#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:

.








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.

#345 Larry Parrish

Who is this player?
Larry Parrish, third baseman, Montreal Expos
As a major part of the Expos' young attack, Larry Parrish was considered one of the key components as Montreal made a serious challenge for the NL East Championship. Larry had a solid April, batting .307 for the month with a three-homer game against the Atlanta Braves.  However, he was hit on the wrist May 3 by the Giants' Ed Whitson and ended up missing more than a month of action. The effects of the injury lingered as Parrish struggled down the stretch, batting .227 with only two home runs in September. The Expos stayed in the race all season, but sadly, were eliminated in the next-to-last day of the season by the eventual world champion Phillies.

A product Haines City, Florida, Larry Parrish went undrafted by a major league club upon his completion of high school in 1971. He enrolled at Seminole Junior College in Sanford, Florida and gained attention from the Expos when he batted .455. Montreal signed him the following year and he began his professional career as an outfielder.

Organizational needs saw Parrish shifted to third base and he was originally hailed for his glove more so than his bat. He was promoted late in the 1974 season and won the third-base job outright in 1975. That first season was a rousing success for Parrish as he batted .274 and drove home 65 runs, establishing himself as a fan favorite.

However, the Expo fans soured on Parrish when he slumped, which was caused primarily due to the team's shift into Olympic Stadium. The pressure and the boo-birds effected his performance and it appeared that his tenure in Montreal would be short. He was making errors in the field at an alarming rate and his bat would go cold for extended periods.

Enter Ozzie Virgil, Sr. Parrish credited the elder Virgil with turning his career around in the Venezuelan League after the 1977 season. Parrish began to hit to all fields instead of pulling the ball and he led the league in home runs and RBI.  This culminated in a breakout season in 1979. In making his first All-Star team, he batted .307 and clubbed 30 home runs as the Expos were in serious contention for the first time in club history.

After a disappointing and injury-filled 1980, Parrish and the Expos came up short again in 1981, this time in the NLCS. The Expos began to make changes before the 1982 season and Parrish was traded to the Texas Rangers for veteran Al Oliver. Larry would spend seven seasons in Arlington; first as an outfielder and then primarily as a designated hitter. In his first season in Texas, he tied a major-league record when he crushed three grand slam homers in one week in July, 1982.

Parrish would have some productive seasons as a Ranger, four times driving in 88 or more runs in a season and being named an All-Star for the second time in 1987. He also became one of eight players to hit three homers in a game in both leagues when he repeated his 1980 feat in Texas. By mid-1988, the Rangers' released Larry and he was picked up by the Boston Red Sox for the stretch run. He appeared in the ALCS that year in the Red Sox loss to Oakland, but his fifteen year career as a player was over.

Larry began a second career as a coach and manager, culminating in his appointment at Detroit Tigers' manager in September 1998. He managed the Tigers' final season at historic Tiger Stadium but was reassigned upon the Tigers' selection of Phil Garner as manager. He went on to have many successful seasons as manager of the Toledo Mud Hens and won championships in 2005 and 2006. He returned to the major league level as hitting coach of the Atlanta Braves in 2011.

Today, there is a baseball complex in Haines City, Florida named in his honor.

Why I love this card
Warm-up apparel then is nothing like today. Players nowadays have separate hats, jerseys, everything. To see Parrish in a behind-the-scenes type moment, to me, was unique. It looked like he was warming up in a jacket and a t-shirt. Heck, he could have been going out to rake leaves or trim bushes. Had there not been an Expos logo on his jacket and a Marlboro dangling from his mouth, he looks reminiscent of my Little League coach. Just another subtle thing that made major leaguers more like real people in my ten year old mind.

Something else....
My son was reading this blog post over my shoulder and there was discussion of the Montreal Expos. Here is a partial transcript

Him: "They're the Washington Nationals now, right?"
Me: "Yep"
Him: "When was that again?"
Me: "2005"
Him: "That was a long time ago."
Me: "Um, I guess so."
Him: "So they're extinct now...the Expos, right?
Me: "Kind of...they're not in Montreal anymore."
Him: "So they're kinda like the St. Louis Browns?"

Two things. First, I was impressed that he pulled out St. Louis Browns. Second, have the Expos really faded so far into the recesses of memory that they are now considered like the Browns, Seattle Pilots and Washington Senators. God I feel old.

