#241 Checklist #2

What is this card?
Checklist #2, cards #122 to #241

While the checklists are probably some of the least "fun" cards in a set, it does mark a milestone of this blog. I know I said this before, but I still can't believe that I have made it to 241 cards.

Why I love this card
Hard for me to put a positive spin on a checklist but I'll try. Seven Hall of Famers have their name listed here as does my personal favorite player of the 1980s (Alan Trammell)

Something else.....
On the last checklist post, I compared the lists from the 1979 and 1981 set. Later on, I learned about the checklist of the 1960s. Great cards that featured pictures of the stars of the day. Check these out great cards from the 1967, 1968 and 1969 sets.





When did Topps lose its creativity? Now these are checklists! Couldn't you imagine a checklist from 1980 featuring George Brett, Pete Rose or Nolan Ryan? How awesome would those have been? Unfortunately, Topps trotted out the same standard fare that they had been for several years.

On this date in 1980:
The number #1 movie in the country at this moment was American Gigilo. A trailer can be seen here. This motion picture made a star out of actor Richard Gere

#240 Dave Kingman

Who is this player?
Dave Kingman, leftfielder, Chicago Cubs
The man known throughout the league as "Kong," Dave Kingman was one of the most feared power hitters in the game as the 1980 season began. He was voted to start for the National League in the All-Star Game that summer, but that was probably the only highlight for Kingman that season. His year started acrimoniously as he dumped a a bucket of ice water over the head of a Daily Tribune reporter. This led to a year long feud in the media. Thanks to a shoulder injury, his power numbers slipped considerably and this earned him the wrath of Cub fans.

The free-swinging, righthanded Kingman attended the University of Southern California and starred both on the mound and at the plate. He was an All-American and led the Trojans to a College World Series championship. He was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in 1970 and quickly gained a reputation for prodigious home runs blasts. Within a year, he was on the Giants roster playing outfield and first base. Kingman showed signs of stardom when he hit for the cycle in early 1972, but his penchant for striking out and committing errors in the field saw him sold to the New York Mets following the 1974 campaign.

With the Mets, Kong became the most prolific home run slugger in club history to that point. He hit 73 home runs in two seasons and was voted to the All-Star Game in 1976. But his time in the Big Apple was short as he was traded to the California Angels in June 1977 as part of a Mets fire sale. Kingman would also play for the San Diego Padres and New York Yankees in 1977, the only player to appear on a team in all four divisions in the same season. He signed as a free agent with the Chicago Cubs in 1978, where he achieved his most notable achievements.

He led the league in home runs in 1979 and was second in RBI with 115. True to form, Kingman also led the National League in strikeouts. After his disastrous 1980 season, Kingman was on the move again, this time back to the Mets, where he rebounded and led the National League in home runs again, this time in 1982. However, he only batted .208 in three seasons and led the league in strikeouts twice.

Kingman spent the final three seasons of his 16-year career in the American League with the Oakland Athletics. It was a return of sorts as Kingman finished his career in the Bay Area, where it began. He was the Comeback Player of the Year in 1984, finishing second in home runs (35) and third in RBI (118). He hit 30+ home runs every season as an Athletic still holds the record for most home runs in the final season of a career (35). Collusion prevented him from getting an offer for the 1987 season and he retired. Today, Kong is enjoying retirement as one of the preeminent sluggers of his era.

Why I love this card
This card makes me think of David, my next door neighbor and two years younger. I had a terrible time trying to explain to him why Kingman did not have an "All-Star" designation on this card. His rationale was that anyone who led the league in home runs was All-Star worthy. A solid argument, sure, but I tried to be patient. To make matters worse, Kingman was a starter in that year's game that confused the issue further. I think I just gave up at some point.

Something else....
Today, when I think of Kingman, I immediately think of "What is your opinion of Kingman's performance?" I still try to get that line in at work on occassion. The other is from 1985. After hitting two home runs, Kong hit a monstrous shot in the Kingdome that hit a speaker on the roof. The ball caromed back into play and was caught by Phil Bradley for an out. That game kinda sums up Kingman's career.

Included below is Kingman's 1980 Topps Super Card.

