Fernando

[Brent G.]

I'd been searching for a nice 1981 Fernando Topps auto, got one a few weeks back on eBay, it failed authentication, so I returned it.

Needless to say, since early last evening, the prices have exploded and inventory vanished.

I'll always remember that "eyes to the sky" delivery to the tune of "This Week in Baseball." The dude could swing a bat, too -- .304 in 1990, four seasons .250+. There are MANY everyday position players now who can't do that.

[JollyElm]

Fernando-mania was off the hook in the summer of 1981, when it seemed not a single player could get a hit off of the man!!!
And the body twisting, eyes glancing up at the heavens delivery was imitated by every Wiffle Ball playing kid in the country to form their new unhittable pitch (even all of us who hated the Dodgers with a seething passion).

What a time to be alive!!!!

No idea if this is authentic, but got it TTM with other cards of his sometime in the early 80's...

valenzuelarookie.jpg


Rest in peace, fine sir.

[Beercan collector]

Remember 1981 like it was yesterday (yet cannot remember yesterday)
ROY , Cy Young , Silver Slugger , World Series winner
.. All in the same year

[doug.goodman]

Originally Posted by Brent G.

I'd been searching for a nice 1981 Fernando Topps auto, got one a few weeks back on eBay, it failed authentication, so I returned it.

I have a 1980 autograph that I got in person before he won his first career game in Candlestick, I'll have to find it and post a scan.

[vintagebaseballcardguy]

My first childhood sports hero...RIP

[vthobby]

It's hard to believe that a player from the 1981 Topps set has passed but I felt the same way when Gwynn ('83 Topps), and Puckett ('85 Topps) all passed as well. Life is way too short. RIP Fernando and goodnight Sibby Sisti wherever you are.

[HercDriver]

I was a freshman in high school that year, and couldn't wait for Fernando to come to Wrigley. My dad was a Brooklyn Dodger fan, mostly for Duke Snider, so we always went to Cubs/Dodger games. When I was remembering it this morning, driving home, I thought Fernando was undefeated when he showed up at Wrigley. We killed him that day, is what I mostly remember. When I went back and looked for the 1981 game log, he was 10-2 when he came to town, and my sorry Cubs beat him, 11-5. Mike Tyson was the hero, with a 3-run homer. But what a cool thing to see him pitch, and all the hype that went with it. Oddly enough, the Shota Imanaga frenzy this year at Wrigley totally reminded me of Fernandomania. Great stuff...sad to see him and Tiant leave us. Two of the best, and most entertaining pitchers I ever saw.

[icollectDCsports]

Such an exciting player who was great for the game. RIP

[rlevy]

Great ballplayer, great gentleman. Always received a huge well deserved standing ovation at Dodger Stadium whenever they showed him on the large screen. RIP.

Rick

1981 Fernando.jpg