#357 Bob McClure

Who is this player?

Bob McClure, relief pitcher, Milwaukee Brewers

It is difficult to imagine now, but in 1980, when Bob McClure was was the de facto closer of the Milwaukee Brewers, he still hankered to be used as a starting pitcher. The Brewers were without a "fireman" in the traditional sense, McClure performed the best in that role, saving 10 games and posting an ERA below 3.00 for most of the season. With Milwaukee out of the race late in the season, the left-handed McClure was given an opportunity to start for the first time in his career. He pitched a complete game, six-hitter in defeating his old team, the Kansas City Royals. Bob won four of his five starts down the stretch, giving Milwaukee management new ideas about his versatility.

A three-sport athlete at Terra Nova High School in Pacifica, California, Bob McClure began to attract attention from major league scouts after being named All-American at San Mateo Junior College. He was selected by the Kansas City Royals in June 1973 and reported the Billings Mustangs of the Pioneer Rookie League. He led the loop with 10 wins and fired three shutouts. The following year, he was moved to Triple-A ball in Omaha and he picked off an astounding 17 enemy baserunners. By the end of the 1975 season, he was promoted to the major leagues and made his debut with the Royals.

The final month of the 1975 season was a fabulous one for McClure. In 15.1 innings covering 12 appearances, he did not allow a run. It was this performance that defined him as a relief pitcher in the major leagues. The Royals used him exclusively out of the bullpen, but he was moved quickly, traded to Milwaukee in a package deal that landed Kansas City catcher Darrell Porter. It was during this time that McClure established a reputation as a reliable reliever who was tough on left-handed batters. For example, Rod Carew and Fred Lynn, two stars of the era, batted only .227 and .240 respectively against McClure.

McClure led the Brewers twice in saves (1978 and 1980), but the acquisition of Rollie Fingers and Bob's performance as a starter had him moved to the starting rotation. However, tendinitis caused him to miss much of the 1981 season. He did pitch in three games in relief in the Brewers first ever post-season appearance, a ALDS loss to the New York Yankees in five games.

In Milwaukee's pennant-winning 1982 season, Bob was the #3 pitcher in the rotation and won a career high 12 games and 172 innings. He again pitched in the postseason for the Brewers, winning the clinching Game 5 in relief. Bob and the Brewers were not as fortunate in the World Series, however, as McClure lost two games in relief and Milwaukee the Series in seven games. Bob would spend 10 years in a Milwaukee uniform, and by the time of his departure in 1986, he was among the career leaders in several team pitching categories.

As the emphasis on relief pitching accelerated into the 1980s and 1990s, McClure settled into a role a left-handed specialist for several teams. Beginning with the Montreal Expos in 1986, he pitched with the New York Mets, California Angels, St. Louis Cardinals and Florida Marlins before he closed out his 19-year career in 1993.

McClure almost immediately transitioned into a coaching career after his playing days, in both the major and minor leagues. He was the Royals pitching coach for six seasons (2006-2011) where he oversaw the development of Cy Young winner Zack Grienke. He was named pitching coach of the Boston Red Sox for the 2012 season.

Why I love this card

Quite possibly, McClure's card has the best fact on the back. To read that McClure made his major league debut at 1AM was stunning to me. At this point in my life, I don't think that I had ever stayed up later than 10PM. To think that major league baseball games were being played at such a late hour was beyond comprehension. Nobody was ever out that late were they? That was something that was reserved for Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy. Or burglers. They were out late too. As I may have mentioned, mine was an odd childhood.

Something else....

McClure and Keith Hernandez were teammates in Little League. Even more importantly, this McClure card was a 1980 original from my collection.

#356 Jerry Coleman San Diego Padres Team Card

What is this card?
Team Card, San Diego Padres, Jerry Coleman Manager

Certainly, whenever a team announces a new manager, there is excitement for the upcoming season. When Jerry Coleman was named as manager of the San Diego Padres on October, 1979, the word most associated with the decision was shock. In an unexpected move, Padres' GM Bob Fontaine fired manager Roger Craig and replaced him with Coleman, who at the time was the team's play-by-play announcer.

While Coleman had a nine year career with the New York Yankees championship teams of the 1950s, he had never before piloted a baseball team. Despite concerns about their depth, the Padres began the 1980 season optimistically after signing free agent pitchers Rick Wise and John Curtis to bolster the starting rotation and trading for nearly an entirely new infield in first baseman Willie Montanez, second baseman Dave Cash and third baseman Aurelio Rodriguez.

San Diego also had the talents of three future Hall of Famers on the squad (Ozzie Smith, Rollie Fingers and Dave Winfield). However, the Padres were beset by injuries and a lack of depth to finish 73-89 and a last place finish in the National League West.

The Winfield saga alone was one that hung over the Padres all season. Big Dave was in the final year of his contract and Padre management had hoped to resign him but talks stalled. It seemed clear as the year went on that the Padres best player would be moving on.

Predictably, Coleman's inexperience caused problems with several veterans who criticized him in the press, most notably Rollie Fingers and Gene Tenace. By mid-season Fontaine was fired and replaced by Jack McKeon.

However, there was some standout performances on the 1980 Padres, including:

Leftfielder Gene Richards, who finished second in the NL with 193 hits and stole 61 bases. Rightfielder Winfield, who was the club's lone All Star representative and led the club in HR and RBI, Centerfielder Jerry Mumphrey, who batted .298 and stole 52 bases, and Shortstop Ozzie Smith who set a major league record  for most assists by a shortstop (621).