Finally, I share Parrish's 1980 Topps Super Card here and a short video that I found out there in cyberspace.

#344 Randy Lerch

Who is this player?
Randy Lerch, starting pitcher, Philadelphia Phillies
Coming into the 1980 season, the Phillies were looking to Randy Lerch to fill in the back end of their starting rotation. The 25-year old lefthander was roughed up in his first start of the season against the St. Louis Cardinals and he was never able to find a groove as the Phillies made a run towards their first world championship. He won only four of 22 starts in 1980 and by August he was removed from the starting rotation. Now in the bullpen, Lerch was still inconsistent and the Phillies picked up Sparky Lyle to fortify the bullpen down the stretch. As a result, Lerch was left off the postseason roster in favor of Kevin Saucier. Despite being part of a team that would be champions, by the end of 1980, Lerch was subject to trade rumors and prescription allegations.

At one time, Randy Lerch was thought to be a pitcher in the mold to teammate Steve Carlton. Philadelphia selected the California native in the 1973 amatuer draft and he won 16 games two years later at Double-A Reading. After notching another 13 wins and leading Triple-A in strikeouts, Randy made his major league debut at the end of the 1976 season. As the 1977 campaign got underway, Lerch won a spot in the Phillies starting rotation and was part of two National League East championship teams (1977 & 1978).

Perhaps Lerch's most memorable moment came on September 30, 1978 (depicted on his 1980 card). In a wild game during a wild pennant chase, Lerch was the starter for the Phillies and clubbed two home runs in a 10-8 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The clincher came on the second to last day of the season in a nail biting finish that has been overshadowed by the Red Sox-Yankees drama the same season.

After the 1980 World Series, Lerch and several of his teammates were subpoenaed to testify at a hearing against a doctor charged with illegally prescribing drugs. Lerch admitted that he had twice received amphetamine tablets, while many of his teammates denied such activity. Perhaps coincidentally, Lerch was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers shortly before Spring Training.

In Milwaukee, Randy benefited from a change of scenery and helped the Brewers win the AL East partial pennant in 1981. Unfortunately, Lerch missed out on a return to the postseason (and World Series) when he was sold to the Montreal Expos in August 1982. Randy became almost exclusively a reliever in the latter part of this career with the Expos and San Francisco Giants. He spent two seasons in the minor leagues earning his way back and returned to the Phillies for four appearances in 1986. He was released after posting a 7.88 ERA and his 11 year major league career came to a close.

In 2000, Randy Lerch was inducted into the Reading Baseball Hall of Fame. Today, Randy and his family reside in New Jersey.

Why I love this card
Again, gotta go with the cartoon on the back. Something about making a bat into Swiss cheese with a fastball is very cool. That and the fact that the Spring Training photos always made it look like Topps took these pictures at my little league field.

Something else.....
In July 1979, Lerch was injured in a scuffle with three youths when a group harrassed his wife. He broke a bone in his right (non-pitching) hand. It would probably explain why he had a 7.00 ERA during the month of July.

#343 Mike Vail

Who is this player?
Mike Vail, rightfielder, Chicago Cubs

As the season began, Mike Vail was the fourth outfielder and occasional pinch-hitter for the Chicago Cubs. While he did provide a solid bat against left-handed pitching, he was not expected to be a major contributor to the Chicago cause. However, when Dave Kingman was injured and had personal problems in the early part of the season, Vail stepped and batted .382 in May and drove in 13 runs. When Kingman returned, Vail moved over to right field, where he played the majority of the season. Though his bat cooled over the long haul, he finished the season with a .298 average and achieved career highs in nearly every offensive category.

A product of Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose, California, the righthanded hitting Vail was originally drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1971 amateur draft. While in the Cardinals' system, Vail had a career-changing experience under the tutelage of Hall of Famer Joe "Ducky" Medwick. Medwick was a minor league instructor and taught Vail to hit the ball to all fields. When Vail was traded to the Mets, it was Medwick who correctly predicted that he would have a better opportunity to make the major leagues with New York.

