Tag Archives: proset 1989

NFL

Rathman, Tom

Cards: ProSet 1989, Score 1991, Upper Deck 1992
Acquired: TTM 2011, C/o The San Fransisco 49ers
Sent: 6/14    Received: 6/20  (6 days)

Tom Rathman was a  dominating fullback who set records at Nebraska averaging well over 7 yards a carry his senior season in 1985.  He’d be drafted in the 3rd round of the NFL draft by the San Fransisco 49ers and immediately saw time on special teams while his playing time increased at fullback. During the 1987 season, head coach Bill Walsh shifted Roger Craig from fullback to runningback and started Tom at fullback blocking for him. For only catching 5 passes during college, Tom not only displayed a hard nosed inside running style, he also became an accomplished receiver notching a career high 73 receptions in 1989. Craig also benefited from Tom’s blocking rushing for 1502 yards in 1988, and 1089 in 1989. As Roger moved on to the Raiders after the 1990 season, the 49ers selected Ricky Watters in 1991. Tom continued paving the way, blocking for 1,000 yard backs. Tom played for the 49ers through 1993 and then signed with the Raiders in 1994 for one final season.  Despite playing 9 seasons and leading NFL runningbacks in receptions in 1989, Tom Rathman was never named to the Pro Bowl- partially because the fullback position was never considered a separate position from runningback in Pro Bowl voting until 1993.

After 9 seasons, Tom would take some time off and then return to sport as a coach. In 1997 he’d become the 49ers runningbacks coach, on Steve Mariucci’s staff and then later followed Mooch to Detroit in 2003. In 2006, he coached with the Oakland Raiders, – a position that he held with the team until he returned to the 49ers staff in 2009.

The gods of Tecmo Bowl saw Tom Rathman, and looked favorably upon the stout fullback in his quest for glory. Rewarded by Tecmo he’d be graciously awarded monster hitting power and receiving ability becoming truly a one-two punch with Roger Craig. Well worth it, I was surprised to get Tom’s autograph on these 3 cards in a short 6 days care of the 49ers organization.

G/Gs 131/107   Rush 544      Yds 2020     Avg  3.7     Td 26      lg  35     |       Rec 320    Yds  2684    Avg 8.4    Td 8       Lg 36

NFL, Pro Football HoF

Largent, Steve (2)

Card: ProSet 1989
Acquired: TTM 2011, C/o Home
Sent: 5/27  Received: 6/17  (22 days)
See Also: Steve Largent

I went ahead and sent out to Steve Largent TTM in 2011 since I got his autograph way, way, back in the 1990s at a conference in Austin.  After working with a Christian Athlete’s association Steve went into politics in Oklahoma where he was elected on his conservative record to  Congress. He ran for governor of Oklahoma but lost narrowly in a highly contested election. Since that time Steve moved back to the Seattle, Washington area where he worked as president of CTIA, – a wireless lobbying firm.

I sent off to him in late May and was happy to get his autograph back on this Pro Set 1989 card.  Unfortunately he only signed 1 of 2 cards- ignoring the 1978 Topps I also included. Still, I am happy to have reacquired Steve for my collection on this Pro Set 1989 card, which frames him in action flawlessly.

NFL

McGee, Tim

Cards: ProSet 1990, ProSet 1989
Acquired: TTM 2011, C/o Home
Sent: 6/20     Received:  7/1   (11 days)

Among wide receiver combos during the late 80’s-90’s, the AFC Central sported both the Houston Oilers’ in Hill,Givins,Jeffires and Duncan and the Bengals with equally talented- and in some cases superior group of Brown, Holman, and McGee. Originally a first round pick of the 1986 draft by Cincinnati out of the University of Tennessee, McGee finished as the college’s all-time leader in yards, receptions, and touchdowns. He’d be immediately paired with 1985 1st round choice Eddie Brown, freeing up Eddie and tight end Rodney Holman across the middle.

McGee would start initially as the Bengals’ kick returner. He’d finish his rookie season with slightly over 1000 yards returning and an additional 276 receiving. His total yards from scrimmage would be 1283 for 1986. A fearsome long bomb receiving threat, Tim averaged a 17.3 yards in his rookie season. In 1988, he’d average a career high 19.1 yards on 36 receptions, scoring 6 touchdowns. 1989 would be an impressive season for Tim, as he’d help lead the team to the Super Bowl, with 1211 yards receiving and 8 touchdowns. As the team suffered from the dismissal of head coach Sam Wyche and perennial quarterback Boomer Esiason’s departure, McGee’s statistics and starting time would diminish. As free agency rolled around in 1993, McGee would sign and play one season with the Redskins making 500 yards and 3 touchdowns. He’d re-sign with the Bengals in 1994 and retire after the 1995 season.  McGee is a great through the mail signer confirming this with an 11 day turn around on these 2 cards. He is currently a sports agent in the greater Cincinnati area.

G/Gs  134/97       Rec  321       Yds   5203       Avg    16.2       Td  28       Lg  78