From the Favorites Box: Sandy Alomar, 1973 Topps #123

A series where I post some thoughts about favorite cards. Previous cards in the series are available here.

Now batting for the Angels. . . number two. . . second baseman. . . Sandy Alomar. . .

That announcement through the P.A. system could be right where we find ourselves as we look through the thin black frame and into the story being told on this card.

Mr. Alomar has just stepped into the batter's box, there's a lull in the crowd, and the catcher is silently transmitting signals to the pitcher who stands on the mound about 60 feet away.

The thing is, sometimes we don't think about how much hard work a hitter puts in every single day just to get into that batter's box. Physical training, mental training, batting practice, studying tendencies of various pitchers. Even choosing the right model bat takes time and effort.

And if a hitter plugs all of those variables into the equation successfully, the result is bound to be a boost in confidence. It's a pretty great feeling for an athlete to have. And if you look closely at this card, you'll see that Alomar's got it.

It's in the way he's hitching up his pant leg with one hand while he twirls the bat toward the pitcher with the other. You can't help but think the next scene in the story will involve Sandy grabbing that bat with both hands, getting into his stance, and drilling the next pitch somewhere.

For putting in all the work, day in and day out, in order to step into the batter's box with confidence, 1973 Topps #123 has a place in my box of favorite cards.