Vail dominated in the International League, being named MVP and leading the loop in batting. This lead to his promotion to the parent club and Mike made his debut on August 18, 1975. He laced a single in his first at-bat and it was a harbinger of things to come. Vail would go on to set a major league record for rookies (since broken) by hitting safely in 23 straight games. Being in the glare of New York City, Vail became popular with fans and touted as a "future star."

It has been speculated that Vail's performance in the late summer of 1975 prompted the Mets to trade the popular veteran Rusty Staub to make room for him. However, he was unable to do so when he dislocated a bone in his right foot playing basketball during the off-season. He returned to soon and out of shape and the magic was gone. He would last only one more season in New York and was sold to the Cleveland Indians in 1978.

By mid-season he was traded again, to the Cubs and Vail would spend three years in Chicago. Manager Herman Franks was critical of him (and others) when he resigned in 1979, despite the fact that he batted .317 in his time on the North Side. After leaving Chicago, he spent four seasons with four teams (Reds, Expos, Giants and Dodgers), being used primarily as a reserve and pinch-hitting specialist. He retired after the 1984 season and 10 big league seasons.

Today, he lives in the Las Vegas area. I wonder if he still breeds Persian cats?

Why I love this card
Here's another plug for the cartoon on the back. Not only does it mention the hit steak (as did many of Vail's cards), the "23" exploding off the bat is very consistent with the comic books which were also very popular in the 10-year old circle. For example:



Something else.....
Using the theme from the previous post, I attempted to determine when the photo on Vail's card was taken. First, it is clear that this shot was taken at the site of Vail's former glory, Shea Stadium. Next, I had to make a pretty big assumption, that this photo was not taken in 1978, as Vail played for them in 1978. There is an outside chance that this game could have been played July 7, 1978 as Vail did appear at Shea in a day game.

Therefore, assuming that it was taken in 1979, Vail played in two day games at Shea that year; Saturday, July 28th and Sunday, July 29th. The Sunday contest was called in the seventh inning due to rain. Vail's card appears to be in the sunshine. Vail popped out to catcher, grounded out to third and walked in that game. Here he appears to be following a drive in the air.

Therefore will go with Saturday, July 28, 1979 as the date of the game Vail is pictured in here. We'll say the rationale is that there doesn't appear to be a threat of rain and Vail is following one of his two fly outs that day.

#342 Odell Jones

Who is this player?

Odell Jones, starting pitcher, Seattle Mariners

After an erratic 1979 season in the Mariners starting rotation, Odell Jones was looking for a spot on Seattle's pitching staff as Spring Training 1980 opened. After some impressive outings, Jones was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates on the final day of camp. He did not appear in a major league game for the defending world champions, but the hard throwing righthander did pitch well enough at Triple-A Spokane to earn consideration for a spot in 1981.

A graduate of Compton High School in 1972, Odell Jones was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an amateur free agent. The fireballer first garnered attention in 1974 when he pitched a no-hitter at the Double-A level and again the following season when he was named an International League All-Star. Jones led the IL in victories and strikeouts and earned a shot with the parent club, making his major league debut on September 11, 1975.

Jones made the Pirates pitching staff in 1977, splitting his time between starting and relieving. However, his high ERA (5.08) and an abundance of veterans prevented him from staying in the Steel City and eventually led to his trade to the Mariners after the 1978 season. Upon his arrival in Seattle, Odell was counted on to be the fourth starter. After a decent first month, Jones stuggled, allowing four or more runs in eight of his next nine starts. He was relegated to the bullpen for the last two months of the season and eventually was not part of the Mariners plans.

After spending the first half of 1981 in the minor leagues and again leading the International League in strikeouts, the Pirates brought Jones up after the Player's Strike. He was consistent as both a starter and reliever, but his performance did not guarantee him a return in 1982. From there, he spent the 1983 and 1984 seasons in Texas and the 1986 season in Baltimore. Pitching almost exclusively in relief, Jones pitched well, posting a consistent ERA (3.09 to 3.83). He even notched 10 saves for the Rangers in 1983. Curiously, though it did not ensure a spot on a major league staff as he spent the 1982, 1985 and 1987 entirely in the minor leagues.

He earned a spot as a reliever with the Brewers in 1988, Jones took advantage of an opportunity when Milwaukee ace Teddy Higuera was hurt. With short notice, he pitched 8 1/3 no-hit innings against the Cleveland Indians. He was a perfect 5-0 with the Brewers, but again, it did not guarantee a continued spot on a major league staff. His 9 year major league career would come to an end.

