Finest Fleer 1981-1985

Now that we have gotten through all the wonders of Donruss cards, now maybe it's time to take a look at our next manufacturer. Since we are going in alphabetical order that means Fleer would be next. The first few years for Fleer were pretty awful. Bad photography, numerous errors on cards, and poor design. In time, they would come to get better at making cards, only to fade away later down the road. Let's see what the first few years brought us, shall we?

1981 Joe Simpson
Honestly, they couldn't find a way to get the shot without the screen from the batting cage? Poor choice on the photographer's part.

If anyone has this card, I'm open to a trade.
1982 Dick Drago
I guess if you have a collar coming out of your shirt, and have finely trimmed beard it makes you more classy.

If anyone has this card, I'm open to a trade.
1983 Julio Cruz
I'm sorry, but what's with the bushes above the eyes, dude? Trim those things, they are scaring me.

1984 Bill Caudill
SAY CHEESE!! LOOK AT ME!!

If anyone has this card, I'm open to a trade.
1984 Update Phil Bradley
I like the concentration by Phil to keep his eye on the ball.

If anyone has this card, I'm open to a trade.
1985 Dave Henderson
I think they could have done a better job of centering Dave on this card, but I like the action.

1985 Update Ivan Calderon
It's hot here in Tempe, and if you don't get the picture soon, I'm going to beat you with this bat.

There is the finest that Fleer had to offer in their first years. Soon to come another five years of Fleer cards.

Donruss Dandies 1981-1985

Now that we have gotten through my favorites from the Topps brand of cards for each year, I thought let's try the other card makers. Why not start in alphabetical order, which means we start with Donruss. As we all know, Donruss's first set was in 1981 and it was riddled with errors and bad photography. Where what I could pull out of the first years that I thought were best.

1981 Joe Simpson

I guess the photographers couldn't find anything better to do with a rain delay in Chicago, so let's do next year's cards. It is cool to see the old Comiskey scoreboard in the background, and the tarp in the field.

If anyone has this card I need one. Trades welcome

1982 Tommy Davis

It was not common at all to give individual coaches their own cards, but Donruss decided to be different. From the look on Tommy's face I would do whatever he says. That's one scary face.

1983 Gene Nelson

I'm not sure where they did the round of photos for this set, but half look like they are in an empty stadium. A few fans makes it more believable.

If anyone has this card I need one. Trades welcome

1984 Ricky Nelson

I love the look of this card. Look at that nice bunt technique. The bunt is a lost art in my opinion. I know everyone loves the long ball, but moving runners over is part of the game.

1985 Bob Kearney

I know it is stereotypical, but tell me those glasses don't just scream 80's.  I like they way they fit under that batting helmet.

There you go folks, the first five years of Donruss memories. I know that some of their cards would get better years later, but the first were the worst. If anyone has a bunch of extra Donruss from those beginning years, please look at the Super Set wantlist and help a lonely Mariner fan out.

Tops of the Topps 1981-1985

Back again for another look at my picks for tops of the Topps cards for the Mariners. Let's start with 1981 and work our way through 1985 shall we?

1981 Team Card

This was an easy choice given that this was the last year Topps did a team card with a team picture, and a checklist on the back. That's a hint Topps, let get back on track with a few things.

1981 Traded Gary Gray

Gary looks like someone just farted, or if playing for the Rangers, Indians, and now the Mariners which is worse.

1982 Bob Galasso

When was this picture taken?? The Mariners quit wearing these uniforms after the 1980 season. The only time he was with the Mariners in those uniforms was 1977.

1982 Traded Jim Essian

Jim looks OK in one of those classic Spring Training photo shoot poses. Nice wristbands though.

1983 Gene Nelson

I'm not exactly sure where or when this photo was taken, but either the M's were getting it handed to them, or it was brutally hot. Gene is sweating like a pig here.

1983 Traded Steve Henderson

It looks like Steve, but are we really sure? Very poor photo choice Topps. Let try a little harder next time.

1984 Jamie Nelson

It's a little hard to hit when your stance is that far apart. I guess that's why you only hit .219

1984 Traded Alvin Davis

Easy choice of my FAVORITE Mariner player of all time. How could I not pick his rookie card?

1985 Edwin Nunez

Is it just me, or does it look like that pitch hurt to throw? I'm hoping it was a good fastball.

1985 Traded Jim Presley

There were only two traded cards in 1985, but I do like the grays. I don't think he made a productive out on this play.

Next time around we will dive into the years of 1986-1990. It could get better, or it might tailspin out of control. Only the cards know where we will go. Stay tuned...