Jays' Shaun Marcum flirts with history on Opening Day
Bob Feller can rest easy knowing that he’s still the only Opening Day no-hit man in baseball history.
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Shaun Marcum, who missed all of last season with elbow issues, flirted with a no-hitter against the Texas Rangers Monday at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, throwing six hitless innings before giving up his first walk, to Josh Hamilton, and a three-run homer to Nelson Cruz in the seventh inning to lose his historic bid as well as a 3-0 lead.
Marcum, who last pitched in an MLB game on Sept. 16, 2008, appears on just 146 baseball cards — only 18 of those certified autographs. He’s appeared on zero memorabilia cards during his cardboard career.
He has just two Rookie Cards, 2003 Bowman Draft and 2003 Bowman Chrome Draft, which can be had for a total of about $2. His 2003 Bowman Chrome Draft Gold Refractor sells for $30.
Feller’s Opening Day gem came against the White Sox in 1940 as his Cleveland Indians topped Chicago, 1-0.
Chris Olds is the editor of Beckett Baseball. Have a comment, question or idea? Send an e-mail to him at colds@beckett.com. Follow him on Twitter by clicking here.
