#627 - Tom Walker

Card fact: Tom Walker is the father of current Pirates second baseman Neil Walker. That makes this the second straight card that featured a player whose son played in the majors also.

What I thought about this card then: Never saw it.

What I think about this card now: Walker seems to be strategically placed in front of the Coca-Cola sign that graces so many of the Expos' cards.

Other stuff: Walker pitched between 1972-77, mostly with Montreal. He was a reliever most of the time and was dealt to Detroit for Woodie Fryman after the 1974 season (Topps could only manage a blurb about the trade on the back of Walker's card).

Walker ended his career with stints with St. Louis, the Expos again, and the Angels.

(EDIT: Walker died Oct. 23, 2023 at age 74).

Back facts: OK, the cartoonist clearly is doing a lot more work than the biographer on this card.

The cartoonist draws a moose at the plate, which can't be easy to do.

The biographer? Well, it's obvious he had nothing to write about, so he stared at the stats for awhile and realized Walker never had a losing record and, viola, a write-up was born. Also, Walker was not exclusively a reliever. In fact, in 1974, he started eight games.

Other blog stuff: Kenny Rogers -- the singer, not the pitcher -- was born on this date in 1938.

#620 - 1975 Rookie Catchers-Outfielders

Card fact: This is the first rookie card -- as rookie cards were known back in the '70s -- that I ever saw.

What I thought about this card then: I had the mini card, which was quite fortunate of me because it is Gary Carter's rookie card. But what I thought about the most was the fact that there were two Tigers on the bottom. That seemed unusual to me. It still does.

What I think about this card now: It's in semi-rough shape compared with most of the other cards I have from the set. I was probably trying to save cash by getting it on the cheap.

Also, Hill's cap is airbrushed.

Other stuff: Each player's first solo Topps card:

Gary Carter, Expos: 1976 Topps (with the rookie cup!)
Marc Hill, Giants: 1976 Topps
Danny Meyer, Tigers: 1976 Topps
Leon Roberts, Tigers: 1976 Topps

Most successful career: Carter is a Hall of Famer. (EDIT: He died on Feb. 16, 2012 at age 57)

Most awesome middle name: Kauffman edges out Edmund.

Other blog stuff: It's been quite awhile since I've featured the mini card next to the regular card. This is as fine a time as any to resume that practice:

C'est bon!

#616 - 1975 Rookie Outfielders

Card fact: The first pink-yellow rookie card also is one of the more coveted rookie cards in the entire 1975 set, as it's Jim Rice's rookie card.

What I thought about this card then: I vaguely recall seeing it. But not because of Jim Rice. I only recall the two guys on the top, Dave Augustine and Pepe Mangual.

What I think about this card now: This card wasn't terribly difficult to obtain. There is another rookie card coming up that was more of a chore finding.

Other stuff: Each player's first solo Topps card:

Dave Augustine, Pirates: Never had one.
Pepe Mangual, Expos: 1976 Topps
Jim Rice, Red Sox: 1976 Topps (with a rookie cup)
John Scott, Padres: 1978 Topps (his only one, as a member of the Blue Jays)

Most successful player: Rice is in the Hall of Fame.

Most awesome middle name: Jose "Pepe" Manuel Mangual seems like a mouthful. I'll go with that one.

Other blog stuff: Former Mets pitcher Victor Zambrano was born on this date in 1975. Remember him?

#592 - Balor Moore

Card fact: This is Balor Moore's last Topps card until the 1978 set. He underwent arm surgery in 1975 and didn't play in the majors in '75 and '76.

What I thought about this card then: I never knew about it.

What I think about this card now: Always enjoy seeing the Coca-Cola sign on Montreal Expos cards.

Other stuff: Moore was a reliable starter for the early Expos, especially during the 1972 and 73 seasons. He went 7-16 in 32 starts in 1973. His strikeout average was second in the National League in '72. But he barely pitched during an injury-plagued '74 season and had elbow surgery the next year.

Moore was acquired by the Angels in 1975 and he pitched a handful of games for them in '77. But the Blue Jays purchased him after that season, and Moore pitched in 37, 34 and 31 games respectively in '78, '79 and '80. Toronto used him as both a starter and reliever.

