The basics: Dave Mlicki made his debut in most card brands in 1993, with '92 Bowman beating everyone to the punch once again. I'm starting to wonder if all the sets at the time -- Topps, Upper Deck, Fleer, Donruss, Score -- had access to the same "upcoming rookies" sheet because they all are on top of the same newbie players.
Card thoughts: The second horizontal card in the set. It's an interesting shot, I'm torn between wishing it was zoomed out a little and enjoying the close-up view of Mlicki's pitching motion. It also made me curious as to the most famous wearer of No. 36 in franchise history. That would be Gaylord Perry, who wore it for the Indians from 1972-75.
Backs are important in '93 UD: Mlicki began his pro career where I live, in Watertown, N.Y., in 1990. He struggled to stay in the majors and when he did, it wasn't with Cleveland. A trade to the Mets in the 1994 offseason in a deal for Jeromy Burnitz proved to be the break Mlicki needed. His best years were with the Mets and he pitched in the big leagues until 2003.
More from '93 UD: On this date in 1993, the Winnipeg Jets' Teemu Selanne scored three goals to break Mike Bossy's record for most goals in a season by a rookie. Also in the NHL, Mario Lemieux returned from his final radiation treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma to supply a goal and an assist for the Penguins against the Flyers.
Big day in hockey, eh? Selanne's first season was insane.
ReplyDeleteI dont remember much about Mlicki, but he does sound more familiar as a Met. He certainly lasted longer than a lot of the other prospects in the set so far.