Ever wonder who the person pictured on a baseball card really is? Stats and a pretty face are only part of the picture...sometimes we need to dig a bit deeper to truly understand.

Welcome to Eight And Three Quarters Inches Squared, where we try to see who really is that person inside that piece of 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inch card-stock.


Monday, July 11, 2011

Craig McMurtry - Every Wanted Poster

1989 Donruss
#520

Name:Craig McMurtry
Position: Pitcher
Team(s): Atlanta Braves, Texas Rangers, Houston Astros








Best known for giving up Barry Bonds first ever home run.

Where are they now.

Secondly famous for being the model for every Caucasian wanted poster in post offices.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Ed Farmer - The Hair Says It All

1982 FLEER
#342

Name: Ed Farmer
Position: Pitcher
Team(s): Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles, Milwaukee Brewers, Texas Rangers, Chicago White Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, Oakland A's





A journeyman pitcher in every sense of the word.  Ed Farmer's career spanned 8 teams over 11 years.  Never really setting up roots in any particular city (pun intended...get it roots, farmer?).  One of the few players MLB let play without a hat or helmet, as Ed's hair was too majestic to tame or be hidden.

Where are they now.

During the offseason, Ed used to be part of the local "Grease" musical appreciation club.  Similar to the ELKS or LIONS clubs.  Currently, Ed is using us famous locks as the after guy in hair growth infomercials.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Jesus Alou - Pajama Heaven

1979 TOPPS
#107

Name: Jesus Alou
Position: Outfield
Team(s): San Francisco Giants, Houston Astros, Oakland A's, New York Mets, Houston Astros








Jesus Alou famously played alongside his two brothers, Felipe and Matty for the San Francisco Giants, making history as the first trio of brothers to play together at the same time.

Where are they now

His stint with the Astros made him realize his love for pajamas.  So after baseball, he focused on designing and producing the sleepwear, but moreso was an advocate for it not just being sleepwear, but the new casual wear.  He influence is no more evident than a trip to your local Wal-Mart where the clientele there have taken Jesus' philosopy to heart.  Jesus' own pajama heaven.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Bobby Murcer - True Baseball

1982 FLEER
#44

Name: Bobby Murcer
Position: Outfield
Team(s): New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees








Bobby Murcer's 17 year MLB career was true baseball.  Also, part of the "High Hat" club.

Where are they now.

Bobby Murcer past away in 2008 after a fight with brain cancer.  Bobby Murcer married his high school sweetheart, served in the military, and played baseball how it should be played.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

John Candelaria - The Real Candy Man

1988 TOPPS Traded
#25T

Name: John Candelaria
Position: Pitcher
Teams(s): Pittsburgh Pirates, California Angels, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Montreal Expos, Minnesota Twins, Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates





John Candelaria had a very successful career, spending 19 years on 8 teams at the major league level (twice with the Pirates).  His journey in the majors was so compelling that several movies were made to document his life, appropriately entitled "Candyman".  Although the movie studio took some liberties and artistic license, the overall feel of his story was translated nicely to the screen.  The role of Candelaria was filled by veteran actor Tony Todd, who's turn as the lanky pitcher was lauded by critics and fans alike.

Where are they now.

Currently Candelaria works for Major League Baseball as a special adviser to the Office Of Aesthetics.  His purview are the high hat bylaws.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Glenn Hubbard - The Meathead's Meathead

1989 FLEER
#12

Name: Glenn Hubbard
Position: Second Base
Team(s): Atlanta Braves, Oakland A's









During his minor league days, supported himself as a Rob Reiner look-a-like.  On off days and in the off-season, Glenn filled his days with radio appearances, grocery store opening, and car lot sales.  As the popularity of "All In The Family" grew, the look-a-like job was more demanding than ever.  After his 5th year in the minors, thought about doing the Reiner-job full time, but the 6th year is a charm, as the big leagues came calling.

Where are they now.

Glenn tried the look-a-like gig again once retired, but as if his playing days were a vacuum to him, the cold reality of the un-popularity of Rob Reiner sank in.  No more radio appearances, no more grocery store openings, no more anything...well, almost.  Once available of bookings, only activity directors from senior centers were on the other end of the line.

Current projects include a dinner theater adaptation of "All In The Family" and curating his 'Stache Hair of the MLB collection.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Rick Camp - Truth Is Sometimes Stranger Than Fiction

1986 TOPPS
#319

Name: Rick Camp
Position: Pitcher
Career Team(s): Atlanta Braves









Drafted in 1974, Rick Camp played his entire career with the Atlanta Braves.  Once in the league, started the "Grizzly Adams" trend during the 1978 season.  Even though baseball is a mainly a summer sport, he kept a cool head by dusting his beard and mustache with baby powder.  To this day, former teammates say Rick had the best smelling summer beard of all time.

Where are they now.

(One of the following statements is true)

A.  Right after retiring from baseball in 1986, Rick deciding to invest and start a chain of beard and mustache spas in the Georgia area.  To capitalize on his local celebrity status, he opened two locations in the greater Atlanta area.  To no surprise, business was slow during summer months.  Eventually, the financial strain on keeping a floundering business afloat caused Rick to abandon the beard spas.  The shame of failure lead Rick to shave off his own beard/stache combo and he vowed to never grow it back.

B.  After a few failed business ventures, Rick and his associates conspired to steal 2 million dollars from a Mental Health Center in Augusta, Georgia.  Caught and convicted to a 4 year prison term in 2005.