An Almost Perfect Game

One the 100 Greatest Sports Feats covers Harvey Haddix, who pitched the hell out of a game in 1959.

I was skimming through some books that are destined for the sell pile (or as trades for cards). I've gotten all I can from them. Now it's time for someone else. But before they go I'll write about some book to card connections.

This Illustrated True Book is what Wally or the Beav would’ve read on a street curb.

Reading a book published in 1964 about a then-recent event is a little weird and interesting. It starts with a dedication to John F. Kennedy, who died in '63. So it's like experiencing history told in the voice of that era. There's a time machine quality to it.

Haddix still holds the MLB record for most consecutive batters retired in one game (36). He was battling a serious cold yet managed to become the first to pitch a perfect game through 12 innings (noted on his tombstone).

I picked up Harvey's 1993 Upper Deck card two years ago. The card's got a lot going for it. The best thing, of course, is the serious 50’s phone (no curly cord just straight old school).

This seems to be a phone made of Bakelite, an older type of plastic. It looks like this one someone's selling on Etsy:

The card back summarizes his almost perfect game. There’s also an explanation of the Baseball Assistance Team. This is a cool idea - a foundation that helps ball players in need. BAT still exists. Fuji also posted a box break with more info here.

There's a more "recent" 2009 article titled the Greatest Game Ever Pitched that's written 50 years after the game. It's worth a read. And last Sunday marked the 60th anniversary.

I wonder what he's reading while chatting on the phone...

Card facts: based on the 1912 T-202 Hassan Triple Folders card design, this 1993 Upper Deck series is named either B.A.T. Triple-Folders or All Time Heroes of Baseball. They’re an oddball size (2.25” x 5.25”). It's card #61 out of 165.

Current Availability: semi-common (handful on eBay and some on Sportlots)