Tag Archives: San Diego Chargers

NFL, University of Texas

Metcalf, Eric (2)

pset89 metcalfap90 metcalfsco90 metcalf HC

Cards: Score 1990 Hot Card, ProSet 1989, Action Packed 1990, Fleer 1995

Acquired: TTM 2014, C/o Home
Sent:  4/4  Received: 4/21  (17 days)
See Also: Eric Metcalf
Failure: TTM 1992, C/o The Cleveland Browns

With these four cards, I pretty much have knocked Eric Metcalf’s cards off my list- that is his Browns cards. Getting Eric’s autograph in any other uniform other than a Browns uniform would be like asking for Brett Favre on a Jets card to me. When I ran out to get Eric at Third Base a few years ago, I grabbed as many cards as I could, but didn’t have these, since three of them were lost in the mail all those years ago.  I had forgotten how nice these cards that I missed out on were.I reloaded and waited for a suitable time to shoot these cards out. Eric is very good to TTM fans- at least since I scolded him about it a few years ago. He’s one of my favorites from my childhood, so it was fitting I come around for a TTM hit.

Eric’s been busy in Seattle since returning there. He’s been involved in coaching track and field, most recently joining the staff at Washington as a volunteer assistant for horizontal jumping. Eric had an amazing track career at UT, winning the NCAA Championship in the long jump in 1986, and again in 1988.  A four-time All-American and that still holds the Texas school record for the outdoor long jump with a best of 27-8.25, Eric qualified for the finals of the 1988 U.S. Olympic Trials, placing eighth. 

 

NFL

Schwedes, Scott

Card: Topps 1989
Acquired: Canton Acquisition 2012

Scott Schwedes was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the 2nd round of the 1987 draft, to give Dan Marino a new weapon and a speedster who could return kicks. At 5’11”,  170, Schwedes boasted 4.45 speed and was among the top receivers of that year’s draft (- along with future New Orleans Saints WR Lonzell Hill).  At Syracuse, Scott set the school mark for receptions and is currently 4th in receiving yards. He helped propel the school’s program back into the national spotlight briefly and relive some of the glory days it experienced when his father won the National Championship at the school in 1950.

The Dolphins boasted a talented and deep recieving corps, led by Duper and Clayton, but also role players such as Fred Banks and utility player Jim Jensen. Scott had a difficult time ascending the depth chart, but still managed to quickly find a home as the team’s primary punt returner. After his rookie season, Scott earned All Rookie honors at punt returner. He’d handle the job over the next 3 seasons but never crack the starting lineup as a receiver. His best season as a wide receiver came in 1989 when he made 7 catches for 174 yards, (24.9 average) and a touchdown.  Scott signed with the Chargers in 1990, but after a 3 game stint there, found himself back on the Dolphins for the next 4 weeks, and retired after the season. A big proponent of Syracuse football, Scott was considered a big supporter of Doug Marrone and his staff that made strides for the Orangemen over the past few years.

G/Gs 46/1   Rec 19     Yds  370     Avg 19.5      Td 2   Lg  65t
KR  17      Yds  302     Avg 17.8    Td 0     Lg  34
PR  80      Yds 765      Avg 9.6      Td 1      Lg  70t

 

NFL

Mojsiejenko, Ralf “Mojo”

Card: ProSet 1989, Topps 1989
Acquired: 2012, Canton Acquisition

Ralf played for Michigan State from 1982-1985. He built a strong resume as both a punter and kicker for the Spartans. The NFL took notice and he was a hot commodity in the 1985 draft- well at least as far as kickers and punters go. Mojsiejenko was drafted in the 4th round by the San Diego Chargers. Not a bad pick- but such a conservative pick that the Chargers missed out on many other big names. The ’85 draft is remembered as a monster draft, and recognizable names like Steve Bono, Eric Martin, Mark Bavaro, Jay Novacek, Steve Tasker, Duval Love, and Kevin Greene came off the board after Ralf. Still 4 or 5 kickers also were selected by other franchises after Ralf, (and two became starters: Fuad Reveiz and Donald Igwebuike for other teams,) so there could be some justification there that the Chargers had to have some Mojo.  To befuddle us even more the Chargers stuck him in only at punter.

Mojo hit the field and made the team as proud as he could at punter. He was of course the highest draft choice at that position by the franchise. He’d punt 68 times his rookie season including a booming 67 yarder. He’d also average over 42 yards per punt, which he accomplished with regularity with the Chargers. In 1987, Ralf was able to nab his first Pro Bowl honor after averaging 42.9 yards per punt. He stuck around San Diego through the 1988 season, where he was immortalized on this great Pro Set 1989 card. The Chargers traded Mojo to the Redskins in the offseason for what was believed to be a 5th round choice. That season for Washington, he’d boom a 74 yard punt, and return to the Redskins for the 1990 season. The 1990 season was a down year for Mojo. Limited by a foot injury, he’d have career lows in most categories. Mojo signed with the 49ers as an injury replacement for incumbent Barry Helton. After Helton returned in the 6th game, Mojo was cut effectively ending his career.

G 93      P 413     Yds 17533      Avg 42.5       Lg 74        Blk  5