The Padres set a team record and led the National League with 287 stolen bases, led by Richards, Mumphrey and Smith (57 SB).

At season's end, the Padres lost Winfield via free agency and "Trader Jack" McKeon earned his reputation by dealing most of their veterans including Fingers, Tenace, Bob Shirley and Randy Jones. In return, they would receive catcher Terry Kennedy among others, who would be one of the cornerstones of the 1984 National League champions. Coleman was fired as manager and returned to the broadcast booth, his one year adventure in the dugout over.

Why I love this card
This one is fairly obvious. The fact that there are elephants in a major league team's picture is pretty awesome. Taken at the San Diego Zoo, the elephants detract from the Padres horrible home unis.

Something else....
Former Padre pitcher John Curtis wrote a review about Jerry Coleman's book, which can be found here.

Coleman incidentally, has led a very intriguing life. In addition to being named the 1948 AL Rookie of the Year, he won four world titles as a player and was named an All-Star. He was also 2008 Hall of Fame broadcaster inductee, with more than 50 years of broadcast experience. Coleman also served in the armed forces in World War II and the Korean conflict. While a Marine Corps aviator he flew 120 combat missions, receiving numerous honors and medals including two Distinguished Flying Crosses.

#355 Gary Matthews

Who is this player?
Gary Matthews, right fielder, Atlanta Braves
Coming off one of the most productive seasons of his career, for Gary Matthews of the Atlanta Braves, 1980 would prove to be difficult. When the Braves started the year 1-9 and Matthews mired in an 0 for 21 slump, Atlanta owner Ted Turner ordered Matthews benched. From there, management attempted to trade Matthews, but a deal could not be consummated. Later, Matthews filed a grievance over a fine he received when he and some teammates were fined for missing a club luncheon. Upon his return to the starting lineup, Gary rattled out three hits and had the game-winning RBI against the first place Houston Astros and went on to bat .342 during the month of May. The right-handed hitting Matthews would have a solid season in 1980 (.278, 19, 75), but he didn't match his previous output and it appeared that his days in Atlanta were winding down.

Gary Mathews was a lightly-regarded high school pitcher when he was first seen by legendary scout George Genovese. Seeing Matthews as hitter, as well as being impressed with his character, Genovese recommended the San Francisco Giants selected Gary, which they did with their #1 selection of the 1968 amateur player draft. His time in the minor league was short as he quickly worked his way up the ladder and impressed when he was called up to the Giants in September, 1972.

Inserted as the Giants left fielder the following year, Gary had an exceptional season, batting an even .300 and was named NL Rookie of the Year. At the time, the Giants' outfield of Matthews, Bobby Bonds and Garry Maddox was one of the fastest and exciting in the game. Matthews in particular, displayed an aggressive style on the field and was known for his takeout slide and tumbling catches. However, they did not last together long and despite some very productive seasons by the Bay, the poor state of team finances soon hastened Matthews' departure from the Giants, as a free agent after the 1976 season.

At the time, free agency was new and its impact was still being felt around baseball. Matthews' transition to the Braves was not a simple one and there were issues regarding Gary's 2-million dollar deal between Braves' owner Ted Turner and commissioner Bowie Kuhn. Turner was suspended one-year for tampering, but Matthews nonetheless became an Atlanta Brave. Gary would spend four years in Atlanta was selected to the All-Star team for the only time in his career in 1979.

With Atlanta unable to trade Matthews during the 1980 season, he was dealt to the Philadelphia Phillies prior to the 1981 campaign. It was during his Philadelphia years that the nickname "Sarge" really stuck with Matthews and his unsung efforts led the "Wheeze Kids" Phillies to the NL flag. For his efforts, Matthews was named MVP of the 1983 NCLS when he batted .429 and clubbed three home runs. The Phillies, however, fell short in the World Series and the process of replacing veterans in Philly began in earnest. Matthews was one of those veterans.

After three years with the Phillies, the Chicago Cubs traded for him in 1984 and he was one of the veteran leaders on a Cub team that made the postseason for the first time in 39 years. For his part, Gary led the National League in walks and on-base percentage and placed fifth in the MVP voting. Matthews even led the attack in the first game of the NLCS by clubbing two home runs. Again, however, Gary's team failed to advance to the World Series as the Cubs lost in five games. Injuries began to take their toll, as Matthews missed much of the 1985 season and he was released by the Cubs midway during the 1987 season. He caught on with the Seattle Mariners, where he would play 45 games to close out his 16-year major league career.

In his post-playing days, Matthews would spend years in the private sector before returning to baseball. He coached for several teams, including the Cubs, beginning in 1995 through 2006. Beginning with the 2007 season, he has served as analyst on Philadelphia Phillies' broadcasts and is noted for some of his sayings as evidenced here. And of course, his son, Gary Jr., had a 12-year major league career from 1999-2010.

Why I love this card:
For the longest time, I had little to no clue what that was on Matthews' sleeve. In the days before WTBS in my home, I had very little interaction with the Atlanta Braves living in an AL town. It was one of those things that didn't bother me enough to ask about it but enough to be puzzled about it when I saw it. For a while, I thought I was reading the letters "V" and "Y" instead of seeing the feather. It became an optical illusion like the old/young woman or the Montreal Expos "M." Those who know me best will insist that I am still that dumb.


Something else....
Matthews penned an autobiography entitled, appropriately "They Call Me Sarge." In it, he lists some of his "Matthews-isms" which I have shared here:

1.	No high-fives until the late innings.
2.	Play to win, but play clean.
3.	Say what you mean, but pick your spots.
4.	Put personal problems aside when you play the game.
5.	Respect and friendships are the key.