But not his professional experience. He played in the Senior League in 1989 and 1990 and as late as 1992 was still pitching in the minor leagues, this time the Edmonton Trappers at the age of 39.

Jones today lives in Colorado and makes periodic autograph appearances and private signings.

Why I love this card
One of the games that we used to play would be copying certain players stances, quirks and mannerisms. Often that would require replicating what we saw on the cards. Jones' form here, I am certain, was never copied as I can't imagine any of us being able to stand on one leg that long for us to guess.

Something else....
I love cards with real game action shots. This card is obviously one of those. I used to like to try to guess where the games were played, against whom, etc. I am fairly certain that this game was in Oakland and through the magic of Retrosheet, am able to determine that this game was likely played Saturday, July 28, 1979. Even if it wasn't, I'm going to tell myself that it was.

#341 Jim Essian

Who is this player?
Jim Essian, catcher, Oakland A's
As the 1980 season unfolded, Jim Essian was part of a baseball resurgence in Oakland. The A's surprised the critics by winning 29 more games over their disastrous 1979 campaign. Led by new manager Billy Martin, "Billyball" captivated the fans and turned the A's into winners. Essian was a part of that effort as part of a platoon system of catchers with Mike Heath and Jeff Newman. Essian started the most games behind the plate as he was the best defensive receiver. That November, Jim signed a one-million dollar contract to become the starting catcher for the Chicago White Sox in 1981.

A product of the eastside sandlots of Detroit, Jim Essian was a prep star at St. Martin of Tours. A two-sport athlete, he led his high school basketball team to the state championship in 1969 and was named an all-state player. However, when the Philadelphia Phillies offered him a contract, he began his career in baseball. Working his way up the minor league ladder, he was named to three All Star teams and established his reputation as an excellent defensive catcher. Jim made his major league debut late in the 1973 season.

In Philadelphia, his path to a full-time spot was essentially blocked by Bob Boone and he only appeared in 21 major league games over the course of three seasons. Subsequently, he was traded twice in May of 1975, first to the Atlanta Braves and then to the Chicago White Sox less than a week later. It was in Chicago that Essian settled in as backup catcher and had a strong season with the 1977 South Side Hit Men team, batting .273 in 114 games and smashing 10 home runs. The good vibes did not last long in Chi Town as the Hit Men were quickly disassembled and Essian was traded to the Oakland A's prior to the 1978 season.

With Oakland, Essian saw the fall of the A's Dynasty first hand, as Oakland fell to the cellar of the AL West. Essian even reported calling the A's front office during the off-season to find the number disconnected. There were some bright moments, such as the time Essian hit an inside-the-park grand slam against the Toronto Blue Jays.

After signing his million dollar contract, Essian was to be the starting catcher upon his return to the Chicago White Sox. However, when Carlton Fisk became an unexpectedly available free agent, the Pale Hose threw their hat into the ring and landed the prize. This transaction moved Jim to the bench and he only spent one year in Chicago before being traded again, this time to the Seattle Mariners. Jim would play three more season in Seattle, Cleveland and returning to Oakland before his 12 year career ended in 1984.

Jim became a minor league player-manager in 1985 and became a full-time manager the following year. Taking a page from the "Billyball" philosophy, Essian's teams were aggressive on the base paths and had strong pitching. He was rewarded with the Cubs' managerial position in 1991, taking over for the fired Don Zimmer. He only managed that season at the major league level before returning to the minor leagues. More recently, Essian has led the Greek National Team as their manager.

Why I love this card
During the time I was collecting these cards, I devoured every bit of information that they contained. It was earth shattering to learn that Essian resided in my home town at the time of St. Clair Shores, Michigan. To think that a major leaguer lived in my town was mind blowing. I could run into him at the 7-11! The grocery store! The little league field! The possibilities were endless. Of course, none of that happened, but to think that it realistically could personalized the game that much more.

Something else....
Absolutely love the A's logo on Essian's helmet. In those days, the catcher's gear wasn't a sophisticated as today and more often than not, players had a batting helmet turned around. To have the logo on the front (or back) was a precursor to the multiple designs on the hockey-style catching mask of today.