On this date in 1980:
Today is my Mom's birthday. She was 39 then and is still 39 now (at least that's what she says). There has been a lot of discussion of my Dad on this blog, but the person who held everything together growing up was always my Mom. Like many of her era, she stayed at home and provided the stability and support that was so crucial for me growing up. As a parent, many of the things that I do can be traced to her in some way. Thanks Mom, in two lifetimes I cannot repay you for the childhood that I was given.

#239 Don Aase

Who is this player?
Don Aase, starting pitcher, California Angels
Beset by injuries, the California Angels were unable to defend their AL West crown in 1980, slipping instead to sixth place. Righthanded pitcher Don Aase was one of the only healthy pitchers in Anaheim and he started and relieved, depending on the needs of the team. Aase started 21 games and was moved to the bullpen at mid-season. He was 3-0 and posted a 2.07 ERA in 19 appearances as a reliever, six of which were four innings or more.

The righthanded Aase was originally a selection of the Boston Red Sox in 1972. His professional career began dubiously as he went 0-10 with a 5.81 ERA with Williamsport and followed with a 15-loss season in 1973. However, Aase turned things around the following year as he was the best pitcher in the Carolina League, leading the circuit in wins, ERA and innings pitched. That performance earned him a promotion to Triple-A Pawtucket where he spent two seasons before earning a spot in the Boston rotation after the All-Star break in 1977.

Aase began his major league career with three straight wins, including a complete game shutout against the California Angels. He won six games, threw two shutouts and four complete games. However, the Red Sox traded Don to the Angels for Jerry Remy and won 11 games. He was a major part of the AL West division champions in 1979 and won the first postseason game in franchise history when he won Game 3 of the ALCS against the Baltimore Orioles.

He became the Angels closer in 1981 and spent the remainder of his career pitching out of the bullpen. An elbow injury in 1982 cost him almost two full seasons but Aase rebounded nicely, returning in 1984 to record 8 saves with a 1.62 ERA in 23 appearances. He became a free agent and signed with the Baltimore Orioles prior to the 1985 season. Installed as the Orioles closer, Aase was an All Star in 1986 and earned the save in the AL's win in Houston. He finished the year with 34 saves, the second most in the American League.

Injuries returned in 1987 and Aase never regained closer status, bouncing to three teams in the last four seasons of his 13-year career. He ended his career following stints with the New York Mets in 1989 and the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1990. Of all of the players in major league history, Don is listed fourth alphabetically behind David Aardsma, Hank Aaron, and Tommie Aaron. Today, Aase is enjoying retirement and his son is playing baseball for UNLV.

Why I love this card
When I first got this card, I first thought that Aase was photographed picking something up off the ground. The football stands in the background also reminded me of the local high school stadium. Today, I realize that this photo was likely taken in 1978 since the Angels had names on the back of their uniforms in 1979.

Something else....
Until today, I never knew that the correct pronunciation is AW-see. When I was a kid, I pronounced it ASS-ee, simply because it was a cheap reason to say "ass." My dad saw right through that. Since then, I had been pronouncing it Ah-see. Shows what I know.

On this day in 1980:
Today would have been the final day of the Star Trek Meal at McDonald's a cross promotion of Star Trek: The Movie. You can watch the commercial here. Notice that it is not called a Happy Meal - I think that this may be one of the first examples of a movie-themed combination at McDonald's.

#238 Rob Wilfong

Who is this player?
Rob Wilfong, second baseman, Minnesota Twins
In just his second full season as an everyday player, the sure-handed Rob Wilfong set an American League record for second basemen in 1980 when he posted a .995 fielding percentage. He made only three errors all season, but incredibly, did not win the Gold Glove Award for his fielding prowess. Wilfong tumbled at the plate, however, as his batting average dropped 65 points from the previous year. While his decline at the dish raised some eyebrows, Wilfong ended the 1980 season as the clear incumbent at his position for the Twins.