Moore hung up the spikes after the 1980 season. He went into business after his career. An extensive interview of Moore about his beginnings in baseball can be found here.

Back facts: That's quite a feat mentioned in the write-up for Balor Lilbon Moore.

Other blog stuff: Cheech Marin of "Cheech and Chong" fame was born on this date in 1946. You don't hear much about "Cheech and Chong" these days, which would have been hard to believe back in the late '70s/early '80s because they were everywhere. They were enormously popular with us teenagers. In fact, I remember someone in my junior high class bringing in a Cheech and Chong record and playing it for the class. My teacher must've been pretty hip or clueless to the drug references.

#568 - Dale Murray

Card fact: With this card, the green-light green border combination ties the orange-brown border combo for the overall lead with 48 cards apiece.

What I thought about this card then: This is one of the cards that I pulled out of the first three packs of baseball cards I ever bought, back in 1975. Everything about the card is ingrained in my brain. When I see it, I'm immediately transported to my bedroom on 6 Chadwick Road.

What I think about this card now: Is that a backstop way off in the distance? Look at how far away Dale Murray is from it! I'm surprised there is any room in front of Murray for a photographer to take a picture.

Other stuff: This is Murray's rookie card. He started off with a bang for the Expos, registering a 1.03 ERA in 32 games as a reliever.

Murray spent his entire 12-year career as a reliever, appearing as a starter in just one game out of 518. (While with the Reds, he lasted barely an inning in his only start in 1977). In 1975, Murray went 15-8 in 63 relief appearances. In 1976, Murray led the National League in appearances with 81.

Murray played for Montreal, Cincinnati, the New York Mets, Toronto, the New York Yankees and Texas. He was traded from Montreal to Cincinnati in the trade that sent Tony Perez to the Expos. Later, he went to the Yankees from the Blue Jays in a deal that gained Toronto Fred McGriff, Dave Collins and Mike Morgan.

Back fact: I know this cartoon as well as any cartoon in the set. Yet, it isn't until now that I have attempted to look up why there is a picture of a football player with a question about a Phillie winning a World Series game.

It turns out that this is another cartoon mix-up. Dean Look was a baseball player with a three-game career with the White Sox in 1961. He is better known as a collegiate football star and NFL player, who later became a longtime NFL referee.

The only pitcher to win a World Series game for the Phillies as of 1975 was Grover Cleveland Alexander who won Game 1 of the 1915 World Series against the Red Sox.

There are so many things as a kid that you just chalk up to "well, I don't understand that because I'm a kid." It turns out the cartoon would have confused anyone!

Other blog stuff: I still have that card of Murray that I pulled out of those first packs. A rookie card collector pulling a rookie card:

#543 - Larry Biittner

Card fact: Larry Biittner returns to a Topps set after being left out of the 1974 set.

What I thought about this card then: Didn't know about it.

What I think about this card now: My, what a big glove you have Mr. Biittner.

Other stuff: This is the second straight card of a player who competed for both the Senators and the Rangers. Pete Broberg and Larry Biittner were teammates on that first Texas Rangers team.

Biittner was a good contact hitter, but didn't have much power for someone who played first base. His best season came with the Cubs in 1977 when he played in a career-high 138 games, hit 28 doubles and batted .298. Overall, he played for the Senators, Rangers, Expos, Cubs and Reds.

Biittner's role in the second half of his career was as a pinch-hitter and he became quite successful, finishing 12th all-time in total pinch hits at the end of his career with 95. Biittner was also the first free agent signed by the Reds. Cincinnati famously avoided signing free agents during the late '70s before finally jumping in with the Biittner signing in 1981.

(EDIT: Larry Biittner died on Jan. 2, 2022 at age 75).

Back facts: The information about Biittner being a pitcher is notable because he was once called upon to pitch while with the Cubs in 1977. Chicago trailed Montreal 13-3 when Biittner took the mound. He allowed six more runs, but struck out three batters.

Other blog stuff: On this date in 1956, the Pirates' Dale Long hits a home run in the ninth inning against the Cubs. He will hit home runs in each of the next seven games to set a record. It is later equaled by Don Mattingly in 1987.

#521 - Dennis Blair

Card fact: This is Dennis Blair's rookie card.

