Yearbook Finds: Fred McGriff and Mark Grace

 

Mark Eugene Grace Tustin (Calif.) High, class of 1982.

Definitely a natural blond, but that hue of yellow shouldn't occur in nature. One more year and we're talking feathered part down the middle. Instead, we get young Rick Schroeder's combed-forward bangs. Credit for dressing up for photo day in a conservative blue suit.

Frederick Stanley McGriff (or "Fredrick" — as it seems to be misspelled)
Jefferson (Tampa, Fla.) High, class of 1981.

This one's all about the glasses. A few years earlier and we're talking big Afro. Not sure whether that would hype his cool quotient or not. Appears ready to study mortuary science.

[Also: Derek Jeter, Yankees aren't sweating over the Orioles]

Both of these shots are available thanks to the emerging secondary market for celebrity yearbooks on eBay. The Crime Dog's yearbook has been on sale for 2 1/2 weeks, but nobody has bitten at $59.99 for the Toronto Blue Jays legend. His 469th career home run ball is also for sale for considerably more at $1,350. Mark Grace's book runs for $125 and includes at least several other amusing photos of Grace, including prom, and one where his date poses in a giant wicker chair.

With his 493 career homers and other things, Fred has a chance, someday maybe, at the Hall of Fame. His book might be a better investment than Grace's.

But is there any wicker chair? Doubtful. And what do these high school elites look like today?

That's Fred on the right. Gracie's aged a little. Fred gave up his glasses, but Mark found a stylish pair. Seeing is the most important thing. The Cubs should look into hiring Grace for one of their broadcast booths. He's a free agent after the D-backs let him and Daron Sutton go.