My new friend, Bob Lemke, the editor of the famous Standard Catalog Of Baseball Cards, also known as the SCD, sent me this card today and I was blown away when I first saw it. This is an example of his 2010 custom baseball cards. These are incredibly rad cards! Check it out, it’s the Big Hurt when he was the big Auburn Tight End!
Lemke’s custom cards compile a monster list of HOFers presented in novel situations i.e., depicted on classic Topps designs from decades past. The cards are essentially old pictures from when the players were in college or right as they were drafted. This one is of course my favorite, depicting Frank Thomas while he was playing football for Auburn as a Tight End circa 1986. I love this because it’s just not something you ever see. It’s an interesting take, depicting Frank Thomas wearing football fatigues in the vintage 1955 Topps Football style. While Frank made his money on the baseball field not the gridiron. However, he was a talented pig-skin tosser in college.
This being my first card depicting big Frank in Auburn tights, I thought it should be showcased. That and I love the design here, the green border adds a strong touch and it pairs well with the white outer border. On a final note, Lemke’s custom cards look and feel just like the originals. Lemke really did a magnificent job with these custom cards. You can read more about the custom cards on Bob Lemke’s blog.
To view the current eBay auctions for Bob Lemke custom cards, click here.
That’s sweet I love that card!
Me too ::thumbs up::
Pat that card is strong, but more amazing is the guy who made it for you. Wasn’t the SCD published in th 60’s? I tried to find one, but the only copy I could locate had a $200+ price tag on it. I would love to interview Lemke for my website.
Dan,
The SCD, also known as the Standard Catalog of Baseball Cards is the primary competitor for Beckett’s Annual Almanac. It’s still in print today and can be found at bookstores like Borders or Barnes & Noble for a cool $44.99. It’s just shy of 2000 pages and well worth the investment.