#354 Rick Auerbach

Who is this player?
Rick Auerbach, reserve infielder, Cincinnati Reds
Known initially as a good glove man that was swift on the basepaths, Rick Auerbach had been transitioning into a role as a useful pinch-hitter as the 1980 season began. With the Cincinnati Reds, Auerbach didn't see much playing time, but took advantage of the time he did see, compiling a .333 batting average (11 for 33) by midseason. However, the Reds sold Auerbach to the Texas Rangers shortly after the All-Star break. Rick was in the process of getting married when the transaction was completed and he never reported to the Rangers. Texas placed him on the disqualified list for the remainder of the 1980 season and Auerbach returned home. During the winter, he was involved in an 11-player trade that would send him to the Seattle Mariners.

Rick Auerbach was a native of Woodland Hills, California where he was a prep star at Taft High School (which would boast Robin Yount several years later). Originally drafted by the California Angels out of high school in 1968, Rick instead went to Pierce College and was drafted by the Seattle Pilots the following year. Being an expansion team, Rick rose quickly up the ranks as the Pilots moved to Milwaukee to become the Brewers. His speed was his greatest asset initially and it led him to be invited to the Brewers Spring Training camp in 1971 as a non-roster player. When camp ended, he broke north with the team and found himself in a platoon as Milwaukee's shortstop. By the end of June he was returned to the minors for more seasoning, but it seemed that it would be a matter of time before Auerbach would claim the position as his own.

He did so the following season, winning the shortstop job outright. Appearing in 153 games, he was seventh in the American League in 1972 with 24 stolen bases. However, he batted just .218 and made 30 errors. Shortly after the 1973 season began, he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he was primarily a backup for Bill Russell. He would split time between Triple-A and Los Angeles during his tenure (1974-76) but he did appear in the 1974 NLCS and had a pinch-hit double in Game 3 off of Pirates hurler Ramon Hernandez.

Traded to the Mets prior to the 1977 season, he never appeared in a game with the parent club and moved on to Cincinnati in June. He backed up various members of the Big Red Machine and led the National League in pinch hitting in 1978 when he went 7 for 13. He was also one of the few major leaguers of his era to embrace weight training when it was often scorned by major league clubs. In 1979, he had his most at-bats since 1972 in helping the Reds win the NL West championship. Although he batted only .210 he took full advantage of when he was given starting opportunities.

In Seattle for the 1981 season, Auerbach started slowly, batting .155 and his season was ended prematurely, when he was hit by a pitch and broke his right thumb. Although he did not know it at the time, it was the final major league appearance of Auerbach's 11 year career.

More recently, Auerbach has made the news with his bowling exploits in his native California. He took up the game five years ago and his average is about 220.

Why I love this card
Any mention of the Seattle Pilots would garner my attention and there it was on the back of Auerbach's card. I had not discovered "Ball Four" yet, so the Pilots were a mysterious entity to me. Worse, most of the adults I knew could not enlighten me much on the subject either because of the book or because they were not otherwise memorable. For me, though, a card like Auerbach's would begin a life-long curiosity in the Seattle Pilots, of which I am still a sucker for to this day.
 
Something else....
Apparently, Auerbach's issues with the Texas Rangers were not isolated to 1980. After he was traded to the Rangers from the Mets in 1977, the Rangers sent him to the minors after Auerbach was under the impression he would be signing a major league contract. He refused to report to Triple-A and presumably quit baseball. However, when the Rangers sold him to the Reds, he ended his exile and became a productive pinch hitter.

#353 Andy Hassler

Who is this player?

Andy Hassler, relief pitcher, New York Mets

When Spring Training began in February 1980, it was presumed that free agent signee Andy Hassler would replace the departed Bruce Kison on the world champion Pittsburgh Pirates' pitching staff. However, a terrible performance the Grapefruit League shook the confidence of Pirate management. He performance, along the with acquisition of Buddy Solomon, likely would have led to his release if not for his large contract. Hassler appeared in only six games for the Pirates before he was sold to the California Angels in mid-June. Back in Anaheim for the second time in his career, the left-handed Hassler became the Halos most reliable relief pitcher and eventual closer. He saved 10 games and recorded a 2.49 ERA in an Angels uniform and re-established himself as an effective reliever.

A prep star at Palo Verde High School in Tuscon, Arizona, Andy Hassler once struck out 19 of 21 batters in a game and made the All-City team in his senior year of 1969. Shortly after graduation he was drafted by the California Angels, and less than two years later, he made his major league debut at Yankee Stadium. At 19 years old, Hassler was (and is) the youngest pitcher ever to start a game at the venerable ballpark.  Hassler lasted a month on the Angels in 1971 before he was sent back to the bushes for more seasoning.

The Angels were very high on Hassler, and he was the staff ace at Triple-A Salt Lake City. As the Angels added Nolan Ryan and Frank Tanana to their major league roster, the Angels envisioned a dominant rotation that included Hassler that would lead them for the remainder of the decade. Despite such promise, however, Hassler was unable to reach the same level of success as his All-Star teammates. Whether it was mechanical issues, poor run support or just bad luck, Hassler won only 10 of 30 decisions in his first five seasons in an Angel uniform and at one point lost eighteen decisions in a row.

