My Favorite Cards: Carlos Ruiz

Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz has been in the news for all the wrong reasons this week.  Though he hasn't been hit that hard by the faithfuls, his 25-game suspension for amphetamines use will certainly impact the first month of next season.  Maybe many just see it as one more log on the fire that is current Philadelphia sports.  That issue aside, Chooch has been one of the key players during the great 2007-2011 run, and one of the guys I really enjoy watching play.

2012 Topps Gypsy Queen #113
I started buying Phillies team sets again this year, and none stood out as much as Topps Gypsy Queen.  The second edition of this brand was a success!  If you need any proof of why you should buy the Phillies set, take a look at this card...

2012 Topps Gypsy Queen
Carlos Ruiz

2009 Topps Heritage #387
Not technically a "Ruiz card", but how could I not include this great card from the 1960-flashback set? In a World Series filled with memorable plays, the rain-delayed Game Three featured a little World Series history.  This card celebrates the first game-winning, infield hit in WS history as Carlos sealed it for the Phils with a dribbler in the ninth.  As the old saying goes, they're all line drives in the book!

2009 Topps Heritage #387 (Ruiz)

2007 Upper Deck Alumni Night Set #14
This card is from a cool set given out Alumni Night 2007.  The set features players from the 2007 team as well as ten select alumni (including Dave Hollins and Rico Brogna).  Not necessarily a tough find locally, but I've always like the overall design of the cards and in particular this one of Chooch.

2007 Upper Deck Alumni Night
Carlos Ruiz

2010 Topps #122
There have been several cards featuring Ruiz wearing the "tools of ignorance", but this one stands out above the rest.  It's hard to have a unique card image as a catcher, but I think this is a different take on the "mask-off, pop up pose" we have seen before.

2010 Topps
Carlos Ruiz

Take a look at some of my other favorite cards posts.