1971 Topps #290, Tony Oliva⭐
On the field, Tony Oliva was elected to the Hall of Fame and a truly great player whose peak was brilliant, even if injuries shortened it.

He was a 3× A.L. batting champion (1964, 1965, 1971); AL Rookie of the Year (1964); 8× A.L. All-Star; led the A.L. in hits five times; and was one of the A.L.'s most feared right-handed hitters in the 1960s.
Off the field, Tony Oliva is described as honest, humble, gracious, and generous -- a model of character and integrity.

I love cards with blue sky in the background. Just gives the feeling that it's a perfect day for baseball.

Jim Palmer was 20-9 with a 2.68 ERA in 1971, part of a legendary Orioles rotation that featured four 20 game winners. He went 2-0 in 3 solid post-season starts, but Baltimore came up just short of repeating, losing to Roberto Clemente's Pirates in 7 games.

1971 Topps #118, Cookie Rojas ⭐
Cookie Rojas was a very good ballplayer and was widely regarded as a player of honor, integrity, sportsmanship, and fair play.
Some of the in-action photography Topps used in its 1971 set is amazing.
This card is among the best ever, regardless of year or maker.

1970 Topps #350, Roberto Clemente ⭐
1971 Topps #630, Roberto Clemente ⭐
These 2 cards are responsible for fueling my card collecting engine.
Growing up near Pittsburgh, the Pirates were "my" team and Roberto was "my" MAN!
He always came through in the clutch.
Just like it was yesterday, I remember riding my bike with friends to buy packs of Topps baseball cards from my neighborhood convenience store - Helmick's Market.
We'd rip open the packs as soon as we were out the door crowing about our hits and trading freely. Those were great days!
These are the first 2 Roberto Clemente cards that I ripped. I sent them to PSA not to see how they would grade - I knew they were low grade, but I wanted to preserved them for my sons so they would know my collecting story.
Here are my before and after pictures of those cornerstones of my collection.
There is a small pinhole in the 1970 card, where I thumb tacked it to my bedroom door.
Collect What You Love.❤

1971 Topps #255, Bob Robertson ⭐
On October 3, 1971, Bob Robertson Bucs first baseman hit three home runs in a 9-4 playoff win over the San Francisco Giants. With the victory, the Bucs evened the Championship Series at a game apiece going on to win the NLCS and eventually became 1971 World Champions!