#340 Ken Singleton

Who is this player?
Ken Singleton, right fielder, Baltimore Orioles
The 33-year old Singleton was in the midst of putting together a very solid season during the summer of 1980. In helping lead the O's to 100 victories in the tough AL East, Singleton was an anchor in the middle of the Baltimore lineup. He drove in more than 100 teammates for the second straight season and saw his season average finish at .304. His penchant for clutch performance saw him lead the league with 19 game winning hits in 1980.

Almost from birth, it seemed as if Ken Singleton was destined for a future in major league baseball. Growing up in Mount Vernon, New York, Ken grew up in a home once owned by former Brooklyn Dodger Ralph Branca. A lefty by birth, Singleton learned to switch hit as a youngster by emulating his favorite player, Willie Mays. In high school, his switch-hitting ability enabled him to star at the prep level and he went on to play both baseball and basketball at Hofstra University. The New York Mets made him their #1 selection in January 1967 with a $10,000 signing bonus.

Singelton quickly established himself as one of the Mets' top prospects, and after three years of climbing the ladder, made his major league debut on June 24, 1970. The following season, he received valuable tips to improve his slugging from Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner in the fall Instructional League. His improvement made him one of the crown jewels of the Mets' farm system and he was the key prospect traded to the Montreal Expos for Rusty Staub in 1972.

As an everyday player in Montreal, the switch-hitting Singleton quickly became the Expos' best player. He led the team in hits in two of his three seasons in Montreal and established a club record in runs and RBI in 1973 (since broken). A durable player, Singleton led the National League in on-base percentage during his '73 campaign (.425). Despite his fine performance and emergence as a fan favorite, the Expos traded Ken to the Baltimore Orioles after the 1974 season. It was in Baltimore that Singleton would establish his most lasting impression on the minds of most baseball fans.

In his first season in Baltimore, Singleton set a club record with 118 walks and was named Most Valuable Oriole by his teammates (an award he would win twice more). Two years later, he was selected to his first All Star Game in a season that saw him bat .328 and finish third in the MVP voting. In 1979, Ken helped lead the O's to the World Series with perhaps in most impressive statistical season, hitting 35 home runs and batting .295. At the time, his 35 home runs was the second-most in history for a switch batter. This led Ken to being named runner-up to American League MVP Don Baylor.

Ken was rewarded for his quiet consistency in 1981 by being named to start the All Star Game in Cleveland. As the elder statesmen of the early 1980s Orioles, Ken helped mentor future Hall of Famers Eddie Murray and Cal Ripken and lead them to the 1983 World Series championship. His fifteen year career ended when Ken retired after the 1984 season.

Singleton transitioned into the broadcast booth even before his playing days ended, working at WBAL television in Baltimore. Later, he commentated for two of his former teams the Orioles and later the Expos. Today, Ken is an analyst for the YES network on New York Yankee broadcasts. He has held that position since 1997 and established just as good a reputation as an announcer as he had as a player.

Why I love this card
Ballplayers simply do not wear their caps under their batting helmets anymore. In fact, most helmets didn't even protect the ear as they do today. During this era, several players like Singelton here, sported the look and with our plastic replica batting helmets, we emulated our heroes. That and wearing the hat softened the blow when someone would push a helmet down on your head. Those four little spikes that kept the headband in place hurt like hell sometimes.

Something else....
Each year, Singleton helps organize a golf tournament for the Cool Kids Campaign, a foundation established in memory of Ken's Orioles' teammate Mark Belanger. The foundation helps raise money for kids and families stuggling with cancer.

#339 John D'Acquisto

Who is this player?
John D'Acquisto, relief pitcher, San Diego Padres
As the 1980 season wore on, John D'Acquisto was pitching in middle relief for a San Diego Padre team that floundering in last place. The 28-year old's solid, if unspectacular, output caught the eye of the Montreal Expos who traded for D'Acquisto in August to strengthen their bullpen for the stretch drive. John fashioned a 2.14 ERA in 21 innings with Montreal, but it belied the fact that he walked nine and had five wild pitches. Nonetheless, the California Angels came calling after the season and signed John to a multi-million dollar contract.