What I thought about this card then: I didn't see it. The first card of Blair's I had was his 1976 Topps card. It also was one of the first doubles I ever had. Just him and Cliff Johnson in my tiny dupes box.

What I think about this card now: My, what a tall, thin person Blair was back then! For some reason, that didn't strike me on his 1976 card. But it's very obvious here.

Other stuff: Blair was a starting pitcher for the Montreal Expos for a mere two years, 1974 and 1975. He started well, but by 1976, he was back in the minors.

He was traded to the Orioles in 1977 and is airbrushed into an Orioles cap on his 1978 card, but he never played in the major leagues for Baltimore. He emerged back in the majors briefly with San Diego in 1980, but that was the end of his playing career.

Back facts: Hey! A sportswriter cartoon reference! I like that!

The write-up about Blair being "possessed with fine control" is very odd. I suppose it's better than being "possessed" with something else, but I think Topps could have worded it differently.

Other blog stuff: My natural reaction when seeing this card was to equate Blair's appearance in the photo with Herman Munster. But then I read Josh Wilker's post about this very same card. And I read the reaction of one particular commenter. I think I'll just let that thought go ... sheesh.

#496 - Pepe Frias

Card fact: This card achieves the hard-to-reach trifecta of batting helmet, batting cage and Coca-Cola ad in the background.

What I thought about this card then: I remember my brother and I ragging on poor Pepe relentlessly when we were kids. This was in the top five of ridiculed cards as a youngster. I think it was all based on his batting average and his name "Pepe."

As I got older, I wondered about his signature. It looked like it said "Chrysalis," which I knew from "Chrysalis Records," the label that signed Blondie, Pat Benatar, Huey Lewis and the News, and others. Leave it to me to associate new wave rock with a Latin American ballplayer.

What I think about this card now: Frias appears to be facing the wrong way if he wants to get a hit.

Other stuff: Frias was a utility infielder with the Expos after spending several years in the minors. He only played in at least 100 games once until he was sent to the Braves. Atlanta suddenly made him its starting shortstop in 1979 and he performed OK, hitting .259 in 140 games.

Frias finished out his career as a backup with the Rangers and the Dodgers. I remember being particularly embarrassed over having a 1981 Fleer card of Frias as a Dodger, considering how little regard we had for him back in 1975.

Back facts: Frias is actually not 5-foot-1. That is a typo. He is 5-10 or 5-11, depending on where you get your information.

Also, I have never heard of the term "cousin."

Other blog stuff: Here is the original '75 Frias that I pulled from a pack and that we kicked around so often:

#471 - Bob Stinson

Card fact: It's been 76 cards since the last red-blue bordered card. And previous to that card, it was 101 cards since the previous red-blue bordered card. It's a color combo that doesn't like to show up much.

What I thought about this card then: I had the mini card, and it was one of my favorite minis. The photos with a player's face in the shadows were instant favorites of mine.

I had a mental block -- if little kids can have mental blocks -- with Bob Stinson. I remember seeing his 1976 Topps card, when he's with the Royals, and thinking that it was the first time I had ever seen a card of Stinson, but not realizing that I had his 1975 card all along. I was ditzy even as a kid.

What I think about this card now: I like how Topps tucked his signature onto his uniform.

Other stuff: Stinson was a journeyman backup catcher for most of his career. He started out with the Dodgers, then was traded to the Cardinals in the deal that helped L.A. land Dick Allen. Stinson later went to the Astros and then the Expos. But Stinson didn't hit much until he arrived in Kansas City.

After the 1976 season, Stinson was selected in the expansion draft by Seattle. With the Mariners, he began to see some starting time and hit fairly well. He played four seasons with Seattle. His last year in the majors was in 1980.

Back facts: Gorrell. Now there's a first name you don't see much.

Other blog stuff: Let's see the mini next to the regulation-size Stinson:

Still a very cool card.

#438 - Don Carrithers

Card fact: This is the second of six straight cards that I also have in mini form. That is a record so far.

What I thought about this card then: I remember it being one of my favorite mini cards. I don't know why.

What I think about this card now: The chaw makes a reappearance! I've been a little disappointed by how few players have displayed their filthy, disgusting habit on cardboard. Maybe Don Carrithers will inspire a few more now.

