He's no Angel: Rocky Bridges

Take a look at this guy. But not for too long, because he might kick your a@@.

After having posted on Daddy Wags the other day, I'll come out of the gate gate saying that the lettering on the late-50's, early-60's Angels unis is really great, especially the LA on the hat. What was the big controversy about their name recently?

Anyway, Bridges had a solid 11-year career, making the AS squad in 1958. What's crazy about this card is he has this kind of "World's Most Interesting Man"-look about him, like he knows something you don't and he's not willing to key you in as to what it is. Moreover, the right cheek full of chew and no visible hair make him look more like a Marine in a moment of respite than a SS for the Angels having his picture taken for a BB card. He's also not even bothering to look at you/the camera/the photographer, precisely the kind of indifference you'd want from a military man, er SS.

What's best, though, is the cropping on this shot. Night Owl has done several excellent exposes on the subject, so I'll refer to his as the expert. Although Bridges's face is centered, his body is not. We pretty much get the full jersey, but if you look closely you'll notice we also get part of the left shoulder and arm, which look like he's got his hand on his hip and is actually leaning slightly to the right. The ease, the relaxation conveyed by those little details just underscores the things I pointed out above, making this card a kind of Ass-Kicker's American Gothic.

Have a great one everybody, and goodnight Pumpsie Green, wherever you are!