There is not a brand I dislike more than Score. Sure, they came out with the lovable Sportsflics but aside from their 1988 debut, their cards always came in last place when competing with Topps & Upper Deck. By the mid-90’s, they were about as irrelevant to the hobby as you can possibly get but in 1992, they released on of the best sets of the year, checklist & design-wise. God, how I love to contradict myself. Now, just look at that card back. How often do we as collectors get a card back as full of stats, with a great head shot, and professional design like that? The answer is, not very often.
Also, if you had immense luck you actually had a chance to pull an on-card autograph of Mickey Mantle (link). Of course, unless you could afford to buy 30,000+ packs of Score you were more than likely going to end up with a Mickey Hatcher instead of “The Mick” but it was still great fun and one great set!
The card below is of a player that has had me torn for over a decade now. You see, I was once a collector of Manny Ramirez and thought he was amazing long before he joined Boston. Back in the mid-90’s I use to follow the Indians and remember when Jim Thome was the 4th biggest star on his team and just the third best player. How he ended up with more home runs than the all natural (Jose Canseco said so) Albert Belle leads me to call shenanigans on Jim . I know he is a great guy but if you recall, so was Rafael Palmeiro.
Jim Thome will be 38 years old next season and considering he hit 34 home runs in 2008, it is likely that he could be two more seasons away from 600 career home runs. It should be noted that in 18 seasons in the Majors, Thome has been an All-Star just five times and has never finished in the top 3 of the M.V.P voting.
Score always had better back than fronts. That might be the only card company you can say that about.
I’ve always liked Thome and was glad when he came to the Phils. Unfortunately he was hurt too much then. In the AL with the DH is where he belongs now. But I never cared for 1992 Score.
“How he ended up with more home runs than the all natural (Jose Canseco said so) Albert Belle leads me to call shenanigans on Jim . I know he is a great guy but if you recall, so was Rafael Palmeiro.”
You should stay away from the baseless allegations. Your blog is much better when you do so. Just because Jose Can-Strike-Out said something doesn’t make it so.
Will, thanks for the comment.
Right now, as much as everyone hates to admit it—Jose speaks the truth. I happen to believe Albert Belle was clean. As far as Thome, I have no idea.
Jim Thome is another class act I’ve followed (not as much as Tony Clark though). I’ve been fortunate enough to see him play several times in Cleveland, as well as get a few cards signed by mail. 2 seasons away from 600? I hope he stays healthy because I would love to see that!
I do like 1992 Score, and their 93 and 94 offerings aren’t bad either. None are as nice (for the time) as 88 though, but I’m a bit biased. Coming back to the hobby after leaving in 94, I’ve managed to get my hands on a few post-94 Score cards and haven’t been all that impressed.
92 is a set that I wouldn’t mind trying to complete, but the size is a bit daunting.
Oh, sorry, Mario. I misunderstood you. When you said you called shenanigans on Thome and then mentioned Palmeiro, I thought you meant you believed Thome had some unlawful enhancement.