Hand-painted collectible baseball card

Lenny Dykstra was the leadoff man for the 1986 World Series Champion New York Mets. By 1989, his play was declining, and he got dealt to the Phillies. Shortly after his arrival in Philly, Dykstra starting using steroids (per his own admission to Bleacher Report). Although, that was rather obvious to anyone who watched his body drastically transform.

"I finally got traded to the Phillies in '89, and I'm 150, 140 pounds. So I knew. Lee Thomas said, look, we're going to give you 1990. You'll be our everyday guy. So I knew '90 was it for me. So that's why I went to the library in Mississippi and looked it up. Ben Johnson, remember? I literally called up some doctor in Mississippi and told him the story I'm telling you. I have a family. I have a chance to make a lot of money. It's not that I can't play. I know how to do that. You don't have to teach me that. But the schedule is six months. I'm just not physically big enough to hold up. If I can just stay strong…"

In 1990, Dykstra led the NL in hits (192) and on-base percentage (.418)... and ranked 4th in batting average (.325). By 1993, his new body helped him play 161 games, accumulate a whopping 773 plate appearances, setting a career-high in home runs (19), and finishing 2nd on the MVP ballot.

"And I'm on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Coincidence? I think not. That shit works. I told baseball that."

Adoring Mets fans nicknamed him "Nails" for his hard-nosed personality and fearless play in centerfield. Dykstra sought to profit from the name quickly. In 1987, he released a book about the '86 Mets entitled Nails (which appears as a note on the back on his 1989 Topps card). It was the first of a number of books capitalizing on his nickname, as well as posters and other merchandise. 

I've taken two of his 1989 Topps Traded cards and turned them into a package of nails. The asterisk-shaped window symbolizes his steroid-filled career. Materials used were balsa wood, colored card stock, clear plastic sheeting, and spray adhesive. The pack contains 12 nails... one for each season Dykstra played in the majors. 

Here's what you'll receive with this order

• My original baseball card artwork.
• Depending on the art, your collector card(s) may be marked with an edition number.
• These art cards are protected inside an Ultra Pro One Touch magnetic card holder... customized with my matching Rosen signature label.
• Depending on the design, some cards may be signed on the back. If not, don't fret... your package will include bonus items that are personally autographed by me.

Card Checklist

You may reference my growing checklist of collector-owned cards.