Sold to the Kansas City Royals in June, 1976, Hassler's arrival in Kaycee coincided with a Royals run that saw them win three consecutive AL West flags. With renewed confidence and the help of a hypnotist, Andy solidified that back end of the Royals' rotation. In the postseason, the Royals and Hassler struggled as they were turned back by the New York Yankees. Despite his success in Kansas City, a freak injury sidelined him early in the 1978 season when he cut his hand reaching for suitcase (he instead grabbed a knife). When Rich Gale did well in his absences, Hassler was sold again in 1978, this time to the Boston Red Sox.

Hassler finished the 1978 season with Boston pitching mostly out of the bullpen. When he started poorly in 1979, Andy was sold a third time, to the New York Mets. With the pitching-poor Mets, Hassler pitched well, alternately as a starter and reliever. After the season, he signed a free agent contract, rumored to be $750K with the Pittsburgh Pirates

Back with the Angels from 1980-1983, Hassler was now pitching exclusively in relief. He was typically used as a left-handed setup man, during a time before that role was defined as it is today. Andy had an exception 1982 campaign as the Angels won the 1982 AL West title. Appearing in 54 games he won two, saved four and marked an impressive 2.78 ERA. The season ended on a sour note when the Angles lost the ALCS to Milwaukee and there was a minor controversy as to why manager Gene Mauch failed to use Hassler in the deciding game. After this, and an unimpressive performance the following season (0-5 5.45) Andy released. He latched on to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he spent the final two seasons of his 14-year major league career.

Today, Hassler is living in Arizona, enjoying his retirement. He dabbled in real estate after his playing days and is known to reply to his fan mail.

Why I love this card

I was a naive kid in 1980. I knew absolutely nothing about Topps' airbrushing policy and how or why they did it. But I knew it when I saw it and it leaped out at me on Hassler's card. There was just something about his Mets hat that just didn't look right. Looking back now, however, I just can't believe that Topps would waste their time airbrushing when Hassler was in a Mets' uniform for the whole second half of the 1979 season. I mean, they sent someone out to take a picture of Dock Ellis in a Mets uniform, who came on board roughly the same time. Couldn't they have taken the time to find Hassler and snap a photo?

Something else....

Hassler holds an unofficial record for players in the modern era, sold four times. You just don't see that happen today, let alone four times to one player.

The Thirteenth 25: A Roster

A brief look back in team form at the last 25 player cards in the 1980 set (#326 through #352) as if constructing a fantasy league team.

Manager - Gene Mauch

Starting Lineup:
1B - Richie Hebner
2B - Jack Brohamer
SS - Harry Chappas
3B - Carney Lansford
OF - Ken Singleton
OF - George Hendrick
OF - Al Cowens
C - Jim Essian
DH - Larry Parrish

Glass half full: Based on 1980 performance alone, this team has the potential to score some runs. Henrdrick was an All-Star, while Ken Singleton and Larry Parrish were at or near All-Star levels. Cowens was three years removed from an MVP-runner up season and Hebner was a consistent run producer. Lansford had shown glimpses of the form that he would show as a future batting champion. A nice middle of the order is on display.

Glass half empty: There is a lack of hitting up the middle, primarily up the middle. Despite being good glove men, Essian, Brohamer and especially Chappas have struggled at the plate. There is also little speed on this team so they would be waiting for the big hit as there isn't much to suggest an ability to sustain aggressiveness on the base paths.

Bench: Dan Briggs, Bob Davis, Johnny Wockenfuss, Willie McCovey, Jim Norris, Ray Fosse, Mike Vail

Glass half full: The veteran presence of Hall of Famer McCovey alone makes this a formidable bench. Even at his advanced age, his bat needs to be respected. There is depth at catcher with Fosse and Davis in reserve. Wockenfuss can play several positions, including first, third, catcher and outfield.

Glass half empty: Not much infield depth here as there isn't anyone to pick up the slack at second or short. Also, a few of these players struggle at the plate so that limits their role off the bench.

Starting Rotation:
George Medich
Jim Beattie
Buddy Solomon
Randy Lerch
Odell Jones

Glass half full: There are some hard-throwers here, primarily Solomon and Jones. Medich put together a successful career, seven times winning 12 or more games in a season. Lerch and Beattie can take the ball every fifth day and provide solid innings.

Glass half empty: With the exception of Medich, none of these starters were given an extended opportunity to succeed in a starting role. Inconsistency has been an issue with Beattie, Jones and especially Lerch. When these pitchers are good they can be very good, unfortunately, the opposite can be true when they are not.

Bullpen: Bo McLaughlin, Bert Roberge, Enrique Romo, John D'Acquisto

Glass half full: Romo would earn the closer role as he has the most experience (and success) in that role. D'Acquisto would likely be the set up man. All four have demonstrated an ability to pitch well in short and long relief.

Glass half empty: A lack of depth here as well. An injury would severely test the entire pitching staff since there are only nine pitchers. At times, there can be a propensity among this group to pitch poorly for extended periods.

OTHER: Checklist #3

OVERALL: If the name of the game is pitching, this group isn't as strong as some previous entries. There is a nice lineup here and a Hall of Famer in McCovey, who is in his final season. However, this squad lacks a ace pitcher and depth on the mound to be effective over the long haul. The lineup isn't enough to make up for its pitching deficiencies. I think that it would be fitting for Gene Mauch to manage this club as that it would be unlikely to win its division in any grouping that we would put together for the first 13 teams.

GRADE: B-

#352 Dan Briggs

Who is this player?
Dan Briggs, outfielder/first baseman, San Diego Padres

On the final day of Spring Training 1980, Dan Briggs was informed that he would be starting the season at the Montreal Expos' Triple-A club at Denver. Traded to Montreal from the San Diego Padres after the 1979 season, the left-handed hitting Briggs joined a Denver Bears squad that would be ranked as one of the best minor league teams of all-time. The Bears won 92 games and Dan was named an American Association All-Star. He finished the season batting .317 with 13 home runs and 74 RBI. With the Expos in a pennant race for the NL East flag, Briggs was not called up to the parent club and did not appear in a major league game in 1980.

