2013 Topps Update MLB All-Star Game MVP Commemorative Patch Giants Team Set

I am somewhat indifferent to the Commemorative Patches that Topps has been producing over the past few years.  They are extras in the retail blasters which I guess is kind of a cool incentive to buy a blaster.  My favorites over the past few years were the silk reprints of rookie cards. 

The team and player collector in me typically doesn't give much thought to design, I chase every card I can of my players or the Giants.  In this year's Update had commemorative patches celebrating patch All-Star game MVPs and the Giants were lucky enough to be featured on 3 of the 15 cards, all players from the 1960s.

I thought I would show off the team set together.

First up is a Juan Marichal celebrating his MVP performance in the 1965 All-Star Game in Minnesota.  The Dominican Dandy started the game for the NL squad and pitched 3 scoreless innings giving up only 1 hit, a leadoff single to Vic Davallilo who was promptly removed from the bases when Marichal got Earl Battey to ground into a double play. He didn't record a strikeout or issue a walk, facing the minimum 9 batters and leaving with a 5-0 lead.  When Jim Maloney gave up 5 runs to tie up the game, he lost his chance at the win but was still awarded the MVP.

Next up is Willie Mays for his MVP in 1963 in Cleveland.  The Say Hey Kid started in CF and batted 4th for the NL team.  He got 1 hit in 3 at bats, drew a walk and struck out once.  His MVP most certainly was won with his 3 RBI, 2 runs scored and 2 stolen bases.  He was the only player in the game with more than 1 RBI and that coupled with the NL 5-3 victory propelled Willie to the MVP.

 I saved my favorite for last, Willie McCovey, MVP of the 1969 All-Star Game in Washington DC ar RFK Stadium.  The patch is very hard to read on this one.  The game in 1969 was the last All-Star game played during the day, it was actually postponed from the night before due to rain.  Stretch had a huge game going 2-4 with 2 Home Runs and 3 RBI in the NL's 9-3 blowout victory.  McCovey continued his hot streak and ended up winning the NL MVP award at the end of the year.

Here are the 3 cards together for the entire Giants team set, a great looking trio of 1960s ASGMVPs!