The Pasadena, CA native was selected by the Minnesota Twins in the 1971 amateur draft and hit a home run in his first professional at-bat with Charlotte. He was a Southern League All-Star with Double-A Orlando and batted over .300 at the Triple-A level. A strong Spring Training 1977 earned him a spot on the major league roster and he traveled north with the Twins, making his debut in April, 1977. Wilfong spent two years as an understudy before finally winning the position from Bob Randall in 1979.

He responded with the best statistical season of his career. The lefthanded hitting Wilfong led the team with a .313 average and achieved career highs in home runs (9) and RBI (59). An adept bunter and contact hitter, Wilfong had 22 bunt hits in 1979 and led his league with 25 sacrifice hits. At the time, it was thought that he, along with Roy Smalley and John Castino would be part of a core of young players that would lead the Twins in the 1980s.

Alas, it was not to be. By 1982, Wilfong was gone, traded to the California Angels. The Twins received Tom Brunansky in the deal who would go on to be a major part of the 1987 World Champions. But it would be Wilfong who would taste the postseason first, in 1982 and again in 1986 as the Angels won two AL West crowns. Meanwhile, Wilfong served primarily as a defensive replacement and utility man in his five seasons in Anaheim.

In the classic '86 series, his role in the famous Game 5 has largely been forgotten. After Dave Henderson shocked Donnie Moore and the Halos with his famous home run, the Angels, led by Wilfong's clutch RBI in the 9th, tied the game. Unfortunately, California lost the game and the series to Boston in seven. He made a brief cameo with the Giants in 1987 before retiring after 11 years in the majors. In retirement, Wilfong was a scout, most recently with the Detroit Tigers.

Why I love this card
We loved saying his name when we were kids. Nothing more, really. Just riding our bikes, Slurpees in hand and screaming "WILLLLLLFONNNNNG" for reasons only known to 9-year olds.

Something else.....
Wilfong's last professional hit was a home run with the Giants on May 7, 1987. With home runs as his first and last pro hit, Wilfong has nice bookends to his baseball career.

On this date in 1980:
The soap opera "Love of Life" came to an end after 30 years on the air. Here is a CBS World News report with the incomparable Walter Cronkite.

#237 Scott McGregor

Who is this player?
Scott McGregor, starting pitcher, Baltimore Orioles
Pitching in the shadow of more heralded teammates, Scott McGregor of the Baltimore Orioles proved to be one of the best pitchers in the American League in 1980. The reliable southpaw was very consistent throughout the year, winning 20 games and finishing in the Top Ten in seven categories. He earned his twentieth victory on the final day of the season, the Orioles 100th win of the season. Unfortunately, Baltimore finished three games short in the AL East division race to the New York Yankees.

McGregor played baseball for El Segundo High School and was a teammate of future Hall of Famer George Brett. He was selected by the New York Yankees with the 14th pick of the 1972 draft and in time was considered one of the Yankees top minor league prospects. Scott was involved in a major blockbuster trade in mid-1976, when he, along with Rick Dempsey and Tippy Martinez came to Baltimore and the trio helped the Orioles to two AL pennants. McGregor made his major league debut later that season.

By 1978, McGregor had worked his way into the Orioles starting rotation and he won 15 games. The next year, he missed over a month early in the season but returned strongly to win 13 games as the Orioles won the AL East. Before Game 4 of the ALCS against the California Angels, McGregor guaranteed his teammates a victory. He proved good to his word with a six-hit shutout as the Orioles clinched the American League Pennant. He won Game 3 of the World Series, but Scott and his Orioles teammates fell short in Game 7 as the Birds fell to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

He was named to the All Star Game in 1981 and the finesse, groundball pitcher finished fifth in the league in victories. In 1983, he won 18 games as the Orioles again advanced to the World Series. In the 1983 postseason, McGregor allowed only 2 runs in both Game 1 of the ALCS and Game 1 of the 1983 World Series, however, he lost both games by scores of 2-1. However, in the deciding Game 5 of the World Series, he pitched a complete game shutout as the Orioles defeated the Philadelphia Phillies.

In the following years, McGregor's fortunes seemed to match that of the Orioles. While still a formidable competitor, he was no longer the standout pitcher he had once been. He could still be counted on to take his turn in the O's rotation, but his ERA rose considerably and his record was only a little over .500. Injuries ruined most of the 1987 season and the career Oriole was released in May 1988 after a 13-year major league career. Today, McGregor is an ordained Pentecostal minister and will spend the 2010 season as the pitching coach of the Aberdeen IronBirds.

