Wes Covington

This is the 1961 Topps baseball card for Wes Covington, an outfielder who played in the major leagues from 1956 to 1966, mostly for the Milwaukee Braves and Philadelphia Phillies. I have always had a soft spot in my heart for this card, and by extension, for Wes Covington himself. Although I never met him, I know from my reading that he was a gracious person, a fine teammate and an individual who was dedicated to his craft.

There are many things I like about this card, starting with the picture itself. Here we see a very strong man standing at the bat rack, choosing his lumber for his next at bat. I have wondered many times what he was thinking at the exact moment the photograph was taken. What’s the situation? Who was the pitcher? Was this his first at bat of the game? Was the picture taken late in the game when the outcome was still in doubt?

The scene is as old and timeless as baseball itself, yet it is rarely depicted on a card. I love the gray-flannel uniform, from the multi-colored, horizontally lined socks to the beautiful Braves patch on the left sleeve. The player’s number is visible on the front of the jersey, too. There’s a snippet of baseball fans behind him, all vying for a clear view of the action.

The 1961 Topps card design also holds tremendous appeal. The player’s name, position and team are all easy to read, which hasn’t always been the case. The horizontal information bar is unobtrusive, and it’s placement leaves the lion’s share of the card for the player’s photograph.

Although not a star player, Wes Covington was a valuable contributor who had some thrilling moments during his baseball career. He made two crucial catches in the 1957 World Series against the Yankees, which the Braves won for their only championship during their Milwaukee years. He hit a  pinch-hit, grand-slam home run during the 1959 season. Toward the end of his career, he became a key role player for the Phillies, who employed him with great success as a feared hitter.

Wes Covington died of cancer earlier this month. Rest in peace, Wes. I’ll hold a kind thought for you each time I see this card. This post is for you.