#646 - Checklist, 529-660

Card fact: This is the final checklist card in the set.

What I thought about this card then: No idea.

What I think about this card now: Nothing that I haven't said already. Checklists don't exactly evoke deep thoughts.

Other stuff: The pink-yellow border combination moves into sole possession of first place with its 55th card in the set.

Back facts: I kind of don't like showing the back of this card. It gives you a look at the final cards in the set that I haven't covered. I wanted it to be a surprise.

Other blog stuff: You're going to have to stare at the checklist for a little while longer. I won't be posting on Sunday in memory of the 10th anniversary of 9/11. I'll be back Monday.

#517 - Checklist, 397-528

Card fact: This is the second and last tan-light blue bordered checklist card. There's only one other checklist card left and it is another pink-yellow one.

What I thought about this card then: Probably didn't have it. Probably wouldn't have thought anything about it if I did.

What I think about this card now: For the first time, a checklist card comes along during a rare easy day for me. But I still have nothing to say.

Other stuff: I've got nothing else. Sorry.

Back facts: Topps still hasn't figured out whether it's "checklist" or "check list." I don't think it's going to come to a conclusion by the time the set is over.

Also, the back gives you a look at who is on cards 518-528, which we haven't covered yet.

Other blog stuff: A trio of '70s stars were born on this date. Glen Campbell, Jack Nicholson and Peter Frampton

#386 - Checklist, 265-396

Card fact: This is the first pink-yellow bordered card in 33 cards. Once the overall leader, it is now trailing badly behind orange-brown.

What I thought about this card then: Beats me.

What I think about this card now: It's funny how these checklist cards come along at the best times. I just had a whirlwind 36 hours. I certainly could use a quick-and-easy post.

Other stuff: The name of Dick Sharon is misspelled as "Sahron" at card No. 293.

Back facts: Another sneak-peak at the players coming up in cards numbered 387-396, including my most favorite player of all-time (no it's not Don DeMola).

Other blog stuff: A lot of big trades have happened on this date in history. Among them:

1957: White Sox send Minnie Minoso and Fred Hatfield to the Indians for Early Wynn and Al Smith.
1958: Dodgers trade Gino Cimoli to Cardinals for Wally Moon.
1963: Tigers trade Jim Bunning to the Phillies for Gus Triandos, Jack Hamilton and Don Demeter.
1964: Dodgers trade Frank Howard, Phil Ortega, Ken McMullen and Pete Richert to the Senators for Claude Osteen and John Kennedy
1968: Astros trade Mike Cuellar, Elijah Johnson and Enzo Hernandez to the Orioles for Curt Belfary and Curt Mason.
1973: Reds send Ross Grimsley to the Orioles for Merv Rettenmund and Junior Kennedy.
1974: Expos trade Ken Singleton and Mike Torrez to the Orioles for Dave McNally, Rich Coggins and a minor leaguer.
1988: Orioles trade Eddie Murray to the Dodgers for Ken Howell, Brian Holton and Juan Bell.
2007: Marlins send Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis to the Tigers for Cameron Maybin, Andrew Miller, Dallas Trahern, Mike Rabelo, Eulogio De La Cruz and Burke Badenhop.

#257 - Checklist, 133-264

Card fact: This is the second of the two border color combinations that Topps used for its 1975 set checklists. The first checklist in the set displayed the pink-yellow (marshmallow peeps) combo, while this checklist features the tan-light blue (seaside) combo.

What I thought about this card then: Again, I don't have the foggiest idea whether I had this card or not. I'm guessing I didn't, because I don't recall the tan-light blue borders on the checklists.

What I think about this card now: Once again, I'm relieved that it's checklist time, and I don't have to do any research. I'm in birthday recovery mode, and I'm a year older for crying out loud. It's nice of the '75 set to give the old man a break.

Other stuff: There is no other stuff. Just names and numbers and tiny square boxes.

Back facts: My goodness the back of this card is severely miscut! I'm just noticing that for the first time.

Also, you get a sneak peek at what cards are coming up on the blog as they're featured immediately under the checklist listing at No. 257.

Other blog stuff: On this date in 1975, Wilbur Wood pitched his second straight start for the White Sox and hurled his second straight shutout. It wasn't quite as amazing as you might think as the All-Star break was between the two starts. But still pretty impressive.

#126 - Checklist, 1-132

Card fact: The '75 checklists come in two color combos: pink-yellow and tan-light blue.

What I thought about this card then: Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I can't even tell you whether I had it or not.

What I think about this card now: Thank God, a checklist. No research, no fact-checking, no memories. Yeah, it makes for a boring post, but I just spent 10 hours straight of non-stop thinking. I need the break.

Other stuff: What? You think I can expand upon a checklist card? OK, how about this: I firmly believe that a checklist needs to be a part of every set. And by that I mean, it must be a numbered card within the set that you must collect to complete the set. None of this "random checklist inserted in every third pack" that people end up using to insulate their attic. Make the checklist collectible again, damn it!

Back facts: One of the most interesting parts of the checklist to me -- and I use the word "interesting" in its very loosest definition -- is spotting the actual checklist card listed on the checklist. You can see in this case that it's down in the lower right, and that it's called a "Check List." Apparently, they couldn't decide whether it was one word or two.

Other blog stuff: Former Indians infielder Jack Brohamer (card #552) was born on this date 60 years ago.