Born in San Diego on Christmas Eve in 1951, D'Acquisto grew up a Giants fan in the days before San Diego had major league baseball. Like most major leaguers, D'Acquisto excelled in high school at several sports, earning 144 college offers for football. Baseball, however, was his first love and he was selected in 1970 by the San Francisco Giants. The following spring he attended Spring Training, largely based on his ability to throw consistently at 100 MPH, a rare feat at that time. However, he was sent to the minors for some seasoning before returning to the bigs for good two years later.

He had his best season in 1974. Inserted into the Giants rotation, he won 12 games, finished in the top 10 in strikeouts and won the Sporting News Rookie Pitcher of the Year award. While he showed some wildness (was second in walks allowed), there was a general consensus that D'Acquisto had the "stuff" to be a great power pitcher. Unfortunately, he injured his arm, damaging nerves and missed nearly all of the 1975 season. Doctors even suggested that he may not even play again.

D'Acquisto struggled in his return to the majors and unfortunately, teams were not as patient then as they are today. Traded from the Giants to the Cardinals and finally to the Padres in less than three seasons, John transitioned into a relief specialist. In 1978, he had an excellent year as Rollie Fingers' setup man, a season that saw the Padres record their first ever winning season. He switched to the American League for the 1981 season in the hopes of helping the Angels return to the postseason, but injuries limited his effectiveness and 1982 was the final season of his 10-year major league career.

In retirement, John D'Acquisto has found a variety of experiences. After working in banking during his playing days, he transitioned into a second career as an investment banker. In 1996, he was sentenced to 63 months in prison for investment fraud, a crime proven later that he did not commit. He also worked as a fireman in San Bernadino for five years and was the pitching coach for the US Navy Baseball Team. After many years, D'Acquisto earned his Doctorate in Exercise Science and Physiology in 2004 and several of his studies have been published. Today, he is the Director of the Agriculture Division for Sorganics, Inc.

Why I love this card
I have admitted my ignorance for much of the NL West during this span of my youth, simply since we never saw the Padres in the midwest. What stuck me about this card was the following; I never thought that I was pronouncing D'Acquisto's name correctly; the yellow and brown were (and still are) mesmorizing; and like the cousin on the back of this card, I too have one that wears exactly the same shirt. Then and now.

Something else...
D'Acquisto tied an NL record with three wild pitches in one inning on September 24, 1976. I know it's not much...I must still be mesmorized by the brown and yellow.

#338 Johnny Wockenfuss

Who is this player?
John Wockenfuss, utility, Detroit Tigers
To merely designate John Wockenfuss a catcher as his 1980 Topps card indicates, would not accurately describe Wockenfuss' contributions to his ballclub. Appearing in a career-high 126 games, "Johnny B." would see action at catcher, first base, designated hitter and two outfield positions. His versatility allowed him to see action nearly every day and 1980 was by far the best statistical season of his career. A popular fan favorite, Wockenfuss was very handy for the Detroit Tigers.

Born in West Virginia, John Wockenfuss was a very late round selection of the Washington Senators in 1967 and signed for $500. He began his professional career as an outfielder and switched to catcher at Double-A Pittsfield in 1972. Johnny promptly led the Eastern League in putouts, assists and chances accepted that season. The following season, the Senators, now the Texas Rangers, included him in a trade that brought Jim Bibby to Texas. Before 1973 was over, he was traded again, this time to the Detroit Tiger organization.

It was with the Tigers that Wockenfuss earned his name in the majors. He broke in during the 1974 season and tied a major league record with an unassisted double play on June 21, 1975. With the Tigers in a position of transition with the retirement of Bill Freehan, Wockenfuss initially saw action behind the plate. In time, however, his versatility at several positions made him a valuable asset.

In 1977, he established his unique batting stance, which can be viewed here. After the 1980 season, he never saw as much action in a single season yet nonetheless was a very popular player. As the captain of the "Riders of the Lonesome Pine," Wockenfuss was the unofficial leader of Tiger reserves such as Champ Summers, Mick Kelleher, Lynn Jones and Stan Papi. As the Tigers of the early 1980s improved Wockenfuss felt that he was instrumental to their success and should be paid accordingly. When he wasn't, his frustration boiled over to the media when he called his teammates "clowns" during Spring Training 1984.

