The basics: Randy Milligan had completed his fourth season as the Orioles' starting first baseman when this card was issued. He was granted free agency after the 1992 season and signed with the Reds. He has another card in the set with Cincinnati.
Card thoughts: I don't think this was the point when I found out that eye black came in sticker form, but it could have been. Someone from the training staff gets some baseball card time and he has a fancy watch.
Backs are important in '93 UD: Milligan is known for his ability to draw walks and he led the Orioles in the stat in 1991 and 1992. Also, Milligan's pro career began with the Mets way back in 1981. He spent seven years in the minors with New York and one more year with Pittsburgh.
More from 1993: On this date in 1993, Dale Hunter's infamous hit on Pierre Turgeon took place as the Capitals were playing the Islanders during the NHL's Patrick Division semifinals. Turgeon suffered a separated shoulder and missed significant time in the playoffs. Hunter was suspended 21 games -- then an NHL record for an on-ice incident -- to start the following season. It remains one of the most notorious "cheap shots" in NHL history.
That hair line is pretty rough for 31. Better to get some black up there rather than under the eyes.
ReplyDeleteZooming in on the scan you can just about read the watch. Looks like 11:56 AM? The numbers above look like they might say 5-7. In 1992 the Orioles were at home May 1 - May 10, and Milligan's wearing a road uniform.
ReplyDeleteMay 5, 1991 is a possibility, though the two digits look to be different on the watch. That day the O's were in the Big A, Milligan went 1-4 in a 6-4 loss. Nothing in early May '89 or '90 works out. The back photo is also Anaheim. Maybe also 5-5-91? Could that be catcher John Orton's glove? Nope, looking online, doesn't look like Orton used a black glove.
Lance Parrish did wear a black glove, so that back photo must be 6-3-92, a game the Angels won in ten innings, 4-3. Milligan went 2-for-5, Parrish went 0-for-4, and the winning run scored on a fielder's choice (botched DP attempt?) in the bottom of the 10th.
I think I discovered eye black came in sticker form in the early 2010's when Panini inserted them into their Triple Play packs.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Nice research Bo.