Saturday, March 5, 2022

Cards That Never Were: Ron Widby Topps 1968-69


Cards That Never Were is a recurring series in which I create virtual trading cards for players missed in various sets. It is a concept I have borrowed from far too many to list, but I appreciate all of their efforts.
While I usually only feature cards I have created, today's "missing" card comes courtesy of Lynn of the Custom Baseball Cards Facebook Group. This group has thousands of virtual trading cards created by eager and talented collectors. Lynn is probably the most prolific creator in the group.
Lynn started creating Topps 1968-69 test cards. When I saw this series, I was excited because I finally would be able to create a card for Ron Widby, a former ABA player. Lynn saved me the effort and made an awesome card for Widby.
Widby was a star at the University of Tennessee. In his senior season, he led the nation in punting, while also averaging 22.1 points per game on the basketball court. He was drafted by the NFL's New Orleans Saints, the NBA's Chicago Bulls and the ABA's New Orleans Buccaneers.
He would go on to play six seasons in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers. Topps gave Widby cards in 1973 and '74, but omitted him in 1969-'72. I will address those in the future.
Widby also played one season with the Buccaneers. In that 1967-68 season, he appeared in 20 games and averaged 2.9 points per game. Topps was not making baketball cards then, but they did have a test set. This test set was the perfect place for a Widby card and Lynn beautifully created one. ABA pictures back then are very rare and this was the only Widby picture I have ever seen. Thank you Lynn!
Check out Custom Baseball Cards on Facebook for all sorts of great custom card creations. If there is a card you want created, if it is not there already, I am sure someone will make it for you upon request.

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