Another fun article.
1. The 1979 season was the last year in which I went into the store and bought packs with gum, except for a one-year blip in 1988. I eventually was able to complete the set. For that reason it's a favorite set, but I agree with your "just OK" in terms of the actual look.
2. I remember Gary Serum, but I don't remember the circumstances of his career ending, including whether there was injury at play, etc., but it seems surprising that someone with 1.9 bWAR as a 21-year-old didn't get picked up somewhere, particularly in a time so quickly after expansion in 1977. His restaurant looks good, however.
3. I've always enjoyed leader cards too. I've also always been surprised that Parker didn't get more HOF consideration. His vote totals are amazingly consistent. He stayed on the ballot a full 15 years, but spent the last 11 years in a tight window of 10.3-11.6 percent. Most people either trend up or fall off. In looking closer, he probably doesn't belong, but he's very close to Tony Oliva in both categories used in JAWS. He, Jim Rice and Dale Murphy are these three outfield contemporaries who were monsters for several years, but weren't able to sustain at the level needed. I'm sure Parker's issues with drugs hurt him significantly with the voters.
4. Goltz/LaLoosh -- I can see it, particularly in the sideburns and hairline. I also see a bit of the "Well played, Mauer" guy in Goltz's face.
Keep them coming.