#21 Brian Anderson
I got this card through the mail back in the mid '90s. It seems like I haven't said that in awhile. About every other 1993 card was obtained that way.
Brian had a long, undistinguished career. He played for thirteen seasons with four different teams. He was mostly a starter and he finished his career with an 82-83 record and a 4.74 ERA. The most wins that he ever had in a season was 14 in 2003. That year he was 9-10 with the Indians until the Royals acquired him for the stretch run (it hardly seems like it was only five years ago that the Royals were in first place at this point in the season). After being traded to the Royals, he finished the season with a 5-1 mark. I was actually at the game that he lost that year as a Royal. He was 6-12 for the Royals the next year. After six starts into 2005, he got injured and never played again.
Brian did make four appearances in the World Series. He had three relief appearances for the Indians in 1997 and even earned a save. He made one start for the D-Backs in 2001. He pitched 5.1 innings and gave up two runs to take the loss (2-1).
1994 was the first year of Collector's Choice. I always liked this product. It was a nice glossy card but was always cheaper than the regular Upper Deck. Plus, they always seemed to have some original subsets.
I like this set... nice auto, too! At first I thought the entry was going to be about a facsimile, since it's so clean and well positioned.
ReplyDeleteVery nice looking card, I collected the 94 Collector's Choice for the same reasons. Brian has found a home with the Rays as an assistant pitching coach and occasional broadcaster. He is out there before every game shagging balls in the outfield, too. He is still in game shape. Also, have you received the package that I sent to you? Thanks again for a great blog!
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