Other stuff: Carrithers was mostly a relief pitcher for the Giants and Expos between 1970-77. He played briefly for the Twins at the end of his career, which ended by the age of 28, mostly because he suffered from injuries throughout.

Carrithers was dealt from the Giants to the Expos in April of 1974. Carrithers is pictured here in Candlestick Park, which makes me suspicious. But he's definitely in a non-airbrushed Expos uniform.

Back facts: I often wonder when card backs read "Don's greatest baseball thrill was ..." whether it actually was the player's "greatest thrill" or whether Topps is feeding you a line.

Other blog stuff: On this date in 1958, the fans' right to vote for starters in the All-Star Game was taken away by commissioner Ford Frick after Reds fans stuffed the ballots prior to the '57 All-Star Game. Bowie Kuhn returned the right to the fans in 1970.

#416 - Larry Lintz

Card fact: This is one of only four Topps cards of Larry Lintz during his major league career.

What I thought about this card then: My brother had it. There's a lot to like about this photo and we did like it. I thought he was a slugger with this pose, which is why the back of the card was so disappointing.

What I think about this card now: If I had been a little more perceptive as a youngster, I would have noticed that Lintz had a small build and looked more like a speedster than a slugger.

Other stuff: Lintz came up with the Expos in 1973. After an OK first year, he played most of the games at second base for the Expos in 1974, but didn't hit very well. The name of his game was stolen bases and he had 50 that season, good for fifth in the league.

In mid-1975, Lintz was traded to the Cardinals. Then, that off-season, he was traded to Oakland (he is wearing a Cardinals uniform in his 1976 Topps card despite being listed with the A's). While with Oakland, he became what Herb Washington was to the team in 1974. Lintz was a full-time pinch-runner, playing in 68 games but getting only four plate-appearances. He stole 31 bases and scored 21 runs (he was caught stealing 11 times).

Lintz was used more conventionally in 1977, but batted just .133. After a brief visit with the Indians in '78, his career was over.

Back facts: George Selkirk was an outfielder for the Yankees in the 1930s. He succeeded Babe Ruth in right field. He received his nickname for the way that he ran on the balls of his feet. After his playing career, he became general manager of the Washington Senators in the 1960s.

Other blog stuff: I was forced to "borrow" a scan of the back of this card as I discovered at the last minute that I had not scanned the Lintz back during the great scanning binge in the early stages of this blog. So this is not the back of my Lintz card. I'm sorry. I assure you it looks basically the same.

#405 - John Montague

Card fact: This is John Montague's first solo Topps card.

What I thought about this card then: I had it and I thought Montague looked a little too sad for someone who was a professional baseball player.

What I think about this card now: It's miscut and kind of messed up on the top with the yellow showing.

Other stuff: Montague was a relief pitcher for the Expos, Phillies, Mariners and Angels. After a couple of respectable relief seasons for Montreal, he was waived and his career was looking a little dicey. He didn't do well with the Phillies, but was purchased by a new franchise, the Seattle Mariners.

With Seattle, Montague actually did some starting and also recorded the first save in Mariners history. He pitched three seasons for Seattle, then was traded to the Angels. He ended his major league career with California in 1980. He was picked up by the Blue Jays in 1981, but didn't pitch for them.

Card fact: This might be the most egregious example of giving a card number ending in a "5" to someone who doesn't deserve it. Back then, cards that ended in the number "5" were reserved for semi-stars. But there would be a slip-up once in a while, and this is a definite slip-up.

Also, Elston Howard is actually credited for inventing the batting donut. Or "doughnut," if you're a stickler.

Other blog stuff: It's time to take a break for the Christmas holiday. All you '75 Topps fans have a Merry Christmas.

#391 - Don DeMola

Card fact: This is Don DeMola's rookie card. He'd have only two Topps cards in his career. His 1976 card was his last.

What I thought about this card then: I didn't see it.

What I think about this card now: Once again, the Coca-Cola ad is prominent on an Expos card. This is one of the best examples, and rivals the Ernie McAnally card. Also, I'd love to know what the sign says beyond the green fence -- "in the to keep" is leaving me in the dark.

Other stuff: DeMola came up with the Yankees in the late 1960s, but was released and out of baseball in 1972. He signed with Montreal and competed as a reliever in 85 games for the Expos in 1974 and 1975. He played in the minors in the late '70s, but never returned to the majors.