Why I love this card
I was completely fascinated as a kid with the stat on the back of this card. The fact that he earned a save without throwing a pitch was amazing to me. In an era before Retrosheet my imagination ran wild as to how this actually happened. This was reinforced by my Dad who acknowledged that he had never heard of that happening before. That alone made it special. Bonus points for Eddie Murray in the background.

Something else....
Here is a 2003 interview with McGregor in which he reflects on his major league career.

On this date in 1980:
The top five watched television shows at this particular moment:
1. 60 Minutes
2. Three's Company
3. Dallas
4. Real People
5. The Dukes of Hazzard

Calendar Time

Ok, it's show and tell time.

My third grader has been following along with this blog periodically. Typically, he likes to see what player and/or team we are currently on, sometimes offering suggestions, more often asking questions.

For Christmas, he recevied from Santa a really cool desk calendar, produced by the Baseball Hall of Fame. On each day is a shot of museum exhibits, memorbilia or Hall of Famer plaques.

Yesterday, this was featured on his calendar:



He was so excited to see a card from "Dad's set" and he wanted it to be included in the blog. Here it is.

Funny....the whole reason I started this blog was that it was "Dad's set" for me too.

#236 Marc Hill

Who is this player?
Marc Hill, reserve catcher, San Francisco Giants
After a little more than six seasons as a catcher for the San Francisco Giants, Marc Hill was sold to the Seattle Mariners on June 20th. The righthand hitting Hill appeared in only 17 games for the Giants before switching leagues. He backed up starter Larry Cox and provide excellent defense to a young Mariner pitching staff. He was offered a one-year deal by the Mariners after the season as a free agent but Hill rejected the offer. When the year ended with no teams looking for his services, Hill finished 1980 concerned that his career may be over.

The son of a former St. Louis Browns farmhand, Marc Hill was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1970. His defensive prowess earned comparisons to Johnny Bench but his bat never followed suit. He made his major league debut on the final day of the 1973 season as St. Louis allowed two hits in a 3-0 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. He appeared in only 10 games in 1974 and with Ted Simmons and Tim McCarver ahead of him, he was traded to the San Francisco Giants.

It was by the Bay that Hill earned a spot as a starting catcher. He was the Giants regular in 1977 and 1978, when the surprising Giants challenged for the NL West title. However, a broken wrist in 1979 cost him his job that he never reclaimed. Typically the eighth batter in the San Francisco lineup, Hill's defensive abilities were his strongest assest. He was an intellegent catcher, calling good games and possessed one of the more feared throwing arms in the league. He was also lauded as an excellent teammate and a great influence in the clubhouse.

The Chicago White Sox signed him in February 1981 and he stayed in Chicago for six years, primarily as Carlton Fisk's backup. He was a member of the 1983 AL West division champions, but did not appear in the post-season. He was known throughout his career as "Booter," a nickname given to him by former teammate Willie McCovey who opined that no one had heard of Marc Hill, but they'd heard of Boot Hill and Bunker Hill. McCovey merged the two into "Booter Hill."

Hill played his final game in 1986, squeezing out an impressive 14-year major league career. He immediately became a manager in the minor leagues and eventually served on the coaching staffs of the Houston Astros and New York Yankees. Hill managed the Peninsula Pilots to the Carolina League title in 1992 and then managed several other minor league teams until 1997. He briefly returned to managing in the Frontier League in 2003. After his managing days, Hill also worked as a landscaper at Lovelace Tree Farm.

Why I love this card
In retrospect, what I have learned about Hill contradicts what I thought about him at the time I got this card. I thought that he looked so angry and irritated. It confused me that a guy so lucky to be in the major leagues would be so upset about it. Quite the contrary, as Hill was one of more affable players in the game and actually a prankster. You have to love a guy that considered it a duty to give hotfoots. Or is it hotfeet?

