#77 Aroldis Chapman

Since I waited so long to do the Reds, I’ll go back-to-back with them.

#77 Aroldis Chapman

First impression of what’s going on: Again, I’m not good with other team’s alternate vs. throwback uniforms but this one has an old-timey feel to it. The crop is ok, better than most Topps has done, but still a little too zoomed in, cutting off his right elbow.

PITTSBURGH, PA - JUNE 01: Aroldis Chapman #54 of the Cincinnati Reds closes out the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the game on June 1, 2013 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

The Reality of the Photo: Like the Leake photo from yesterday, this is another really nice photo, if you’re a Reds fan. The subtle red in the uniform really pops against the grey and there’s nothing in the background to distract from Chapman. The caption doesn’t give much information so as usual, let’s check out the BOXSCORE.

Screenshot from Baseball-Reference.com

Despite giving up 10 hits, the Reds shut out the Pirates, so it looks like Chapman got the Save.

Screenshot from Baseball-Reference.com

Yep, five batters faced though. Late game rally for the Buccos?

Screenshot from Baseball-Reference.com

Wow, three pinch hitters for the Pirates. I guess if you’re not scoring with the guys you got out there, the last of the 9^th is the time to pull out all the stops. Despite a single and a walk, Chapman maintained the shutout, earning his 14^th Save on the season. Coincidentally, yesterday’s subject, Mike Leake was the starter and earned the win.

As for the uniform, it was a throwback. Both teams wore Negro League tribute uniforms as shown below.

Screenshot courtesy of Chris Creamer’s Sportlogos.net

This was the only time last season the Reds wore this uniform, going a perfect 1-0 with this win.

And for a little Free Advertising, it looks like Chapman is a Nike guy. Sporting “swooshes” on his glove and undershirt, Chapman gives a double shoutout. There’s also a little bit of self-promotion with his name stitched on the glove.

On to the back:

Rookie Fact: A 105-MPH fastball by Aroldis was the fastest ever recorded by Pitch/FX.

What is Pitch/FX you ask? Well, here’s a handy dandy LINK to the FanGraphs explanation because I was curious myself. It mentions that it has been installed in every MLB stadium since around 2006. I don’t know if anyone has thrown faster than that, but having the fastest pitch in the past 8-ish years is till pretty impressive. Especially for a rookie.

Information I’ll be tracking:

Card Number: #77

Player Name: Aroldis Chapman

Team: Cincinnati Reds

Position: Pitcher

Game Date: June 1, 2013

Opponent: Pittsburgh Pirates

Stadium: PNC Park

Division: National League Central

Home/Away: Away

Outcome of the game: 2-0, Reds over Pirates, Win for the player depicted

Alternate/Throwback Jersey: Yes, throwback

Bats/Throws: Left /Left

Birthdate: 2/28/1988

Birthplace: Cuba

Cameos by: N/A

Photographer: Justin K. Aller

Niche collections this card could fit into: Free Advertising, Southpaws, Throwback

My Grade: I have nothing against Chapman except that he plays for the rival Reds. The only time I see him play is against my Cubs so if he’s not in the game, that’s a good sign for my Cubbies. The card itself doesn’t have much going for it but the throwback uniform carries a lot of weight. Enough to bring it up from an average C to a B-.