DeMola later got into the fur business and teaches some baseball.

Back facts: So much to comment on here:

1. I have never heard the term "kicks" in reference to arguing with an umpire. I've heard of a lot of old-time phrases that others haven't (ballhawk, etc.), but this is totally new. How would you use that in a sentence?

2. The 1975 card says that for 1972, DeMola was "not in organized ball." His 1976 card says that DeMola "did not play." So, did Topps do some research between 1975 and 1976 and find out that DeMola just sat on his ass the entire 1972 season? Is that why they changed the wording?

3. How do you know when a baseball "smokes"?

Other blog stuff: DeMola was just featured on another blog. Funny how that happens.

#365 - Bob Bailey

Card fact: This is the first player to feature the "3B-OF" designation on his card. It's not a super-rare position combination. Pete Rose was playing both positions at about the same time. And the current third baseman on my most favorite team could be headed in the same direction next season.

But it was rare enough for me to look through all the previous cards to see if it had shown up yet. The things I do for you people.

What I thought about this card then: I thought Bob Bailey was 53 years old. It turns out he was only 32 at the time of this photo.

What I think about this card now: I believe that might be a Coca-Cola billboard off in the distance. The Coke ads like to appear in the Expos cards.

Other stuff: Bailey was a bonus baby, signed for a heap of cash out of high school by the Pirates. He became known as a decent hitter with power but not much of a fielder. After a few quality years for the Pirates, he was traded to the Dodgers in the deal that sent Maury Wills to Pittsburgh. Bailey proceeded to hit .227 in back-to-back seasons with the Dodgers (73 hits in 322 at-bats each year). The expansion Expos then purchased Bailey.

With Montreal, Bailey enjoyed his best seasons, become a regular power hitter for the Expos. By the time his career ended in 1977, he held several franchise records for the Expos. He later went into coaching.

(EDIT: Bailey died on Jan. 9, 2018).

Back facts: Will White was a pitcher between 1877-1886. He had some interesting won-loss records. His nickname was "Whoop-La." I don't know what that has to do with glasses either.

Other blog stuff: On this date in 1990, Darryl Strawberry signed with the Dodgers, beginning a very uncomfortable three-year period for this Dodgers fan.

#341 - Hal Breeden

Card fact: This is the last Topps card issued during Hal Breeden's major league career.

What I thought about this card then: I never saw it. In fact, this was another player that I never knew existed until I set out to complete the entire set five years ago. It's hard for me to believe that I went three decades without knowing about this guy. In fact, even after obtaining the card, I kept thinking Breeden was a pitcher. I don't know why.

What I think about this card now: He's a first baseman. Got it?

Other stuff: Breeden played for five seasons with the Cubs and the Expos. He never played in more than 105 games in any one season. He started with the Braves organization and was traded straight-up for Hoyt Wilhelm in a deal with the Cubs.

With the Cubs, Breeden played with his brother, Danny, who had a brief major league career. But Breeden's best success came in 1973 with the Expos. He hit 15 home runs in 290 at-bats. The Expos played him in half their games in 1974, but his power production was not what it was the prior year. He played one more year and then went to Japan to play for three years.

(EDIT: Breeden died on May 3, 2021).

Back facts: If you look at Breeden's vitals, you'll note that he threw left-handed, but batted right-handed. That is very rare. I noticed this before checking his wiki page, and wiki notes it in the second sentence of the write-up. You see a lot of right-handers batting lefty, but not the other way around.

Other blog stuff: On this date in 1975, Luis Tiant won his second game of the World Series to help the Red Sox tie the Reds at two games apiece. Tiant threw 163 pitches. 163!!! Looouie says you can take your lefty-righty matchups and STICK IT!

#318 - Ernie McAnally

Card fact: This is the last card issued during Ernie McAnally's career. He didn't play in the majors after 1974.

What I thought about this card then: I may have pulled this card out of the first packs I ever bought. I'm kind of hazy on this one. But I know it was one of the cards that I first saw. I would get him confused with Dave McNally. Their last names are pronounced kind of the same.

I know some of you really, really want "McAnally" to be pronounced a different way. But it isn't.