Something else....
Often times, Hill was mistaken for fellow Sox LaMarr Hoyt and Greg Luzinski - he said he signed many autographs as "LaMarr Hoyt" in those situations in 1983. Check your autographs folks.

On this date in 1980:
In the first ever Pro Bowl in Hawaii, the NFC defeated the AFC 37-27 behind MVP Chuck Muncie of the New Orleans Saints. Muncie led all rushers with 71 yards and threw an option pass for a touchdown to Dallas' Tony Hill. Here are a couple pictures from that game:

#235 Andre Dawson

Who is this player?
Andre Dawson, centerfielder, Montreal Expos
Hall of Fame, Class of 2010
The newest member of the Baseball Hall of Fame was in the process of establishing himself as one of the great young stars of the game in 1980. Andre Dawson led his team in hits, doubles, batting average and runs scored as the Expos contended for the NL East title. In addition to his bat, Dawson established himself as an excellent fielder. He won the first of eight Gold Gloves in 1980 and his throwing arm was one of the most feared in the league. While the Expos lost out on the division title, it was clear that Dawson would be one of the best players of the coming decade.

The proud Miami native was drafted by the Montreal Expos in the 11th round of the 1975 amateur draft and made his major league debut the following season. His breakthrough season came in 1977 when he was named National League Rookie of the Year. Dawson helped lead the Expos to respectability and then contention in the late 1970s and early 1980s by showing a blend of power and speed that was unusual for his era. During his Montreal career, he was twice the NL runner-up for Most Valuable Player (1981 & 1983) and is the only Expo to hit 200 home runs and steal 200 bases.

Nicknamed "The Hawk," Dawson appeared in the postseason for the first time in 1981 and batted .300 in the NLDS against the Phillies. However, Dawson's bat went cold in the NLCS, batting only .150 in the Expos five game loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. During this era, Dawson continuously found himself among the league leaders in many offensive categories, consistently found himself representing his team in the All-Star Game and was a multiple winner of the Silver Slugger and Gold Glove Award

However, the hard artificial turf in Montreal's Olympic Stadium took its toll on Dawson's knees and he signed with the Chicago Cubs prior to the 1987 season. Hawk responded with the best statistical season of his career and was named National League MVP. Even though the Cubs finished in last place, Dawson led the league by slamming 49 home runs and drove in 137 runs. In six seasons in Chicago, Dawson averaged 29 homers and 98 RBI a year and Andre was a major reason the Cubs won the NL East title in 1989. Dawson again had a miserable NLCS, batting a mere .105 in Chicago's loss to the San Francisco Giants.

Dawson moved on to Boston in 1992, where he began the transition to a part-time player. Hampered again by knee injuries, he spent two years in Beantown before moving back home to Miami. He spent the final two seasons (1995-96) of his 21-year career with the Florida Marlins. He moved into the Marlins front office where he currently serves as as special assistant and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2010, his ninth year on the ballot. He will be inducted formally later this summer.

Why I love this card
I know I'm not the smartest guy in the world, but I could never, ever see the "M" on Dawson's helmet in 1980. In many ways that logo is and will always be "ELB" to me.

Something else....
Andre Dawson is one of only three playes in Major League history to hit 400 career home runs and steal 300 career bases. The other two? Willie Mays and Barry Bonds. Not bad company.

On this date in 1980:
The #1 song in the country at this moment in 1980 was Michael Jackson's "Rock With You" from his album "Off the Wall"

#234 Vern Ruhle

Who is this player?
Vern Ruhle, starting pitcher, Houston Astros
Probably the least heralded member of the Houston Astros' starting rotation, Vern Ruhle's contributions in 1980 were invaluable. Pitching as the #4 starter behind J.R. Richard, Nolan Ryan and Joe Niekro, Ruhle won a career-high 12 games as the Astros claimed the NL West title. After a stroke fell Richard, Ruhle posted a 1.71 ERA in six August starts and entered the postseason with the leading ERA on the team. Ruhle was involved in the most controversial play of the NLCS that you can read about here and listen to here. Unfortunately, the Astros lost the Series in five games.

