Monday, January 14, 2008

M.V.P.

Most Valuable Pokey


The man more valuable than Ken Griffey Jr. In 1999.

But no longer. This card is Pokey Reese's Limited Series parallel of 2000 Pacific Crown Royal serial numbered 046 / 144. The card has bright silver foil for a crown and under the name. Just does not scan well. The photo shows Pokey getting ready to beat out an infield bunt. The guy had it all. Speed, some pop, range in the field, clean uniform and a small diamond stud in the ear. He was a can't miss prospect. The man that the Reds' front office would not include in a trade for Ken Griffey Jr.
This card sums up the excess of Pacific Trading Card Company. This is one of 5 parallels from the base set that I have. I must be one of the few people out there who had a lot of fun tracking down each version of the Pacific cards produced in 2000. The die cut crown is a nice touch. This is one of the more original die cuts out there.

The back is interesting. No stats as usual. Just a small blurb letting me know Pokey stole 38 bases and was a Gold Glove winner. No wonder he was untouchable. The font is well placed and easy to read. This is one of the few times when drop shadows actually add to a visual. I will admit I was glad when the Reds did not trade him. It meant a World Series title or 3 for the Reds with Larkin, Griffey, Casey and Reese in the lineup.

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