What I think about this card now: I love a lot of the mid-70s Expos cards because there's often an opportunity to see a Coca-Cola ad in the background. This is perhaps the best example ever. I'm sure this card got a few kids hooked.

Other stuff: McAnally pitched just four seasons in the majors, all with the Expos. His best season was his first in 1971, even though he led the league in wild pitches.

After 1974, McAnally was purchased by the Indians. But he didn't play for them as a rotator cuff injury ended his career.

McAnally went on to become a banker. This is a story about a sportswriter in Pittsburgh who came across McAnally as a teenager and touched base with him again many years later.

Back facts: Two straight cartoons featuring animals! Let's see if we can get a streak going! (And, no, two straight is not a streak. I complain about this at work all the time. I'm sorry, but saying a team is on a "two-game winning streak" is just ridiculous).

Also, according to the write-up, if McAnally went 10-4 to end the 1971 season, it means he started the year 1-8. Eeesh. That sounds about right for the '71 Expos.

Other blog stuff: On this date in 1998, Cal Ripken Jr. ended his streak of 2,632 games played. Now THAT is a streak.

#286 - Mike Jorgensen

Card fact: This is only the second card in the set that shows a player posed in a first baseman's stretch. The other one was a long time ago.

What I thought about this card then: Me no see.

What I think about this card now: I grow more and more nostalgic for the Expos uniform by the hour.

Other stuff: Mike Jorgensen had a surprisingly long playing career for someone who reached 400 at-bats in only two seasons. He lasted 18 seasons, but his finest years were with Montreal in the mid-1970s. He came over to the Expos from the Mets in the same deal that sent Ken Singleton to the Expos for Rusty Staub.

Jorgensen later played for Oakland, Texas, the Mets again, Atlanta and St. Louis. He was the victim of a bean ball while with the Rangers and doctors later found a blood clot, caused by the beaning, that could have killed him (A serious incident, no doubt, but Jorgensen's wikipedia page is a little melodramatic).

Jorgensen later managed in the Cardinals organization, and briefly managed the Cardinals before Tony La Russa's hiring in the mid-1990s. He's worked in player evaluation for the Cardinals ever since.

Back facts: I have three of them.

1. I came the closest to featuring a card on a player's birthday with this card. Jorgensen celebrated his 62nd birthday on Monday.

2. I've heard of a tuxedo called a monkey suit, but never a baseball uniform.

3. As the write-up says, Jorgensen's home run did indeed clinch the N.L. East title for the Pirates. The Pirates and the Cardinals each began Oct. 1, 1974 with identical 86-74 records. The Pirates played the Cubs that day and won 6-5. The Cardinals played the Expos and led 2-1 going into the bottom of the eighth inning with Bob Gibson on the mound. With two outs, Willie Davis singled and stole second. Jorgensen then delivered a two-run homer off Gibson to give the Expos the 3-2 lead, the eventual margin of victory. That put the Pirates ahead of the Cardinals by a game, and clinched the division. (The Pirates played another game on Oct. 2 -- perhaps a makeup game? But the Cardinals were done for the season).

Interesting that Jorgensen eliminated the Cardinals and then ended up working for St. Louis for all those years.

Other blog stuff: Former Mets pitcher, current Mets/TBS broadcaster Ron Darling was born on this date 50 years ago.

#270 - Ron Fairly

Card fact: I'm back! And the pink-yellow combo is back, too! This is the first card with a pink & yellow combo in 36 cards. And with this card, pink-yellow retakes sole possession of the color combo race with 24 cards.

What I thought about this card then: I'm having a tough time remembering when I pulled this card, but I did have it as a 9-year-old. I thought Ron Fairly was OOOOLLLLLDDD! But he was only 36 when this card came out.

What I think about this card now: I don't know what it is that makes players of this era look a lot older than they are. I'm going to say it's the way they wore their sideburns.

Other stuff: I goofed on the last post when I referred to Fairly as a four-decade player. Fairly came to the big leagues in 1958 as a 20-year-old, but he retired after the 1978 season, so he didn't quite make it to a fourth decade.

Fairly was a college star at USC and didn't take long to reach the big leagues with the Dodgers. He was a consistent hitter, but not spectacular. He was known for his ability to get on base, but not having any speed once he got there. He enjoyed an outstanding performance in the 1965 World Series against the Twins, helping L.A. to the title. His career began to decline after that, and he was traded to the Expos in 1969 for Manny Mota and Maury Wills.

