Cheap Cool Cards #39: 1996 Upper Deck V.J. Lovero Showcase Hideo Nomo

Yesterday marked the 10th anniversary of V.J. Lovero's passing.  Whether you're a baseball fan or a card collector from the 90's, you're probably familiar with the late photographer's work.  He worked for a lot of big companies including:  the California Angels, Anaheim Ducks, and Sports Illustrated.

In 1996, Upper Deck even gave him his very own insert set featuring some really cool photographs.

One of my personal favorites is the Hideo Nomo: 

The angle of the shot is the key to this card for me.  I love how you can actually see both of Nomo's legs and arms extended from this angle.  Plus... how often do you come across a card where you can't see the athlete's face?

If you're interested, there are eighteen other cards in the set.  I can't remember exactly what I paid for my Nomo, but I have seen singles from this set in dime boxes and quarter bins.

Hmmm... maybe this should be my next set building project.

Happy Monday and sayonara!