Fred McGriff was one of baseball’s most consistent power hitters of the late 1980s and 1990s, finishing with 493 home runs and a reputation for quiet excellence at first base. His famous nickname, “The Crime Dog,” came from a clever marketing moment early in his career when someone noticed his name sounded like crime-fighting TV character McGruff the Crime Dog. The comparison stuck, and McGriff embraced it, even appearing in crime prevention ads that made him a fan favorite with kids. While he wasn’t flashy, pitchers knew he was dangerous every time he stepped in the box, and his steady production eventually earned him a well-deserved place in the Hall of Fame.

I am hooked. I participated in my first live break sometime last week, and it feeeeeels much more satisfying as it seems you hit a little more for less money. Here were my first two “hits” from the 2025 Topps Black & Whites. I need to relax and slow down my participation. But it’s been a lot of fun.

Some people sleepwalk, others sleepbid. Now they’re all showing up 😅

Fred dynamic ninth ending, two-run home run tide the 1994 All-Star game and set the stage for the National League’s first win since 1987. For his effort he was named the games MVP.