That trade worked out quite well for the Dodgers, but Fairly's career was revived in Montreal and he enjoyed five good seasons there. After that he bounced between St. Louis, Oakland, Toronto and Anaheim. He later became known as a broadcaster for the Angels, Giants and Mariners.

(EDIT: Ron Fairly died Oct. 30, 2019).

Back facts: I'm just noticing that Topps could have fit a stolen base column in there. Plenty of space there.

Oldie but goodie: That's the card that I pulled somewhere in 1975.

Other blog stuff: Both Charlie O. Finley and George Steinbrenner fired managers on this date. I suppose you could say that for several dates on the calendar.

#254 - Mike Torrez

Card fact: The final card of Mike Torrez in an Expos uniform. But that's not saying much. He didn't stay with any team for very long. Just three seasons with the Expos.

What I thought about this card then: I had this card as a 9-year-old. I remember thinking that Torrez was cool, based on absolutely nothing except his baseball card.

What I think about this card now: Cars in the photo! There are cars in the photo! Awesome.

Other stuff: Torrez pitched for 18 seasons with seven different teams and enjoyed success with all of them, except for maybe the Mets at the end of his career.

Torrez was involved in some of the more famous transactions of the 1970s. Some of the players that he was traded for during three separate transactions: Dave McNally, Rich Coggins, Ken Holtzman, Reggie Jackson and Dock Ellis. Torrez won 20 games for Baltimore in 1975, enabling the Orioles to trade him and Don Baylor to the A's for Jackson. The following year he was traded to the Yankees. Then, the next year he signed as a free agent with the Red Sox.

Torrez is probably most known for giving up the home run to Bucky Dent in the special playoff game between the Red Sox and the Yankees in 1978. Seeing that Torrez spent the previous year with the Yankees, I was practically convinced that he had arranged with his previous teammates to surrender the home run. Oh, I was pissed.

Torrez went on to spend more time with the Red Sox than any other team. According to his wikipedia page, he is now the pitching coach for the independent league Newark Bears.

Back facts: There was no need to put "A.L." in the phrasing of the trivia question. We all know the N.L. is never going to adopt that still-dorky rule.

Oldie but goodie: Here is the original Torrez card that I pulled. I'm a bit hazy on where I got it. It might've been in a trade with one of my friends:

Other blog stuff: Today is Bill Cosby's 73rd birthday. Back in 1975, I knew him only as that guy who talked to all the cartoon characters on "Fat Albert." Hey-Hey-HEY! It's FAAAAT Albert!

#229 - Barry Foote

Card fact: This is Barry Foote's most excellent first solo card.

What I thought about this card then: Remember last post when I said that I recall ordering another card along with the George Brett card? Well, this is the card. By a total coincidence, the two cards are numbered back-to-back.

The reason I specifically ordered a card of a back-up catcher comes out of my first visit to the Baseball Hall of Fame in either 1975 or 1976. There was a display of the entire 1975 set in a downstairs floor of the Hall. I soaked up all the cards and I specifically noted the Foote card. I thought the game "action" in the photo was totally cool. I admired the memory of that card for a long time. And when I got old enough to earn money and order cards through the mail, this is one of the cards I ordered. Youth wasted on the young, I guess you could say.

What I think about this card now: I wish I could determine who that player was behind Foote. Also, this is another one of many Topps cards taken in San Francisco's Candlestick Park.

Other stuff: Barry Foote started out as a starting catcher for the still fledgling Expos, but after a few years he settled into a backup role. Except for 1979, when he caught for the Cubs, most of Foote's post-1976 years were spent as a backup catcher for various teams through 1982. He later became a coach and a manager.

Back facts: Apparently, Sal Durante wore his Sunday best to catch Roger Maris' 61st home run.

Other blog stuff: Time to add the catcher to the Topps All-Rookie team for 1974:

1B - Mike Hargrove

2B - ?
3B - Bill Madlock
SS - ?
OF - Bake McBride
OF - ?
OF - ?
C - Barry Foote
P - Frank Tanana

I do believe we've come to our first weak link on the team.