Goodbye, Marie Fredriksson

(May 30, 1958 – December 9, 2019)

Singer and songwriter Marie Fredriksson, best known for her work with the 1980s pop duo Roxette, died yesterday in Sweden from complications from a brain tumor. She was 61 years old.

Roxette’s debut album, Pearls of Passion, was released in 1986, but it was 1988’s Look Sharp! that put the group in the spotlight, selling 9 million copies across the globe. The follow-up, Joyride, was released in 1991 and sold 11 million worldwide. They scored four #1 hits in the US: “The Look,” “Listen To Your Heart,” “It Must Have Been Love,” and “Joyride.” One of my personal favorites, however, failed to reach the top spot…

Time goes by so quickly. It’s not that long ago we spent days+nights in my tiny apartment sharing impossible dreams. And what a dream we eventually got to share! I’m honoured to have met your talent+generosity. All my love goes to you+your family. Things will never be the same. pic.twitter.com/CTegAUGrXG

— Per Gessle (@PartyPleaser) December 10, 2019

Roxette is still in my song playlist and I so admire Marie and her love of life! David Hasselhoff #MarieFredriksson #Roxette https://t.co/nHsrQARvhX

— David Hasselhoff (@DavidHasselhoff) December 10, 2019

After a 17-year-long battle with cancer, the singer for Swedish pop rock duo @TheRealRoxette has passed away, leaving us a grand musical legacy. https://t.co/gJlHqL8WDP

— Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@RecordingAcad) December 11, 2019

Fun Cards: 2020 Baseball Immortals Ted Simmons and Marvin Miller

I was excited about the “Modern Era” ballot. So many fantastic players, and I was looking forward to seeing some of these larger-than-life personalities get their just due in Cooperstown.

Then Ted Simmons and Marvin Miller were selected.

Both are solid choices, sure, but neither is particularly exciting. I’m still against the practice of putting non-players on the same ballot anyway, so I was opposed to Miller’s very inclusion on the ballot. Why should he (or any other non-playing person) take votes away from the guys on the field?

Oh well. Maybe Dale Murphy, Dave Parker, and Lou Whitaker will receive the support they deserve next time.

In the meantime, here are a couple of “Baseball Immortals” cards for the newest Hall of Famers…

Fun Cards: 1988 Topps Reggie White (NFL, baseball-style)

Reggie White should never have worn any uniform other than a Philadelphia Eagles uniform.

Fun Cards: 1988 Topps Herschel Walker (NFL, baseball-style)

The Dallas Cowboys trade of Herschel Walker to the Vikings was one of the first non-Bengals NFL stories I recall. It was a big deal, but it paid off in the end for America’s Team.

Fun Cards: 1988 Topps Rod Woodson (NFL, baseball-style)

Rod Woodson was the 10th overall pick in the 1987 Draft. Drafted ahead of the Hall of Famer were such NFL luminaries as Mike Junkin, Kelly Stouffer, and Reggie Rogers.

Fun Cards: 1988 Topps Roy Green (NFL, baseball-style)

Roy Green was a 2-time Pro Bowler for the St. Louis Cardinals and was the 16th member inducted into the Arizona Cardinals Ring of Honor in 2016.

Fun Cards: 1988 Topps Neil Lomax (NFL, baseball-style)

The Cardinals moved from St. Louis to Phoenix in 1988, and 2-time Pro Bowler Neil Lomax played his last season in the NFL.

Fun Cards: 1988 Topps Kellen Winslow (NFL, baseball-style)

Another career-capper, Kellen Winslow retired in 1987. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995.

Fun Cards: 1988 Topps Flipper Anderson (NFL, baseball-style)

Flipper Anderson was a very good receiver. I’m not sure why he was never given a Pro Bowl nod.

Fun Cards: 1988 Topps Neal Anderson (NFL, baseball-style)

Neal Anderson took over for Walter Payton, and although no one could fill Sweetness’ cleats, he had a good run. Anderson was named to the Pro Bowl four straight seasons, starting in 1988.