I opened up my first 2012 Topps Heritage pack today and I got one Giants card -- Santiago Casilla.
Santiago Casilla has been an important part of the Giants bullpen for the last two seasons. As the back of his card states, the Giants got him just at the right time.
As far as I can tell, the following Giants are in the 2012 Heritage set:
5 - Tim Lincecum (LL)
9 - Tim Lincecum (LL) 50 - Madison Bumgarner
61 - Aubrey Huff
85 - Buster Posey
163 - Matt Cain
169 - Brett Pill (rookie stars)
208 - Brett Pill (rookie stars)
258 - Bruce Bochy
270 - Nate Schierholtz
325 - Brian Wilson
346 - Santiago Casilla
388 - Pablo Sandoval
460 - Brett Pill (SP)
474 - Barry Zito (SP)
490 - Brandon Belt (SP)
If I missed any of the base cards, please let me know.
Brian Wilson has had some good years as the Giants' closer.
2006: 4-3, 5.40 ERA in 31 games
2007: 1-2, 2.28 ERA, 6 saves in 24 games
2008: 3-2, 4.62 ERA, 41 saves in 62 games -- it was his first year as the Giants' closer and although he had a skunky ERA Brian made the 2008 NL All Star team
2009: 5-6, 2.74 ERA, 38 saves in 68 games
2010: 3-3, 1.81 ERA, 48 saves (led NL) in 70 games, NL All Star, 1-0 with 6 saves during the post season.
2011: 6-4, 3.11 ERA, 36 saves in 57 games, NL All Star
Brad Wellman was originally signed by the Kansas City Royals in 1978. He played in the Royals' system from 1978-1981.
Wellman was traded (with Atlee Hammaker, Renie Martin, and Craig Chamberlain) to the Giants on 30 March 1982 for Vida Blue and Bob Tufts.
Brad batted .324 for AAA Phoenix and got his first taste of major league action at the end of the 1982 season.
Wellman batted .311 in 45 games for Phoenix in 1983 and was called up at the end of May to replace the injured Duane Kuiper. Brad was given a shot at the starting second base position but he didn't provide enough offense (.214 in 82 games).
Brad's 1984 season looked a lot like his 1983 season. He started with Phoenix, hit pretty well, and was called up after a couple of months. Wellman improved his average to .226, but it wasn't enough improvement.
The Giants were wretched in 1985 (62-100). Brad backed up Manny Trillo at second base. Wellman outhit Trillo during the season (but neither player broke .240).
The coming of Robby Thompson in 1986 spelled the end of Brad Wellman's time in San Francisco. Brad batted .282 in Phoenix, but he only got into twelve games for the Giants. After the season Wellman became a free agent and signed with the LA Dodgers.
He played in the Dodger organization in 1987 and then spent the last two years of his career in the Royals' organization. Wellman retired after the 1989 season.
Brad Wellman now owns Wellman Sports in San Ramon, CA and teaches baseball to youngsters.
Brad has a son (Casey Wellman) who plays for the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League.
Brad Wellman had a pretty good minor league career (.298 lifetime average in eight seasons).
Johngy from Johngy's Beat sent me this card. This was the one card I needed to complete my 1987 Donruss Giants team set. Thanks a lot Johngy!
Night Owl has a "One Card Challenge" where a collector can ask for one card to complete a set (or a team set). I asked for the 1987 Donruss Clark and Johngy sent it along. Thanks for starting this program, Night Owl!
GiantsCards.com is an online encyclopedia of baseball cards featuring the San Francisco Giants. With cards from all major categories, GiantsCards.com is a complete resource for collectors and fans of the San Francisco Giants.
