El Cardquistador

Pedro Guerrero You thought he was just a bat-first guy with no position. But in 1983, Guerrero played 160 games, hit .298 with 32 home runs, 103 RBIs, and posted a .904 OPS—third-best in the National League. 1982 was even a tad better, still 32 home runs but with a .304 batting average. Despite those numbers, he often got overlooked. Don’t skip his 1984 Topps card; it tells the story of these incredible years.

Andrés Galarraga You blamed Coors Field. But the Big Cat was raking long before Denver. Batting titles, nearly 400 HRs, and two comebacks from cancer. His 1993 Leaf card is a tribute to resilience—Galarraga at the peak of his return, reminding collectors that greatness isn’t always about the rookie season.

Doug Jones You skipped his cards because he didn’t throw gas. But Jones saved over 300 games with a changeup that made hitters look silly. Five All-Star nods. His 1990 Leaf card captures a master of the late innings—quiet dominance in a hobby that often chases flash.

Chet Lemon You barely noticed him in your ’84 Donruss stack. But Lemon led the AL in outfield putouts, played elite center field, and quietly racked up 55 WAR. His ’84 Donruss belongs next to Trammell and Whitaker—no exceptions.

John Kruk You thought he was just a character. But Kruk hit .300 over 10 seasons, posted a .397 OBP, and anchored the ’93 Phillies. His 1993 Topps card shows him looking every bit the everyman—the type of player who might be overlooked—but that’s exactly why his numbers and presence on the field stand out.