1996 Collector's Choice #486 Gold Signature

Card Review: 8.3 Of the three variations of this card, I like this one the best.  The red accents just look better with the gold border than they do with the silver or white borders.  The photo on the back of this card is interesting.  As far as I can remember, Tim Wallach never wore a batting helmet without an ear flap (just look at the front of the card).  However, the wikipedia page on batting helmets, list Wallach as one of the last players (along with Tim Raines, Gary Gaetti, and Ozzie Smith) to wear the flapless helmet.

In 1983, it was made mandatory for new players to use a helmet with at least one earflap. Players who were grandfathered in could choose to wear a helmet without ear flaps. Players can choose to wear double earflap helmets in the major leagues; however, this is not mandatory. Tim Raines was the last player to wear a helmet without earflaps, during the 2002 season. His flap-less Florida Marlins helmet is currently at the Baseball Hall of Fame. Gary Gaetti, who retired in the year 2000, plus Ozzie Smith and Tim Wallach, who both retired in 1996, also wore flapless helmets until they retired from the game.

The 1995 Pinnacle card also shows Wallach wearing a flapless helmet.  If I had to guess, I'd guess it was just something he did in Spring Training or batting practice.  I'm not well versed enough with the rule to know what the helmet policy is during batting practice.  I feel like I've seen guys take b.p. in just regular hats, but can't be certain.  In any event, there's photographic evidence that shows Wallach wearing the helmet, but none of him actually batting in it.  And I've never seen a photo showing him in a flapless Expos helmet

Number of this card in my collection: 1