Card of the Day: Jeff Suppan 1997 Upper Deck #28

Card of the Day: Steve Trachsel 1997 Topps #154

Card of the Day: Jake Plummer 1997 Topps Draft Pick #411

Card of the Day: Scott Brosius 1997 Fleer Ultra #361

Card of the Day: Alex Rodriguez 1997 Upper Deck Rock Solid Foundation #1

Under The Tree: 1997 Best Heroes Of The Gridiron Action Figures

Best was the go-to manufacturer in the 90’s and early 2000’s when it came to MiLB licensed cards.  They were based out of Austell, Georgia, and issued some nice stuff.  In my mind they never rose to the level of importance like some of the other manufacturers.  Today they are no longer around.

Its normal for card companies to try out different ideas.  In 1997, Best took a shot at officially licensed college football action figures.  Each figure measures 6.5″ tall, and comes with a removable helmet.  The checklist for the 1997 set consists of (12) players:

• Herschel Walker – Georgia
• Errict Rhett – Florida
• Reggie White – Tennessee
• Derrick Thomas – Florida State
• Brett Favre – Southern Miss
• Ki Jana Carter – Penn State
• Dan Marino – Pittsburgh
• Rod Woodson – Purdue
• Marshall Faulk – San Diego State
• Herman Moore – Virginia
• Desmond Howard – Michigan
• Deion Sanders – Florida State

At the time of their release, Stating Lineup was still the king of sports figures.  Best’s Heroes Of The Gridiron were a little easier to play with though because of their full articulation.  Best released another set of figures in 1998 under the same name.  That set has (18) figures in it.

The line of figures released by Best never really took off like Starting Lineup did.  All of the figures made by Best can easily be found for $5 to $10.  I’m sure there were some football fans who had these waiting under the Christmas tree for them back in ’97 and ’98.

Card of the Day: Joey Hamilton 1997 Fleer Ultra #284

Card of the Day: Joe Girardi 1997 Topps #291

Card of the Day: Kris Benson 1997 Bowman Chrome Refractor #167

Card of the Day: Tedy Bruschi 1997 Topps #264