Triple Play:
1. Since Topps had long since been superceded by Donruss in printing the player's full name on card backs, I'll answer the most pressing question. "Candy" is short for Candido.
2. He hit for the cycle on May 4, 1987 to help the Giants outslug the Cardinals 10-7.
3. Maldonado had just three hits in 19 at-bats in the 1992 World Series, but one of those was a walkoff single against Jeff Reardon in the bottom of the ninth in Game 3. He also hit a solo home run off of Steve Avery in the decisive Game 6, which Toronto eventually won in extra innings.
11-Year-Old Kevin Says: This is yet another of the dozen or so cards that kept me from full completion of this set. When I was in middle school, I actually acquired it in a trade with my best friend, but as the transfer happened at school, I shoved it in my backpack and it got badly mangled in transition. Way to be responsible, younger self.
Bill James Said: "He's now 33, and not a good enough player that he is likely to last much longer than 35, plus the Indians have other players who will squeeze his playing time." Candy played his last major league game on September 29, 1995, a few weeks after his 35th birthday. Bill James may be a warlock.
On This Date in 1993: May 12. Hey, more TV nostalgia! The final episode of The Wonder Years airs on ABC after a six-season run.
I thought once the rule about earflaps was in place in 1983, only players who had used the no earflap helmets previously were grandfathered in. Not sure if Candy was in that group. (Tim Raines was the last)
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