this won't be the last

i am bearing down on my 1971 topps set.  i was about ten cards away from completion when i pulled the trigger on card #630

i wanted a psa version for the authenticity assurance, but mr. clemente will soon be freed from the slab.  i also didn't want the clemente to be the last card that i needed to complete the set, in part so that i wouldn't be tempted to overpay just to complete the set.  i waited and watched for quite some time, and found a card that was in a condition and price range that worked for me.  now, with this card out of the way, the rest of the needs should be more manageable.  here's the list of cards i still need, just in case anyone has dupes.

there was an article on uni-watch a year or so ago that claimed the 1971 topps roberto clemente card was 'the perfect baseball card' based on the author's criteria, and i agree that it is a great card no matter your method of assessment.

however, there is another pirates card that gives clemente a run for his money.  no, not his 1973 topps card, but rather this 1988 donruss baseball's best bob walk card.

we all know how great bob walk cards are, and the fact that the pirate pitcher (and namesake of the recently retired bob walk the plank blog) is standing in dodger stadium just sent the baseball card perfection meter to 11.

but seriously, i added this card to the post because i wanted to add my voice to the others wishing matt all the best away from the blogging about cards. i appreciate the time that he gave to this community and his generosity in trades that improved so many of our collections.  thanks matt!