A prep star at Sonoma Valley high school in Sonoma, California, Dan Briggs had an impressive amateur pedigree. He was named to the Topps All-American High School team in his senior year of 1970 and was also named San Francisco Bay Area Player of the Year. This would culminate in his selection by the California Angels on the 34th round of the 1970 June draft.

Dan began to build an impressive minor league resume, first gathering attention with a .300 season in 1973 and following that with a .352 performance at Double-A El Paso. Moved to Triple-A Salt Lake City in 1975, Briggs was putting in another solid .300+ season when he got the call from Anaheim and made his major league debut late in the 1975 season. He spent the final month of the season with the Halos, mainly as a first baseman.

He would split the 1976 season between Anaheim and Salt Lake City. He appeared in 77 games with the Angels as a first baseman and centerfielder, batting .214 and driving in 14 runs in 248 at-bats. He would begin the 1977 season with the Angels, but his struggles at the plate saw him split time again with the minor leagues. With the Angels moving in the direction of buying high profile free agents, Briggs became expendable and he was traded tot the Cleveland Indians.

Briggs spent the majority of the 1978 season at Triple-A Portland, putting together a fabulous season that saw him bat .330 with 20 home runs and 109 RBI. As his 1980 card indicates above, he also led the league in doubles and total bases. He played for the Indians the final month of the season, but he was on the move again, this time to the San Diego Padres.

In San Diego, Dan received his most extensive playing time at the major league level, although it was acknowledged that he played much of the season in pain and batted only .207. Dan was unable to crack a loaded Montreal lineup and he appeared in only six games for them at the major league level despite leading the American Association with 110 RBI. He was traded again after 1981, this time to the Chicago Cubs. He played in 48 games for the Cubs in 1982, the final season of his seven year major league career.

Briggs would play two seasons (1982-1983) in Japan before returing to the States with the Columbus Clippers in the New York Yankees organization. Despite two years in Columbus, he was not called up to the Yankees and he retired after the 1985 season.

After his playing days, Dan Briggs was the head baseball coach for 10 years at Denison University (1989-1999). Today, he runs Big League Baseball School with former major leaguer John Pacella in Worthington, Ohio.

Why I love this card
In prior posts, I have mentioned that animation was just as much at the center of my universe as these baseball cards. Whether it was the Sunday comics, Saturday morning cartoons or comic books, these were just as important. Spider-Man was a always a favorite and the netting behind Briggs here always reminded me of one of the webs that was so prevalent in the comics. Here was what I was thinking of:

Something else....
As Briggs is an alumnus of Sonoma Valley High, also too is former major leaguer John Henry Johnson, featured on Topps card #173.

#351 Bob Davis

Who is this player?
Bob Davis, reserve catcher, Toronto Blue Jays
When the Toronto Blue Jays decided to trade starting catcher Rick Cerone to the New York Yankees prior to the 1980 season, it directly impacted Bob Davis' major league career. With Ernie Whitt promoted to starting receiver, Davis was his understudy. Toronto was in the early days of its franchise and Bob was given an opportunity to play; one that he took advantage of with career highs in nearly every offensive category. Although not a strong major league hitter, he was considered a good defensive catcher. Despite this, the Blue Jays released him in December.

An Oklahoma native, Bob Davis starred at Locust Grove High School before moving on to Claremore Junior College. He was discovered there by the San Diego Padres who made him their 6th round draft pick in the 1970 June amateur draft. Bob enjoyed success during his minor league career, leading the Northwest League in home runs and RBIs at Tri-City in 1971. He was given serious consideration in Spring Training 1973 and won the starting catching job for the Padres.

Although he was San Diego's Opening Day catcher, Bob's stay in the majors was short lived and was returned to the minor leagues after only five games. Despite periodic injuries that interrupted parts of some seasons, Davis was still able to put together an All-Star season at Triple-A Hawaii, batting .329 and leading the league in RBI. That strong showing brought him back to the major leagues, appearing in 43 games with San Diego in 1975.

Davis spent parts of the next four seasons in San Diego (1975-1978) earning his spot on the roster as a intelligent backstop and defensive asset. While his hitting may not have matched his defense (he never batted higher than .234 during his Padre days), at that particular time offense wasn't as stressed at all positions (especially catcher and shortstop) as much as it is today.

After the 1978 season, Bob was a Rule 5 draftee, going to the Toronto Blue Jays. As a result, he spent the entire 1979 season with the Jays despite the fact that he batted only .124 in 89 at-bats. Additionally, the aforementioned Cerone and Whitt were ahead of Davis on the depth chart. After his Toronto release, Davis spend most of 1981 with the California Angels' Triple-A club at Salt Lake City. He was called up for one game late in the season and it would prove to be the final game of his eight year major league career.

Currently Bob Davis resides in Locust Grove, Oklahoma not far from a Little League Baseball stadium and complex named in his honor.

Why I love this card
Have you ever gotten the feeling that you were cheated when you received two cards in the same pack. Over the years, that has happened to me more often than I can remember. It happened to my son recently when he was opening a pack of the new Topps Stickers.

I have six 1980 Bob Davis cards. It wasn't double printed so I don't know why I have so many. Anyway, Bob Davis was the first player that ever doubled up for me in the same pack. Whenever I get that feeling when you see two of the same cards in one pack, I think of Bob Davis.

