Last year, I was really surprised to see the pitching match-up for a Cardinals and Pirates game featuring James Marvel. I saw that name, honestly I had to go look it up and make sure it was the same person I knew from a few years back.
Way back in the day, James Marvel went to Duke. He did not pitch many games while he was in Durham, and was always overshadowed by Michael Matuella. Matuella was a potential first overall draft pick until arm injuries derailed his career.
Marvel?
He's just one of those college players I never thought I would see play in the Majors. I guess he might have been better than I remembered....
but still surprised that he made it to the Majors.
It was even more surprising to see James Marvel pop up in the Topps Chrome set this year on the autograph checklist. After making the Majors, Marvel only appeared in three games. I can't find any packs or boxes of Chrome in stores, but there are plenty of these autographs floating around on Ebay.
Here is the card....
That's a great photo on the front of the card.
The back of the card mentions that Marvel attended Duke.
Happy to add this one to the collection. A few more Topps Chrome cards later in the week.
