Matt Wallach 2013 Albuquerque Isotopes #18

Card Review: A+  This is my favorite card (at least of the ones I've seen) of any of the Wallach kids.  Due in no small part to the uniform.  I went to a good number of Isotope games this year and saw Matt play a few times while he was up with them.  It's also sort of cool, because it lines up neatly with the cards of Tim in an Isotopes uniform from when he managed them.  On a side note, Brad Ausmus played for Wallach as an Isotope while Wallach was winning awards as Manager of the year in the PCL.  I'm sure Ausmus learned some things that will help him manage in Detroit next year.  Nice hire Tigers!

Matt is the oldest of the Wallach kids, and the only one to reach the AAA level.  He's been a regular at Spring Training in Scottsdale the last few years.  Two years ago I saw the Dodgers play an exhibition game on St. Patricks day at the Salt River Complex.  I was disappointed to find Wallach didn't make the trip, but to my surprise Matt was up with the team, green jersey and all.  He spotted me wearing an Expos #29 jersey, and said "Nice jersey."  He didn't get to play, but made it onto the scoreboard and on-deck circle only to see the batter in front of him make the third out.  He never actually got into the game.  Some pics from that game are below.

(not my "martini" glasses, which really have no place at the ball park)

I just find this to be really cool.  Too bad it didn't happen the same season, but there's still a chance it'll happen on a regular Topps card down the road.

If that does happen, I wouldn't expect to see a recreation of this card:

2009 Albuquerque Isotopes #2 (Multi Ad)

Card Review: 8.7  Of the four cards made of Wallach while he managed the Albuquerque Isotopes, this one is my favorite.  The 2010 DAV card is also very nice, but I give this one a slight edge.  In reality, I think all four are great.  New, legitimate, cards being made nearly 15 years since Wallach last played are nothing I'm going to complain about.  The only thing better would be manager cards in the Topps and Topps Heritage sets when Wallach finally finds the right situation to manage an MLB team.  Which will likely be sooner, rather than later.

Number of this card in my collection: 1
2013 update: 5

2010 DAV #344

Card Review: 8.3  I hate to get nit-picky with new Wallach cards, and with this one I didn't really have too.  Of the three cards I've seen of Wallach with the Isotopes, this one is the best.  The back is just an ad, but in 2010, that's fine by me.

Number of this card in my collection: 1
2013 update: 4

2009 DAV #438

Card Review: 5.0  At this point, any new Wallach is cool, no matter how lack-luster the effort.  I get that manager cards have always traditionally been a little different than player cards, but between the umpire, the people on the back, it's almost hard to find Wallach on this thing.  That's not meant as a shot at disabled veterans, the  2010 DAV Wallach card was very nice. and obviously these sets are meant to do more than serve as fotter for the critics of adult card collector's.

I have no idea how big this set was, though it must have been big.  I think these were stadium give-aways, but have no way of knowing for sure.


Fun Facts: *The Albuquerque Isotopes are the Triple-A affiliate of the Dodgers
*In Wallach's 1st season as Manager he led the 'Topes to a 80-64 record and 1st place finish.  It was the best record in Franchise history.
*Wallach was named the Pacific Coast League Manager of the Year in 2009
Number of this card in my collection: 1
2013 update: 5

2010 Albuquerque Isotopes #2 (Multi Ad)

Card Review: 6.7  At this point, any new Wallach card is a welcomed event.  Even a stadium give-away like this.  Of the few Isotope cards of Wallach, this one is one of the better designs, and probably the worst picture.  It's too bad they didn't put a little more effort into the photo selection.

Fun Facts: *Tim Wallach led the Isotopes to their 1st playoff appearance and a franchise record 80 wins.
*The Isotopes are the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers
*They wear Albuquerque Dukes uniforms on throwback night
*The Isotopes replaced the Dukes when the Dodgers moved their Triple-A affiliate out of Albuquerque.  The 'Topes were originally a Double-A affiliate of the Florida Marlins
*Tim Wallach left the Isotopes after the 2010 season to become 3rd Base Coach for the Dodgers
Number of this card in my collection: 10  
2013 update: 13