Something else....
On the back of Davis' 1981 Topps card, he lists "snake hunting" as one of his hobbies.

#350 George Hendrick

Who is this player?
George Hendrick, right fielder, St. Louis Cardinals
In the midst of perhaps his most productive season, George Hendrick of the St. Louis Cardinals began the 1980 season productively. He had a 6-RBI performance against the defending world champion Pittsburgh Pirates in April and had 50 RBI by early June. He was leading the league in RBI at the All-Star break and this earned him a nod as a reserve in the All-Star Game. His 6th inning single tied the score in the NL's eventual win. George was a reliable bat in the middle of the Cardinals attack and he finished the 1980 season with career highs in base hits (173), home runs (25) and RBI (109). He was rewarded for his performance with the Silver Slugger Award and finished 8th in the NL MVP voting.

A native of Los Angeles, California, George Hendrick was the first player selected in the January 1968 player draft by the Oakland A's. He immediately led the Midwest League in batting his first professional season and was named an All-Star. When he clubbed 21 home runs and batted .333 in just 63 games at Double-A Iowa in 1971, he was promoted to the parent club. He appeared in sporadic duty that first season but was getting invaluable tutelage from teammate Joe Rudi, whom he credited for improving his defense.

Hendrick made the A's roster again the following season but again played sporadically, typically as a fourth outfielder. Oakland meanwhile was on their way to the first of three consecutive world titles. Hendrick scored the eventual game-winning run on a controversial play that has been largely forgotten today.  Despite reaching the pinnacle of a championship, George was disillusioned the following spring when Oakland wanted him to begin the 1973 season in the minor leagues. When he balked at this, he was traded to the Cleveland Indians.

Given an opportunity to play everyday, Hendrick blossomed in Cleveland, becoming the regular centerfielder from 1973-1976. He was one of the team's primary power hitters, hitting three homers in a game and twice was named an All-Star. It was also in Cleveland that he began a long-standing policy of not speaking to the press, who predictably took him to task about it in their writings. George would eventually be called "Captain Easy" or "Joggin' George" as the press fanned the flames regarding his perceived lack of hustle. Despite being one of the best players on the team, these perceptions invariably led to misunderstandings with management and George was traded to the San Diego Padres prior to the 1977 season.

George had a fine 1977 season with the Padres but his reputation hindered him with his owner, Ray Kroc, and he was dealt to the St. Louis Cardinals during the 1978 campaign. It was with the Cardinals that George would establish himself as one of the premier run producers in the game and become a integral member of the eventual 1982 World Series champions. With the Redbirds, George batted over .300 three times, drove in 100 RBI twice was given MVP consideration four consecutive seasons (1980-1983). Even more importantly, he enhanced his reputation as a "team" player as was considered popular among his teammates.

In an effort to bolster their pitching, the Cardinals traded George to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1985. He would only spend one season in Pittsburgh before moving on to the California Angels for the final four seasons of his 18 year major league career. He appeared in the 1986 ALCS, a seven-game Angel loss.

After his playing days, George Hendrick became a coach with several stops at the minor and major league level. Currently, he is the first base and outfield coach with the Tampa Bay Rays, a position that he has held since 2006.

Why I love this card
As I was learning about the players during the summer of 1980, several words kept popping up regarding George Hendrick. Sullen. Moody. Withdrawn. I didn't get it. Since I was a National League fan, I loved that Hendrick tied the All-Star Game and respected that he drove in runs. By the bunches. Also, the following year, I got this sticker when Topps decided to branch into that collectible:

Sullen? Moody? Withdrawn? Who were they kidding? Does Hendrick look any of those things? In my 10-year old mind, they had to be talking about someone else. I sure as heck didn't see it.

Something else....
No post about George Hendrick would be complete with mention of his pant legs. Hendrick is widely credited with being the first player to wear his pant legs very low without the socks showing whatsoever.

Bridging The Generations

Disclaimer: This post has nothing to do with the 1980 Topps set, rather a remembrance of my father, who was the original inspiration for this blog. Periodically, I will break away from the 1980 set, to include these entries as a tribute to the man who started my card collection and my interest in the game.

It was one year ago today that Justin Verlander pitched his second career no-hitter.

Verlander had one of those seasons last year; he was the best pitcher in baseball in 2011. Locally, the no-hitter was a nice story because he was a Detroit Tiger.

History will show that was the day that Verlander pitched his second career no-hitter and was an unofficial turning point in the Tigers' season. Most don't recall that Verlander was 2-3 going into this game and the Tigers were under the .500 mark. It has been recognized that his performance in this game sparked the team and lead them to the American League playoffs.

But no matter what happens with Verlander for the remainder of his career, his May 7, 2011 no-hitter gave me memories that will last the rest of my life for reasons that have nothing to do with baseball.

At the time, my father was dying of emphysema at St. John's hospital in Detroit. He was in the middle of a three-week hospital stay and at this point was all but confined to his bed. I was visiting him that Saturday afternoon and talk eventually turned to his mortality. We mutually and silently decided that the break from such heavy talk would be the Tigers game. It was just starting and even though I knew different, it was almost as if I was nine years old again, watching the game on TV with my Dad; talking about baseball and him giving me guidance on life in general as he always did.

Verlander, meanwhile, was in the middle of a masterful performance, retiring every single batter he faced. We knew that it was bad luck to say the words "no-hitter" but it was still early in the game. Dad tired around the sixth inning despite what was transpiring and said he wanted to take a nap. I knew that my Mom would be coming soon, so we said our goodbyes for another day.

