Back to the cards.
#30 - Thurman Munson
I didn't realize that he hit .300 and had 100 RBIs during three years in a row.
Kellogg's called him a stocky catcher at 5-11 and 190 pounds.
I didn't remember that Munson had an "undiplomatic approach to some team matters".
Not on the card - shockingly, Reggie Jackson's ego was involved. I imagine that Billy Martin and George Steinbrenner were also involved.
Not on the card - his career average was .292. He was only 32 when he died in a plane crash during the 1979 season.
#29 - Rod Carew
Another batting title in addition to career highs in runs, hits, doubles triples and RBIs. Career is bound for the Hall of Fame, but he's still looking for a trip to the World Series.
Not on the card - a .335 career average at this point in his career is a good start toward the Hall of Fame.
Not on the cards - Kellogg's didn't mention that he had his fifth consecutive top-10 finish in the MVP voting and that he won his only MVP Award in 1977. He also continued his streak of being an all-star every year, a streak which continued until his last MLB season.
#28 - Garry Maddox
In the history of baseball only six players have spelled their first name "Garry". Two of them are in this card set.
I don't know why Kellogg's mentioned that injuries held him back in 1977 since he only missed 23 games.
Maddox spent two years in Viet Nam so he missed all of 1969 and 1970. That I didn't know. Wikipedia mentioned that an exposure to chemicals in Viet Name led him to sensitive skin which led him to always have a beard as a player.
Kellogg's said that the Phillies made a wise deal with the Giants in obtaining Maddox in 1975.
Not on the card - sometimes Kellogg's mentioned the players in the trade, but not this time. He was traded for Willie Montanez.
Many - Carew could just hit. Like Gwynn.
ReplyDelete(looks up career Ks for each player)
I loved to watch both of them. Not many like that in today's game.
ReplyDelete