This Day in Cutchstory: game used materials

Topps often reminds us on the back of their cards that the materials used are not from any specific season, game, or event.  While football fans often blast Panini the same way baseball fans blast Topps, my only complaint is the lack of logos.

My favorite release year in and year out is National Treasures.  The effort Panini puts into the product is what a high end release should be.

My favorite new addition was the Dated Materials subset produced where they actually tell you what game the jersey was used and how the player did.  You might have missed my writeup about it last year, but can click here to see the card in question.

Obviously I own a lot of Andrew McCutchen relics as I currently have over 2,200 unique cards of the 2013 NL MVP.

It is safe to assume that my latest pickup (which was free thanks to eBay bucks savings) has a giant swatch from that same jersey worn on May 7th, 2015.
Oh and it's a few days late for Star Wars day as it is another 4/5 card.

On May 7, 2015 Cutch lead the Pirates to a 7-2 victory over the Reds thanks to a 3 for 4 performance and a strong pitching performance by AJ Burnett.

Even with the victory the Pirates were only 13-15 on the young season, 2 games under .500.  They would go on to win 97 that season.

Cutch known for being a slow starter was able to raise his batting average above the Mendoza line creating a slash line of .210/.302/.320 which extends to a .622 OPS.  He would finish the season 5th in NL MVP voting, earn his 5th All-Star appearance, 4th Silver Slugger and a slash line of .295/.401/.488 good for an OPS .889. He had the 4th highest offensive WAR that year in the senior circuit.

The back of the card talks about Cutch's performance on May 17th which I will discuss in a future post.