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Cardboard appreciation: 2006 Upper Deck Marcus Thames

(Some more "appreciation days": Bike Messenger Appreciation Day (Oct. 9), Neighbor Appreciation Day (Seattle only), Elephant Appreciation Day (Sept. 22). But still no BASEBALL CARD COLLECTORS APPRECIATION DAY. Oh well, on to appreciating the cards. This is the 10th in a series):

What is it about cards that feature scoreboards that make the cards so much more interesting? Is it the fact that it gives us something to read on the front as well as the back? Is it the fact that we're so accustomed to seeing sky and stadium seats in the background that this is a welcome relief?

I think it's the fact that there is nothing quite so eye-catching as a stadium scoreboard. When I go to a game, it is one of the first things I look at, whether the scoreboard is electronic or manually operated. Scoreboards are full of immediate information, and the modern-day bells and whistles are a plus. All the pretty lights and colors tickle my fancy!

One person who is not tickled by the scoreboard right now is Marcus Thames, who is making a valiant effort but not quite succeeding in corralling some hitter's blast. Ouch. Those scoreboards aren't exactly soft and cushy.

Thames is pretty much a role player for the Tigers. A 200-to-300 at-bats guy. He has hit 25-plus homers twice, which back in the 1970s would make him a certified slugger. Can't go back in time, though, Marcus, can we?

Star or no star, this is a great card, one where UD's full-bleed design works perfectly. So at least you have that going for you, Marcus. Which is nice. 2006 Upper Deck Marcus Thames, I appreciate you.

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