WLAF

Baker, Tony


Cards: ProSet WLAF 1991, ProSet WLAF LL 1991, Ultimate WLAF LL 1991, Ultimate 1991, Wildcard WLAF 1992.
Acquired: TTM 2010, C/o Home
Sent: 7/30   Received:   8/7   (8 days)

After debuting with the Atlanta Falcons out of the 1986 draft Tony Baker would hop over to the Browns that year where he’d sit out two seasons rehabbing, and then played with the Cardinals in 1989. The Frankfurt Galaxy of the WLAF drafted him in the first round of the league’s positional draft. He’d provide the third best team in the league in 1991 a shot in the arm as their workhorse utility back, leading the WLAF in rushing attempts, yards from scrimmage and two point conversions. (Baker would be the only player in the league that year to have over 1,000 yards in 1991 with 648 on the ground, 423 through receptions and 296 in kick return yards.)  He would also be named WLAF player of the week (7) for his preposterous performance against the Orlando Thunder where he notched 192 total yards.  In the 1992 season, the Frankfurt offensive line would be decimated by injuries and this would hamper Baker’s average per carry and receiving average drastically.  He’d finish 11th in rushing yards that year and had only 857 yards from scrimmage. (The Galaxy would also slump to a 3-7 record.)  Baker would finish his WLAF career far and away the leader in yards from scrimmage with 2,224 yards while the league reorganized after the 1992 season.

Games 20   Att 322  Yds 995  Avg 3.1  Lg 26  Td 7
Rec 78   Yds 745  Avg 9.6  Lg 35  Td  1
Ret  14   Yds 478  Avg  19.9   Lg 49   Td 0

NFL

Tolbert, Tony

Cards: Topps 1990
Acquired: In Person, Dallas Cowboys Training Camp 1991.

Tony Tolbert was drafted in the 4th round of 1989 as an outside linebacker.  The Cowboys found him there because he was considered a tweener at 6″6′, 270. Tony was an unsung cornerstone in the dynasty from a draft that produced Troy Aikman, Darryl Johnston, and Mark Stepnoski. Tolbert started as a designated pass rusher and then nailed down the left defensive end position (in 1990) that was formerly held by Cowboys great Ed ‘Too Tall’ Jones. He held down the starting LDE position over the next eight seasons. During the 90s he notched more sacks than any player on the Cowboys and in 1996 was named to the Pro Bowl, and first team All Pro making 12 sacks.  Tony constantly suffered from chronic knee problems, and over his career with the team had 7 knee surgeries -which eventually led to his release in 1997. In 2007 he had both knees replaced.

G  144      Tac   531         Sac 59.0        Fum  7
Int  1               Yds  54         Avg   54.0       Td  1

WLAF

lewis, kip

Cards: Proset WLAF 1991, Ultimate WLAF 1991, Wild Card WLAF 1992.
Acquired: TTM 2010, C/o Comcast Sportsnet Chicago
Sent: 4/28   Received: 8/10   (88 days)

Mouse Davis shrewdly selected Kip Lewis in the WLAF supplemental draft from run oriented Arizona, (where Kip made 20 catches in his career,) and slapped him into the Run ‘N Shoot offense of the New York New Jersey Knights.   Fighting off nagging injuries in 1991, Kip still notched a 64 yard score against the Riders and 29 catches on the season. In 1992, Kip benefited from a full season under the offense and the quarterback play of Reggie Slack, to rank 1st on the team, and 7th in the WLAF with 46 receptions.  Kip continued to be involved in football after the reorganization of the WLAF when the league finished the 1992 season, signing briefly with the Detroit Lions. Afterwards, Lewis jumped into a career in broadcasting, where he’s been ever since, working with the fledgling XFL as a sideline reporter for TNN, the Indianapolis Colts, and also as a sports reporter. I was able to locate Kip at Comcast Sportsnet where he is currently at. Kip signed all 3 cards and attached a nice thank you apologizing for the wait because it had been in his coat pocket the whole time. 🙂

Games  20       Rec 75       Yds  1006       Avg 13.4       TD  5     lg 64T

Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.