Leaping Right off the Cardboard

Happy Leap Day!

What are you doing with your extra day this year?  I'll tell you what I'm doing, preparing a blog post that contains nothing but pictures of baseball players leaping on baseball cards.  Really productive, right?

World hunger and peace on earth are covered by other people.

Anyway, Leap Day and baseball go together like peanut butter and jelly; after all, leaping can be found in all aspects of our nation's pastime:

For instance, if you're superstitious ol' Turk Wendell, you leap over the baseline as you make your way to the mound.  Don't ask how it helps anything, just go back to brushing your teeth between each inning.

Or, more conventionally...

Like a middle infielder having to leap over an opponent as they barrel into second base (be careful that you slide legally now, though).  Or...

Leaping to snare a line drive, robbing a sure base hit from an unwitting batsman.  Of course, one could also be leaping to...

...look good on your baseball card.  C'mon, posing like you're about to throw a ball is soooooo boring.  Just make sure you don't look like you're getting hit in the sunflower seed pouch next time, alright Mr. Gustine?

One could also be leaping in celebration of an unexpected and thrilling walk-off win...

...or leaping up to make a spectacular catch up against the wall.

But, my favorite leap in Cubs history was unfortunately never captured on a baseball card.  It comes courtesy of little Tony Campana, the fastest Cub north of Havana:

OK, we sure didn't have much to cheer for in those days; but, that was pretty freakin' cool, no matter what.

I hope you enjoyed this look back at baseball cards that feature current/future/former Chicago Cubs leaping right off of the cardboard.  Can you tell the blogging inspiration is lacking today?

Go do something fun with your bonus day!