Saturday, October 24, 2009

#9 - Frank Tepedino

Card fact: One thing that was a fact of life when I was collecting as a kid, was if you were going to buy baseball cards, you were going to end up with cards that were off-center. It was much more common than it is today. Here is an example of an off-centered beauty.

What I thought about this card then: Never saw it. Didn't know the guy existed.

What I think of about this card now: Well, basically the same thing that I thought when I was 9 years old. And being a grown-up now, I felt guilty about that. So I did some research.

Tepedino, although a career back-up, has led an interesting life, even after his playing days. He became a New York firefighter about 5 years after his playing career ended, and he knew many of the firefighters who perished in the 9/11 attacks. Miraculously, Tepedino and four other relatives who were NYC firefighters survived. Since that day, he has spoken many times about his experiences.

Other stuff: During Tepedino's time with the Braves, he was Hank Aaron's back-up at first base. Also, this was Tepedino's last baseball card. He spent almost all of 1975 in the minors.

Back facts: The cartoon mentions Elmer Valo, who was just brought up here.

Other blog stuff: Nada. Must. Sleep. Now.

2 comments:

CaptKirk42 said...

Here are a couple of ideas for the purple/pink combo name.

Purple passion
Blueberry Surprise
Grape Nehi

I tend to like the Grape Nehi since it is also a reference nod to M*A*S*H since it was Radar's drink of choice.

CaptKirk42 said...

Oh also there is "Grape Ape".