Born in Coleman, Michigan he attended nearby Olivet College and was drafted in the 1972 amateur draft by the hometown Detroit Tigers. The righthanded Ruhle made an impressive debut at the end of the 1974 season that earned him a spot in the Tigers rotation. He put up a respectable 11 wins for a Detroit team that lost 102 games in 1975. Ruhle struggled overall as a Tiger as Detroit consistently finished in the second division. With an influx of young pitchers moving upward in the Tigers organization, Ruhle was released during Spring Training 1978.

He was unemployed for only one day, signing on with the Houston Astros and began the season at Triple-A. He worked his way back to the major leagues by posting a 2.12 ERA in 13 appearance with the Astros. He was inserted into the rotation in 1979 but missed some time during the summer due to injury. Several of his teammates attributed his absence from the rotation as one of the reasons the Astros lost out on the NL West title that season. Ruhle and the Astros again appeared in the postseason in 1981 and although he pitched well, he and Houston again fell short in the playoffs.

Ruhle spent seven seasons in Houston, winning 39 games and eventually being moved to the bullpen full time in 1983. He was granted free agency following the 1984 season and he spent one year with the Cleveland Indians. He was on the move again and spent his 13th and final season with the AL West Champion California Angels in 1986. Ruhle's last appearance was Game 4 of the ALCS. Vern spent many years as a pitching coach with Astros, Phillies, Mets and Reds. In Cincinnati he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and Ruhle passed away on January 20, 2007 at the age of 55.

Why I love this card
I was convinced that the Astros got robbed out of a triple play during the NLCS that year. I used to watch the games with all my cards out and I distinctly remember reading the back of Ruhle's card during the confusion and delay over the triple play. I was shocked that he was a Tiger and couldn't understand why the Tigers would have gotten rid of him. My dad's explanation of "he wasn't any good when he was here" didn't help matters.

Something else....
Purely coincidental that this post is going up on the third anniversary of Vern's passing. Rest in peace Mr. Ruhle.

On this date in 1980:
The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Los Angeles Rams 31-19 in Super Bowl XIV. One of my favorite sports photos of all time came from this game, capture on the Sports Illustrated cover of John Stallworth.

#233 LaRue Washington

Who is this player?
LaRue Washington, reserve outfielder, Texas Rangers
As Spring Training 1980 opened, LaRue Washington had a decent shot to make the Texas Rangers' roster as a fourth outfielder. Showing excellent speed and a decent glove, he was penciled in to be a reserve. However, the Rangers had an opportunity to obtain Rusty Staub and they traded Washington along with other players to Montreal on March 31, 1980. With the Expos rich in outfielders and contending for a division title, LaRue did not play in the major leagues in 1980.

A native of Long Beach, California, Washington was drafted in 1975 by the Texas Rangers off of the campus of Cal State Dominguez Hills. His skills almost immediately earned him a promotion to Triple-A Tuscon, where he batted .300 and stole 43 bases in his first season. He followed that with a .327 average with 50 swipes in 1978. He played a variety of infield positions with the Toros, primarily second base. The Rangers promoted him to the parent club in September 1978, and he was given a brief look.

He began the 1979 season at Triple-A and spent the majority of the season shuttling between Tuscon and Arlington. While in the minors, he again batted .300 but did not receive a full-time opportunity in his time with the Rangers. LaRue did have two hits in the first game he started against the A's, but was used primarily as a pinch runner. He did not return to the major leagues after the 1979 season, ending his brief two-year career.

He lasted two more years in the minor leagues and was traded to the Baltimore Orioles organization for the 1981 season. However, I was unable to find out his whereabouts after his playing days ended. Any help here would be most appreciated.

Why I love this card
When I was a kid, my little sister was in dance class. I think that everybody's sister was in dance class at one time or the other (ballet, tap, etc.). The school that the girls in my neighborhood went to was the "LoRu School of Dance." You can probably figure out the rest in regards to how this card fit in at some point.

Something else....
If you ever search for Washington at baseball-reference.com, make sure that you put a space between "La" and "Rue" otherwise it will not search for him. Just in case you were wondering.

On this date in 1980
Former Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas passed away, he was 81 years old. With a term lasting 36 years and 209 days, he is the longest-serving justice in the history of the Supreme Court.