1972 Pittsburgh Press "Buc-A-Day" Pirates #5, Dave Cash

Card front (newspaper back)

Like many newspapers, the Pittsburgh Press once dominated their media market with a three-pointed strategy.

1. Timely investigative journalism
2. News that you can use
3. Pictures of Dave Cash auditioning for the Mod Squad (also see the real Topps set at RetroHound.com)

Glenn Hubbard with a python aside, this is one of the oddest pictures I've seen on a baseball issue. Today's guest could easily be re-selling a leather coat or sports car instead of posing as himself, the Pittsburgh second baseman. (Click through the image for a full-size 70s scan.)

Collectors obtained this unique set by clipping each elongated "card" from the Press sports section. As nothing but newspaper, folks needed to work to keep them in good shape. (Given the age, yellowing's almost unavoidable.) Fronts include photos--most in non-baseball poses--and a player bio. Backs are actually a section of the classified ads.

I picked up the entire Buc-a-Day set on eBay last month for less than $20. Though rare, this says something about both their desirability (not high) and our current economy (lower than not high). Folks unable to find them as a baseball collectible can also check for March 1972 Press back issues. (Roberto Clemente, for example, went out on March 20.) Good luck!