#45 - Bob Robertson
Kellogg's was projecting Bob to be one of the major leagues' top home run hitters after his two solid seasons.
Not on the card - he played until 1979 and he never had more at-bats than in 1971. He also never exceeded 16 homers in any season after 1971.
Not on the card - he did have major league sideburns.
I was always surprised to see him on multiple Kellogg's cards. But the back of the card mentions his six post-season homers. That will get everyone to remember you. They only had 11 post-season games that year so six is quite an accomplishment.
The card said that he was "improving as a fielder each year".
Not on the card - they wanted to say "he stinks in the field and he should hope that the designated hitter rule is implemented soon". In his 79 AL games at the end of his career he was DH 33 times.
Bob's hobby was playing the guitar. Great, but who names their kid Robert Robertson.
#44 - Steve Blass
Like Robertson, Blass was known well because he had a great World Series performance. He won two games against the Orioles.
The card back wasn't too interesting so I think the kid in me focused on the fact that he was one of the first players I knew of that had an apparent swear word in his name. Hey, we didn't have cable or any other electronics back then so our cards were our entertainment on rainy days.
#43 - Dave Johnson
He had a great season in 1971. Finally a card that mentions some different stuff. He was a basketball star at Texas A & M, a pilot and a scratch golfer. For those who don't follow golf, that means he was really good at it.
I caddied for lots of baseball players and hockey players. Every one of them could hit the ball far. It takes additional skill to actually get the ball in the hole.
I love the facts on the bottom, but they aren't on a lot of cards. There were 10 20-game winners in the AL in 1971. Can you name them?
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