2001 UD Vintage All-Star Tributes
Pedro Martinez was an appropriate selection for an All-Star
tribute card in 2001. Not only was he coming off what may have been the two
best seasons by a pitcher in baseball history. But, he was injured when the
time came for the 2001 All-Star game, so he wasn’t (couldn’t be) selected. But,
he was still named on every coach’s ballot that Joe Torre handed out to help
select his staff. So, they asked MLB for special permission to put Pedro on the
team as a tribute member of some sort. That’s when you know you’re good. When
your league can’t imagine an All-Star team without you on it. So, why not an
All-Star Tribute card? Sounds reasonable.
What about the card itself? I like it. It’s clean and
simple. I prefer full photos, but understand the need for variety when you’re
making a set. The size of Pedro seems about right. Last time, when discussing
the 2003 UD Top 40, I felt the picture was too small. If you had a page of
those cards of different players, it would be hard to tell they were different.
I think in this case, the picture is just the right size to keep the
consistency in the design, while still allowing Pedro to be an individual.
Speaking of the picture, does anyone else think it’s odd that Pedro still slit
the sleeves of his jersey, even though he was wearing a long sleeve shirt
underneath it? Wouldn’t that be at least as constrictive as a short sleeve?
The rest of the card works. The Player’s name and team are
clearly written. It would be nice if the “vintage” logo were a little less
prominent. But, the color hides it somewhat. The simple star design fits with
the theme of the set. I have a hard time finding something I don’t like about
the card.
Other than a “vintage” set from a company that’s 12 years
old.
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