Top 5: Ron Cey Cards

Behind Steve Garvey, Ron Cey was the second most prominent member of the legendary Dodger infield of the '70s and early '80s . And yet, even though he received his share of accolades during his career, I still think his accomplishments are somewhat underappreciated. He had 10 seasons with 20+ home runs and swatted 316 long balls in his career. His batting average may not have been overwhelming (career .261). But he had a very discerning eye at the plate, as attested by his career .354 on base percentage. Plus, he had an excellent glove at the hot corner (go back and watch Game 3 of the '81 World Series if you need a refresher). One can make a very strong case that Cey was the most indispensable Dodger of his era.

Throughout his career, the Penguin certainly had his fair share of classic cards. Here are my five favorite.

5. 1978 Kellogg's

Of the many oddball baseball card sets that have been released over the years, the Kellogg's 3-D sets were my favorite (followed closely by the Hostess cards, about which I'll more to say in a later post). This Ron Cey from 1978 is a fine exemplar of those great sets.

4. 1978 Topps

As I've already said in prior posts, 1978 Topps was the first set that I religiously collected. Thus, a Ron Cey from this set was a lock to make this list. Not a lot of action in this card. But the All Star designation and that awesome mustache are more than enough more to make this a classic.

3. 1976 Topps

I always thought this was a particularly cool card, what with the Penguin wielding a piece of lumber before taking some hacks during pre-game BP. With those flexed forearms, he looks every bit the power hitter that he was.

2. 1974 Topps

After being part of 3-in-1 rookie cards in '72 and '73, Ron Cey finally got his first standalone card in '74, and it's a doozy. The full-body shot shows the Penguin uncoiling a monster cut, his upward gaze indicating he got all of the pitch. Whenever I look at this card, I always imagine Vin Scully exclaiming, "A high flyball to deep left center field! A way back! She is GONE!" Without question, the best action shot of Cey ever captured on cardboard.

1. 1975 Topps

This was the first Ron Cey card I ever owned, and it remains my favorite. The background at Dodger Stadium is sublime, with the colors of the grass, dirt, and stadium seats perfectly complementing the vibrant multicolor card border. And Cey's pose is perfectly regal. Add to this the All Star designation (which I always love), and you have all the ingredients for a classic card.

BONUS: Best 3-in-1 Rookie Card

One of the most sought-after cards of the '70s, this cardboard gem features the two best NL third basemen of the Me Decade (though it's a little odd to see Ron and Mike sans their trademark mustaches). And then there's the bespectacled Mr. Hilton (career OPS .564 over 161 games). At least he can brag to his grandchildren that his rookie card is one of the most valuable in existence.