This is one of my favorite cards from this year's Topps base set. It truly is an Awesome Night Card, one of the best in all of 2011.
But the photo had stumped me for months -- basically because I hadn't bothered to do any research on it. Why were all the White Sox gathered around all giddy-like while holding a trophy that was most definitely not the Commissioner's Trophy awarded to the World Series winner?
I don't associate trophies with baseball, even though there are a number of baseball trophies. Maybe they just keep them more well-hidden than in other sports.
So the trophy that is being featured threw me.
It turns out it's a relatively new trophy. It's called the "BP Crosstown Cup." That's right it's a sponsored cup. Oh, goody. Even better, it's sponsored by that petroleum company that brought you the Gulf Oil Spill of 2010.
The trophy is awarded to whichever Chicago major league baseball team wins the interleague series between the Cubs and White Sox each year. Oooh, more fun. Trophies for interleague play.
But I refuse to let facts get in the way of a cool photo. You've got smiling Ozzie and Buehrle and Konerko. You've got a rare appearance by coaching staff members on a modern day baseball card. You've got the iconic exploding scoreboard at new Comiskey ... er, U.S. Cellular Field (ick).
Best of all, you've got glowing lights in the darkness at the ballpark.
Great card.
Good luck in Florida, Ozzie.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Card Binder candidate: Chicago White Sox team card, Topps 2011, Card #161
Does it make the binder?: Yes
Comments
Good luck in Florida Ozzie? How about good luck in Florida Rangers!