1. Overview
This guide provides comprehensive information regarding the 1981 Topps #844 Dickie Thon Houston Astros baseball card. This vintage collectible is part of the iconic 1981 Topps baseball card set and features Dickie Thon, a prominent player for the Houston Astros. The card is presented in Near Mint/Mint (NM/MT) condition, indicating its excellent state of preservation for a card of its age.
As a collectible item, understanding its specifications, proper handling, and care are crucial for maintaining its value and condition over time.
2. Card Details and Specifications
The following details are specific to the 1981 Topps #844 Dickie Thon baseball card:
- Card Number: #844
- Player Name: Dickie Thon
- Team: Houston Astros
- Year: 1981
- Manufacturer: Topps
- Position: 2nd Base
- Condition: NM/MT (Near Mint/Mint)
- ASIN: B09MV77WTJ
- Date First Available: December 1, 2021
Figure 2.1: Front view of the 1981 Topps #844 Dickie Thon baseball card. This side features a portrait of Dickie Thon in his Houston Astros uniform, along with his name, team, and card number. The iconic Topps logo is also visible.
Figure 2.2: Back view of the 1981 Topps #844 Dickie Thon baseball card. This side provides detailed player statistics, biographical information (such as height, weight, birthdate, and birthplace), and a brief narrative about his career. The card number and Topps branding are also present.
Player Career Statistics (from card back)
| Year | Club | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | SLG | BB | SO | AVG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | QUAD CITIES | 59 | 246 | 46 | 68 | 11 | 4 | 1 | 32 | 19 | .366 | 33 | 19 | .276 |
| 1977 | SALINAS | 77 | 274 | 47 | 79 | 9 | 3 | 8 | 43 | 14 | .431 | 29 | 35 | .288 |
| 1977 | SALT LAKE CITY | 130 | 439 | 67 | 113 | 17 | 1 | 4 | 17 | 15 | .317 | 51 | 63 | .257 |
| 1978 | SALT LAKE CITY | 36 | 162 | 25 | 47 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | .358 | 16 | 14 | .290 |
| 1979 | ANGELS | 35 | 56 | 6 | 19 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 8 | .548 | 12 | 14 | .394 |
| 1980 | SALT LAKE CITY | 40 | 155 | 28 | 61 | 14 | 2 | 2 | 28 | 9 | .548 | 10 | 29 | .255 |
| 1980 | ANGELS | 80 | 267 | 32 | 68 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 23 | 7 | .326 | 15 | 38 | .269 |
| MAJOR LEA. TOTALS | 115 | 323 | 38 | 87 | 15 | 2 | 0 | 23 | 7 | .326 | 15 | 38 | .269 |
Note: Statistics are as printed on the reverse side of the card.
3. Proper Handling and Preservation
To ensure the longevity and maintain the condition of your 1981 Topps Dickie Thon baseball card, adhere to the following guidelines:
- Clean Hands: Always handle the card with clean, dry hands. Oils and dirt from skin can transfer to the card surface and cause damage over time. Consider wearing cotton gloves for optimal protection.
- Edge Protection: Avoid touching the edges or corners of the card directly, as these areas are most susceptible to wear and damage.
- Protective Sleeves: Immediately place the card into a soft, acid-free penny sleeve. This provides a basic layer of protection against surface scratches and minor handling wear.
- Top Loaders or Cases: For enhanced protection, insert the sleeved card into a rigid top loader or a hard plastic magnetic case. These provide structural integrity and prevent bending or creasing.
- Storage Environment: Store the card in a cool, dry, and stable environment. Avoid areas with extreme temperature fluctuations, high humidity, or direct sunlight, which can cause fading, warping, or mold growth.
- Display: If displaying the card, ensure it is in a UV-protective holder or frame to prevent light damage. Rotate displayed cards periodically to minimize prolonged exposure.
- Cleaning: Do not attempt to clean the card with any liquids or abrasive materials. Any cleaning attempts can significantly devalue the card and cause irreversible damage.
4. Condition Assessment and Authenticity
While this card is listed in NM/MT condition, understanding general principles of card condition and authenticity is beneficial for any collector:
- Condition Factors: Key factors in assessing card condition include centering (how well the image is aligned on the card), corners (sharpness and absence of wear), edges (smoothness and absence of chipping), and surface (absence of scratches, creases, or print defects).
- Authenticity Verification: For concerns regarding authenticity, it is recommended to consult with professional sports card grading services (e.g., PSA, BGS, SGC) or reputable vintage card dealers. These experts can provide certified authentication and grading.
- Seller Information: This card was supplied by Dean's Cards, a leading online seller of vintage sports cards. Their reputation and guarantee provide assurance regarding the item's description.
5. Customer Support and Guarantee
Your satisfaction with this collectible is important. For any inquiries or support related to your purchase, please refer to the seller's information:
- Seller: Dean's Cards
- Seller Profile: For more information about Dean's Cards and their policies, please visit their Amazon Seller Profile.
- Guarantee: Dean's Cards guarantees their products. As stated in the product description, "If you will give us the opportunity to earn your business, you will be glad that you did. We guarantee it!"
- Return Policy: The standard return policy for this item is 30 days for refund/replacement, as per Amazon's terms.
