A Little Persistence Pays Off

Rick Sutcliffe, the first player to pitch in a regular season game at Camden Yards, had been extremely difficult for me to track down. That was until today.

I had received two Return To Sender envelopes on prior occasions. They were from different addresses, both of which have seen positive returns in the last few weeks. I didn't want to chance a RTS again, so I went another route. I bugged the man at work.

I don't feel like a total jerk because he is still involved in sports and baseball with ESPN, but just a wee bit dirty. It took about six weeks for my return, with a postmark from Missouri, where my other requests had failed. It feels good to have my persistence and resourcefulness rewarded like this.

Rick Sutcliffe 1993 Fleer #552

Unfortunately the Fleer signature is a little dry so I have to keep the Score card. I have an affinity for 1993 Fleer because my uncle gave me about 100 series II rack packs for helping him work a show. If anyone needs the Tom Glavine inserts or N.L. Team Leaders, you know who to call.

Rick Sutcliffe 1993 Score #563


This Cy Young, Rookie of the Year and three time All-Star award winner was brought into Baltimore to anchor their staff in 1992. And that is exactly what he did, starting in a league leading 36 games and chewing up 237 innings. His two seasons in Baltimore were great for the club because Sutcliffe became the stalwart of their rotation and set an example for young starters Ben McDonald and Mike Mussina.

His 18th and final major league season came in 1994 as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals. He retired after the season and has been a commentator and analyst with a San Diego local affiliate and most recently the aforementioned ESPN.