When I got home, Verlander was still at it. I told my son what was happening and we turned on the TV. The irony was not lost on me as now the roles were switched. Our excitement built as we got closer to the final out, but my mind couldn't help but think of my dual roles as father and son and how this great American pastime bridged three generations. It served as our common interest as well as our distractions, gave us something to rally around as well as serve as our reason to spend time with each other. After the game, Grandson talked to Grandpa on the phone about the game and they compared notes. In my heart, I knew instantly that it was one of those moments I should make note of. I smile even now recalling it.

Dad died ten days later on May 17, 2011.

Yes, Verlander's no-hitter was baseball history. Yes, it was one of the seminal moments of the Tigers 2011 season. But to me it will always mean so much more. For one afternoon, Justin Verlander gave me something special that had really, little to do with baseball. He will always simultaneously remind me of my Dad and my son and how important our relationships are.

#349 Jack Brohamer

Who is this player?
Jack Brohamer, reserve infielder, Boston Red Sox
Beginning the 1980 season with the Red Sox, Jack Brohamer came off the bench frequently to spell second baseman Jerry Remy and third baseman Butch Hobson. He performed very well in this role, beginning with three multi-hit games in mid-April. His batting average was well over .300 when the Red Sox decided to sell him to the Cleveland Indians. With Duane Kuiper out for the season with an injury, Brohamer was given a everyday opportunity. He struggled at the plate with the Tribe as his batting average hovered around the Mendoza-line for most of the summer. A late flurry in September, along with his only home run that year, resulted in a final mark of .251.

The words "scrappy" and "hustle" are often used to described Jack Brohamer's style of play. A native of Maywood, California, he began his professional career as a 34th round draft pick of the Cleveland Indians in 1967. The left-handed Brohamer doubled in a run in his first at-bat in the minors and showed promise that first season by batting .291. Two years later he would lead his minor league in fielding percentage and assists. However, when he was benched at Wichita in 1971, he considered retiring and taking a job doing mechanical work. Jack changed his mind when he began playing regularly and eventually led him to the major leagues.

An impressive Spring Training won him a starting position with the Indians. Playing every day, Brohamer appeared in a career-high 136 games and earned a position on the Topps/Baseball Digest All-Rookie team. Brohamer would be the Tribe's regular second baseman for three seasons, until an injury forced him from the lineup. When Duane Kuiper played well in his absences, the Indians relegated Jack to the bench, eventually leading to his trade from the team. Understandably, this turn of events didn't sit very well with Brohamer, who wanted to play every day.

Traded to the Chicago White Sox for the 1976 season, Brohamer again played everyday for the Pale Hose, batting .251 and reaching career highs in home runs (7) and RBI (40). Bill Veeck's gamble the following season sent Brohamer to the bench again. With the White Sox trading for eventual free agents Richie Zisk and Oscar Gamble, outfielder Jorge Orta was moved to second base, displacing Brohamer. Nonetheless, Jack made the most of his appearances as he hit for the cycle against the Seattle Mariners. It was a memorable summer in Chicago as the White Sox were in contention most of the summer before falling from the race. A memorable image of Brohamer came on Opening Day, as the White Sox played the inaugural game in Toronto. Using bats and catcher's shin guards, the image Brohamer "skiing" made newspapers across the country.

Like several of his fellow "South Side Hit Men" Brohamer left Chicago as a free agent and signed with the Boston Red Sox. Under the premise that he would be Boston's starting second baseman, Brohamer was again sent to the bench when the Red Sox traded for Jerry Remy. Undeterred, Brohamer proved to be a valuable utility man, filling in at second and third base.

Following his return to Cleveland in 1980, Brohamer was looking for more playing time in 1981. When it didn't appear it would come his way, he requested a trade, preferably to a team near his California home. When that didn't happen either, Brohamer retired outright and took a job in his family's sheet-metal business. An update on his present whereabouts would be most appreciated.

Why I love this card
There has been a pretty nice run of cartoons on the last few cards and Brohamer's is no exception, mentioning him hitting for the cycle. However, what struck me most about this card is the barber pole/candy cane look of Brohamer's bat. I cannot recall when or where I have seen something similar, although I remember taping the heck out of my Cesar Cedeno model when I cracked the handle (ah, the days before aluminum bats!)

Something else....
An Indian fan was able to connect Jack Brohamer to Omar Vizquel and how the two were "traded" for each other. A bit of a reach, but entertaining nonetheless.

#348 Checklist #3

What is this card?

Checklist #3, cards #243 to #363

This checklist marks the halfway point of the 1980 set, card #363. I realize that there have been many stops and starts since the beginning of this blog. I appreciate how patient most of you have been as personal events have taken me away from this blog for extended periods. I also appreciate your comments as we have gone on. We are trudging along, almost halfway there.

Why I love this card

It's a checklist, so these cards didn't get much of a reaction from me at the time, if any at all. Six future Hall of Famers are listed as is my favorite player that season, Richie Hebner.

Something else....

Here are some efforts from the 1961 Topps set. There are some great action shots here from Wrigley Field. It would have been nice if Topps had continued these traditions during the 1970s and 1980s. They definitely would have made the cards more enticing and probably more than the afterthought that they eventually became. 

