John Cangelosi #506

This week...a speedy, hard nosed outfielder who turned work ethic and a good eye into a 13 season MLB career, it's John Cangelosi! Cangelosi taught himself to switch hit and used his speed and on base ability to carve out a valuable role for Jim Leyland's Pirates and Marlins. Cangelosi stole 50 bases for the White Sox as a rookie, tying an AL record. He won a ring with the 1997 Marlins, coming full circle, winning it all  in his home town. He wrote a book about his career and runs a baseball academy out of Bo Jackson's dome in Chicago. 

Other topics - Liza Minelli and Rick Cerone, Adam D's quest for 4000, Nelson Barerra

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Rick Cerone #561/27T

This week, a country singing, jeans modeling, owner feuding, Yankee catcher...Rick Cerone! Rick was a New Jersey born Seton Hall star who had an 18 year MLB career. He caught the first pitch in Blue Jays history before taking over the Yankees catching spot after Thurman Munson's tragic death. He had a great 1980, earned MVP votes and helped the Yankees win the AL East. That earned him some NYC star points, a modeling gig, and a charity single. He never recreated that 1980, but was a solid backup catcher into the 90s. 

Topics: Italian earthquakes, 10 Jeans, fighting George

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Rick Mahler #706

This week, we discussed an Atlanta workhorse who was an ace on opening day...it's Rick Mahler! Rick followed his brother Mickey into the Atlanta system and the two were big league teammates in 1979. Rick was the Opening Day starter for Atlantan in 1982 and then 1985-1988. He was 4-0 with a 0.92 ERA and a record 3 straight shutouts. In a 13 season career, Rick won nearly 100 games and had a 3.99 ERA. He coached in retirement and sadly passed away in 2005 at just 51 years old. 

Topics: Gustav, Mickey and Rickey, Opening Day

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Tim Flannery #513

 

This week, we talked about the Flan Man! Tim Flannery was a career Padre, playing for the 1984 NL Champs, and earning a Flan Appreciation Day when he retired. He was versatile and was a good contact and on base guy when he got regular playing time. He remains in the Padres top 10 in games, triples, hit by pitches, and defensive WAR. In retirement he started a band and was a third base coach under Bruce Bochy for the Padres and then the Giants, winning 3 rings in San Francisco. After a 2020 health scare he is back with his band the Lunatic Fringe playing music, helping charities, and being the best dude. 

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Links: 

SABR Bio by Bob Webster 

88 Topps Blog about this card 

1988 Fleer Surfboard card 

Flannery as the Mascot 

NY Times story about Tim 

Flannery discusses the 1984 NLCS: 

Waiting on a Miracle:

 

Bochy and Flannery, The Odd Couple:

 

Flannery sends Pagan home:

 

Keith Moreland #416/72T

 

This week, a player immortalized in a Steve Goodman song...it's Zonk! Keith Moreland was a two sport athlete (also playing defensive back) for the Texas Longhorns before focusing on baseball. After making the Phillies as a backup catcher, he won a ring in 1980, then was traded to the Cubs where he was moved to the outfield, first base, and third base. He was a big part of the 1984 NL East champs and had a few good offensive seasons. His defensive misadventures were referenced in A Dying Cubs Fan's Last Request by Steve Goodman. He went on to a long career as a baseball and football announcer!
Topics: water football, Hook'em Horns, Cool as Ice, Go Cubs Go

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Brian Dayett #136

 

This week, we discussed a player and coach who recently passed away after a long battle with Parkinson's...it's Bama, Brian Dayett. Dayett was almost cut from his minor league team...but turned it around to become Southern League MVP. He was a backup for the Yankees and Cubs and then spent some time in NPB. He was a long time coach before illness forced him to retire. He passed away on September 7, 2025 at the age of 68. 

Topics: Nicknames, XYZ, Nippon Ham Mascots

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Mike Boddicker #725

 

This week, the Orioles last 20 game winner, a 1983 champ...Mike Boddicker! Boddicker was a dominant pitcher in the baseball hotbed of Norway, Iowa and was a two way star for the Iowa Hawkeyes. He stepped into the rotation in 1983 and was a huge part of the Orioles run to the World Series title. He had his best individual season in 1984, winning 20 and making the All Star team. After a few years as the best pitcher on a bad team he was traded to Boston for Brady Anderson and Curt Schilling. It seems lopsided, but Boddicker was solid and helped the Red Sox make the playoffs twice. In retirement he has started the Boddicker Foundation helping families fighting childhood cancer. 

Topics - Norwegians, bourbon raffles, foshballs

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