Has there ever been better fundamentals depicted on a sportscard....

jrboles · August 20, 2012 1:30AM

...then the 2012 Topps mini Rick Porcello? While I cannot tell if he's stepping to far down on the mound, I have not seen a better arm angle or grip in delivering the circle change up. Was he posing for a textbook?

My scanner is down, but it is worth a look. The fundamentals antithesis to the 1974 Topps Steve Blass.

gumbyfan · August 20, 2012 1:48AM

I like everything about this post and couldn't agree more.

hammered · August 20, 2012 4:10AM

Good call.
I always thought the 1989 Score Wade Boggs card (#175 - will post a scan later) could show kids a good lesson in hitting.
He watches the ball all the way into the catcher's glove, even when pulling back on a bunt. One of the reasons he made such good contact.

digicat · August 20, 2012 4:12AM

Here, Ryno illustrates what can happen if you don't get your glove down:

TNP777 · August 20, 2012 4:17AM

<< The fundamentals antithesis to the 1974 Topps Steve Blass. >>

'cause I know everyone else is curious, too

vladguerrero · August 20, 2012 4:53AM

<< Here, Ryno illustrates what can happen if you don't get your glove down:

>>

Or square up

vladguerrero · August 20, 2012 4:57AM

How to throw

Vlad-damentals

...okay so I was poking around YouTube after posting the first link and found this GEM! LOL hubba hubba

Vladimir Guerrero Song!

digicat · August 20, 2012 5:08AM

<< 'cause I know everyone else is curious, too >>

In old baseball pictures, I see a lot of pitchers letting their glove arm fly out on their follow-through like that.

Today, most pitchers seem to keep their glove close to their body on follow through.

jrboles · August 20, 2012 5:11AM

<< 

<< 'cause I know everyone else is curious, too >>

In old baseball pictures, I see a lot of pitchers letting their glove arm fly out on their follow-through like that.

Today, most pitchers seem to keep their glove close to their body on follow through. >>

Coach Torres brought this card to practice to try and explain what not to do. The point was completely lost on those of us 9-year olds and this card became the white whale of the playground.

Coach Torres was ambitious in his instruction.

digicat · August 20, 2012 5:36AM

<< Coach Torres brought this card to practice to try and explain what not to do. The point was completely lost on those of us 9-year olds and this card became the white whale of the playground.

Coach Torres was ambitious in his instruction. >>

Given that Steve Blass was in the process of "Steve Blass"ing in 73 and 74, I wonder if his screwy mechanics in that pic are more of a side-effect of other screwy mechanical and mental problems that resulted in his total disintegration as a big-league pitcher.

Wondo · August 20, 2012 5:45AM

My Pics:

mccardguy1 · August 20, 2012 5:46AM

<< My Pics:

>>

I cant help but think Scooter would have had his fingers mashed if he bunted like that. When I was a kid I thought bunting like this was just asking for broken digits.

Wondo · August 20, 2012 5:53AM

<< 

<< My Pics:

>>

I cant help but think Scooter would have had his fingers mashed if he bunted like that. When I was a kid I thought bunting like this was just asking for broken digits. >>

I think what makes the pic correct is the fact that he is square and although his right hand is exposed, it is well down on the barrell. He was a great bunter (if his reputation is deserved).