Sunday, February 20, 2011

2004 Fleer Greats of the Game: Boog Powell





Who is this? former Baltimore Orioles first baseman Boog Powell
What is this? An autographed card from the 2004 Fleer Greats of the Game set
Where'd I get it? Ryan of the Great Orioles Autograph Project got it signed for me at this year's Orioles fanfest
How much did it cost? The unsigned card was a dime.

Why is this so special? Powell was the first baseman for five pennant-winning Orioles teams in the 1960s and 70s. He earned 2 World Series rings, was a 4-time All-Star and was the American League MVP in 1970.

You could make a case that 1970 was not Powell's best season. During his MVP year, Powell hit .297 / .412 / .549 with 35 home runs and 114 RBI. In 1964, Powell finished 11th in MVP voting. He hit .290 / .399 / .606 with 39 home runs and 99 RBI. His .606 slugging percentage led the American League, the only time in his 17 year career that he was a league leader in a major offensive category.

Powell retired with over 300 career homers and more than 1000 RBIs. He now owns Boog's Barbecue, which has two Maryland locations including one at Camden Yards.

Thanks for getting my card signed, Ryan.

2 comments:

Orioles Magic said...

Anytime Paul, sorry Boog mashed his sharpie on the card, but it's how he's signed for years.

Paul Hadsall said...

No problem - I appreciate the autograph.