Glenn Davis, power and the Astros' first base legacy

For some reason, first basemen have always tended to be my favorite players. While I liked Craig Biggio, I was in awe of Jeff Bagwell in the late 90's. Lance Berkman was one of the most fun players to follow in the 2000's, both for his personality and for his bat. Now, we've got Chris Carter and Jonathan Singleton to enjoy for the next decade or so.

But, it all started with Glenn Davis.

I was too young to really remember the 80's Astros teams. Heck, I was four when the '86 team made its historic run. I always knew about the team and I sure had all their baseball cards. But, ask me to tell you what I remember of them playing and things get hazy.

I do remember focusing on Glenn Davis from an early age. Until he was traded to the Orioles, I called him my favorite player to anyone who asked. He was a powerful guy on a team that didn't hit many home runs. Going to the 'Dome and hoping to see him hit one was just great.

As a kid, though, I connected to baseball through baseball cards. I collected them, but I wasn't a collector. I had binders full of them, but it didn't carry into junior high for me. All I had were memories of looking at cards, learning all the little facts on the back and chewing that terrible, wonderful gum.

I would be fascinated by cards of Danny Darwin, because my dad told me his nickname was Dr. Death. I thought the one of Glenn Wilson was funny, because he was wearing glasses. I prided myself on collecting as many Astros as I could.

That's one of the reasons why Ryan's awesome baseball card mockup of Mark Appel appealed to me so much last night. Baseball cards still hold a small place in my heart as my gateway into the baseball world. That started with Glenn Davis, and I hope it can continue in my son. He's already got a J.D. Martinez card, and I try to buy him a pack every chance I get. Hopefully, we'll find a Singleton one too and I can pass down my fondness for first baseman to him.

Topps Archives Baseball is a celebration of the 70s, 80s and 90s, what many consider to be the glory years of card collecting. If you collected Topps Baseball Cards during these years then you will love Topps Archives Baseball. Look for autographs and memorabilia cards from today’s stars and your favorite retired players on classic Topps card designs.