#347 Harry Chappas

Who is this player?
Harry Chappas, reserve infielder, Chicago White Sox
Although he did not enter the season with as much fanfare as the previous season, Harry Chappas broke north with the Chicago White Sox at the end of Spring Training as an infield reserve. Despite all of the fuss made of his diminutive stature, Chappas was switch-hitting contact hitter whose batting eye and swift feet earned him a spot on the roster. The highlight of his season was a 4-hit performance against the defending AL Champion Baltimore Orioles. However, he managed only three hits in nineteen games after that and was shuttled back and forth to Triple-A. The last time came in June, and it was suggested that Chappas may return since he had an option left that would have prevented him from being placed on waivers. Unfortunately, Chappas did not return to the major leagues and his brief three-year career would come to an end.

Born in Maryland but raised in Florida, Harry Chappas was a prep baseball star as the back of this card indicates. He enrolled in Miami Dade North Junior College, where is performance attracted attention from the White Sox and was drafted in 1976. His early days as a player were described as "aggressive" and "combative"; indeed when a White Sox scout doubted Chappas' ability, he crushed a 425-foot drive.

Chappas had a solid season Single-A Appleton, batting .302 and being named an All-Star. He helped lead the team to 97 wins and in the process earned a ticket to the major leagues. Owner Bill Veeck used the opportunity to play-up Chappas' height. A stunt was created to have broadcaster Harry Caray "measure" Chappas and come in at 5' 3", making hims the shortest player in the majors (Chappas was actually closer to 5' 7'). In his September call-up, he batted .267 for Chicago and handled 92 chances without an error. Appropriately, his first big league hit was a perfect bunt which traveled 30 feet before rolling dead.

The following spring, Chappas made the cover of Sports Illustrated and won the starting shortstop position from Don Kessinger, who was the White Sox' player manager at the time. He struggled mightily the first month and was returned to the minors. When Kessinger was fired and Tony LaRussa took over as manager, Chappas was called back up. He batted .363 upon his return and hitting his only career home run.

Chappas played three more years in the minor league systems of the White Sox and Atlanta Braves before joining an Italian baseball league in 1984. While there, he was involved in a motorcycle accident and crushed his leg. Shortly thereafter, his professional baseball career came to an end.

In the subsequent years, Chappas returned to Florida and entered a vocational program. It was also reported that he had passed courses in precision-parts making and reading blueprints.


Why I love this card
I was oblivious to Chappas' appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated. I was more transfixed by the cartoon of the base thief on the back of the card, who for some reason, looked suspiciously like the Hamburgler:

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Something else....
Chappas also had some off-the-field idiosyncrasies. For instance, he raised and bred Australian and African finches, leaving most of them at his Florida home during the season, but keeping some with him. On the road, he also drove roommates to distraction by building model airplanes in his motel room half the night.

#346 Buddy Solomon

Who is player?
Buddy Solomon, starting pitcher, Atlanta Braves
As preparation for the 1980 season got underway, Buddy Solomon was looking to claim a spot in the the Atlanta Braves' starting rotation. Despite Atlanta's acquisition of Doyle Alexander, Solomon pitched well enough in August 1979 for a bad Braves team to earn consideration. However, an incident in Spring Training led to his trade to the Pittsburgh Pirates before the season got underway. He initially pitched out of the bullpen before his performance earned him starting assignments. The hard throwing right hander reverted back to his given name of Eddie and won seven games for the defending world champions. The highlight of the season was his back-to-back complete game victories in August, keeping the club in contention.

Buddy J. Eddie. Kingfish. Eddie Solomon, Jr. answered to all of these during his ten-year major league career with six different teams. A product of Perry, Georgia, Solomon was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers as a minor league free agent in 1969. In a very deep Dodger system at that time, Solomon played for one of the greatest minor league teams in recent memory, the 1972 Albuquerque Dukes. During his minor league tenure, Eddie would follow a strong season with an inconsistent one, but his blazing fastball was his greatest asset that earned him an initial look from the parent club in 1974.

He joined Los Angeles for the stretch drive in 1974 and even made a postseason appearance in the National League Championship Series. However, Solomon was unable to stick in the majors for long and was traded to the Cubs and then the Cardinals for the 1975 and 1976 seasons. Eddie was pitching in the minor leagues almost as much as the majors.

Solomon was rescued from the bush leagues by the Atlanta Braves in 1977, pitching solidly, if not unspectacularly, as a starter during the second half of the season. The following year, he was moved to the bullpen where he found a groove, at one point not allowing a run in five straight appearances and posting a 0.90 ERA by mid-May. Injuries and lack of depth moved Eddie back to the starting rotation and he was poised to stay there for 1979. Eddie achieved career highs in '79 in strikeouts, games started and innings pitched and was considered the #2 man (behind Phil Niekro) at the end of the season.

Eddie posted another solid outing in 1981, winning eight games in the strike-shortened season and leading the Pirates in ERA. When he struggled to open the 1982 season, however, the Bucs traded him to the Chicago White Sox where he pitched in his final six major league contests. He returned to the minors in 1983 with the New York Yankees chain in attempt to come back but was unable to.

Solomon retired to his native Georgia and for a while sold cars after his playing days. Sadly, he was involved in a one-car accident and killed on January 12, 1986.

Why I love this card
I distinctly recall being puzzled by Buddy/Eddie Solomon's card. The front and the back say "Buddy" but the signature says "Eddie." Having no background information about his multiple monikers, I was convinced for a time that I had an error card. The trade to the Pirates didn't help as some of the 1981 cards (Topps, Fleer, Donruss) weren't consistent with the names either. It probably took me a couple of seasons to figure out the they were the same guy.

Something else....
Solomon is the second player on this blog to have died in a car accident. The other was Aurelio Lopez, who died in 1992.