606)

2025-06-2539:29

Of all the celebrities named Moose, the most famous is probably the actor / Jack Russell Terrier who played Eddie on Frasier. RIPCard #606 on Becketthttps://marketplace.beckett.com/item/1082/1988-topps-tiffany-606-moose-haas_66153931SABR Bio by Dennis Degenhardt - https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/moose-haas/ Hall of Fame Card Corner 1981 Moose Haas - https://baseballhall.org/discover/CardCorner-1981-Topps-Moose-Haas1985 UPI Article about Moose- https://www.upi.com/Archives/1985/07/01/Off-the-field-Bryan-Edmond-Moose-Haas-is-a/1092489038400/ Game Used Jersey - https://www.memorabilia.expert/shop/1987-moose-haas-game-worn-as-jersey/ 1982 ALCS Don Baylor Grand Slam - https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1aAj8BTcqJ/
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