His displeasure known, the Tiger brass made it a point to trade him before the season began. With Glenn Wilson, Wockenfuss was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies for Willie Hernandez and Dave Bergman. Hernandez would become the Cy Young and MVP in 1984 and Bergman a valuable role player. Wockenfuss played two seasons in Philly, retiring after 12 years in 1985. Johnny managed in the minor leagues for several years with the Pirate and Tiger organizations and today operates a baseball instructional school in Maryland.


Why I love this card
I cannot overstate how popular John Wockenfuss was in the Detroit area when I was growing up. Maybe it was the batting stance which invariably, every kid copied during pickup games. Maybe it was because he was known by his middle initial. Maybe it was the blue collar, play-everyday-wherever-I'm-asked attitude that resonated with Detroiters. I always felt a little bad for Wockenfuss that he missed out on the 1984 season and a World Championship. He got a little revenge in 1989 when at age 40 he pitched 5 innings and earned the win in relief in a Toledo Mud Hens exhibition against the Tigers.

Something else....
Check out the youtube link of Wockenfuss' stance. I happend to be the guy that posted it. I don't want to toot my own horn, but...toot, toot.

#337 Carney Lansford

Who is this player?
Carney Lansford, third baseman, California Angels
The June 1980 issue of Baseball Magazine touted Angels' third baseman Carney Lansford as one of the players most likely to be a star in the 1980s. Indeed, when the season began, it was thought that he would be a cornerstone of the franchise. After all only one year earlier, the Angels refused to part with him as part of the Rod Carew trade. However, the Angels changed their stance after a .261 15 80 season and traded him to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for All Star veteran Rick Burleson.

A native Californian born to an athletic family, Carney Lansford's little league team from Briarwood played in the finals of the 1969 Little League World Series. He was a three-sport star in high school, primarily in baseball. This drew attention from several teams and the California Angels drafted him on the third round in 1975. He spent a little over two years in the bushes, where a .332 average at El Paso in 1977 earned him a call to the majors for good. He made the Angels squad the following season as starting third baseman. His .294 average, speed and exceptional fielding drew raves, as well as a third place finish in Rookie of the Year voting.

He was a major piece of the 1979 AL West Champions, clubbing 19 home runs while typically batting second in the lineup. After his trade to Boston, he had a breakout season, leading the league with a .336 average and earning his only career Silver Slugger Award. Remarkably, Lansford was the only righthanded batter to lead the AL in an 18-year span (1971-1988). However, the emergence of Wade Boggs numbered his days in Beantown and he was traded again, this time to the Oakland A's for All-Star slugger Tony Armas.

It was in Oakland that Lansford earned his most renown. Although today he primarily remembered for his role on the dominant A's teams of the late 1980s, Lansford starred for them during many of the previous lean seasons. He was a .288 career hitter for Oakland, three times topping .300. He led baseball with a 24-game hit streak in 1984 and was named to the AL All Star team in 1988. Injuries and personal tragedy periodically interrupted his bottom line figures, but Lansford rightfully earned a reputation as a professional hitter with an excellent glove and a reliable teammate. The culminated in 1989 with a Worlds Championship as Oakland defeated the San Francisco Giants.

After the 1992 season, Lansford retired, completing 15-years of major league service. He transitioned into coaching, first as a bench coach with Oakland (1994-1995) and then with St. Louis (1997-98) and served as manager of the 1999 Edmonton Trappers. He left coaching to focus on the careers of his son's (both of whom are in the minor leagues) before returning in 2008 as hitting coach of the Giants. After a somewhat controversial tenure there, he now serves in the same capacity for the Colorado Rockies.

Why I love this card
I was always a fan of warm-up jerseys, primarily because you never really got to see them. The only time you could is if you showed up early for batting practice (which they never allow these days) or on cards. The Angels one always intrigued me. I don't know if they were the first to have them, but I am stretching to think of another.

Something else....
Lots of interesting tidbits about Carney. First he is a direct descendant of Sir Francis Drake and is also a distant cousin of Tex Ritter. Second, he is one of only seven men to play in both the Little League and Major League World Series. Finally, he had a cameo appearance in the 1994 movie "Angels in the Outfield" as White Sox slugger Kit "Hit or Die" Kesey