Yearbook Cover Derby Round 1.31 1973 vs 2007

[Benjamin Grimm]

1973



2007

[G-Fafif]

The 2007 cover isn't bad for what it is, which is what I seem to say a lot about the decent covers from the later years. Low expectations abound for everything since we expected more out of 1987 -- both the yearbook cover and the standings. This seemed to be the first edition in shall we say modern times where the Mets began shifting definitively away from black as a defining hue, and it helps matters. I like the message that this yearbook is our ticket to Mets action in our season that has come (or, as JCL so memorably put it, come in its pants). The Mets have a collection of standouts entering 2007 and they've collected them here in easily sorted fashion. Interesting to see Willie Randolph is as much a featured player as the players. That wouldn't last. The orange field is a plus. The blue trim complements it well. Effective communication that the Big Three of Beltran, Wright and Reyes are, in fact, a little bigger than the other big names. I'll forgive the inclusion of Gl@v!ne. I rooted for him until I didn't.

1973 holds a huge sentimental advantage. That's the first yearbook I ever bought at Shea Stadium, at my first game there. First thing I did once I handed over my three quarters was study the cover. It is because of this cover that I have had no problem identifying every Met All-Star from every Met year. When I started being able to tick them off, from Ashburn to Conforto, I'd mentally pause at Kranepool in 1965 and think of this cover. I'd had no idea Eddie had been an All-Star just like Seaver and Harrelson and Mays. But he was. It's right there in an ornate frame. I knew about Rusty with the Expos if not the Astros. I was aware of Fregosi's credentials. Grote? Not sure if that was new information from this.

Whatever I didn't know before July 11, 1973, I knew forever after. That All-Star stuff stuck with me. It also made me wonder how we were languishing in last place despite the presence of eleven All-Stars past and present. Mostly past, I suppose (especially Fregosi, who was on his way to Texas that very day). But still, pretty impressive. You make an All-Star team, it gets remembered. You're as suitable for framing as the full-color team picture within. The red background? I don't get that at all, but it's what they used and I never had cause to question it when I was a ten or until I was fifty-five. But I don't question it much.

1973's is a starry, starry presentation that set my yearbook expectations sky high. They haven't come down since, sentimentally or otherwise.

[Benjamin Grimm]

I went with 2007. Both covers are an assortment of photos, but 2007 is more visually appealing, although I have a greater fondness for many of those pictured on the 1973 cover.

Those frames on the 1973 cover look somewhat familiar. Are they the same frames that Stockholm provides for the Tabloid Cover Derby winners?



Okay, I see that they're not. The 1973 frames don't have the vegetation in the middle of the side panels.

[Benjamin Grimm]

Tomorrow, by the way, we'll see the final poll of the first round, and we'll have been presented with all 64 of our competing covers. After that, we'll take a break (kind of like Ross and Rachel did) to let the remaining first-round polls complete before we commence the second round.

[RealityChuck]

2007 is far more visually interesting. I like symmetry, but 1973 takes it too far, making it dull.

[Guest d'Kong76]

Neither are terribly appealing, went with the sentimental '73 vote here.

[Benjamin Grimm]

Anyone care to break this tie?

[Guest cooby]

73. No way I'd vote again my favorite season