Introducing: Anatomy of a Trading Card
The true story of Brian Downing’s 1977 Topps baseball card.
On a recent episode of The Poscast, with Joe Posnanski, Michael Schur, and Gary Gulman, the trio spoke about classic baseball memories. One of the callbacks brought up by Schur was the baseball card he had of Brian Downing, a catcher for the Chicago White Sox, from 1977.
When he remarked about the amount of questions he has that comes from the card, I had to Google it and see what it looked like for myself. A cast (citation needed) on his arm, a strange haircut, tinted glasses, an oversized hat, a turtleneck, a collared jersey. It was all so bizarre. But then, it all clicked into place when Schur said he wished that someone would create a multi-part investigative podcast series into his this trading card came to be.
That’s exactly what I did.
I am happy to announce a brand new, four-part podcast series, Anatomy of a Trading Card! All episodes are now available to listen to at once! No weekly release here. This is a straight up binge format. You can listen on many podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts.
The four episodes are quick and bite-sized! They were narrated, directed, produced, and written by me. However, the credit has to go to my unbelievably talented and game collaborators, as listed below!
Episode One features inventor, actor, and landlord Felicity Frontdoor, as portrayed by Julianna Gallagher.
Episode Two features Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, as portrayed by Sam Berman.
Episode Three features disgraced stadium custodian Allegra “Goodbye” Gulch, as portrayed by Kristin.
Episode Four features incarcerated barber Reaux Konerko, as portrayed by Hector Servin.
Each episode solves one piece of the puzzle as to how Brian Downing’s baseball card came to be. I don’t want to say much more because, if you are planning to listen, I’d love for you to hear all the surprises for yourself!
Music was provided by Ryan Foley, covering “Jumpsuit” by twenty one pilots on piano. Additional sounds are provided by VideoPlasty, Audio Lounge Music, NoCo Music from the Heart, SiriusBeatTV, Music Library, Casey Andrews, and Pictorial English.
Happy listening and thank you, Brian Downing!
