no. 740 - luis aparicio

Who is the man: Some would say Luis Aparicio had a career year in 1970. In his 15th year, he set career highs in doubles, batting average, on-base percentage, slugging and OPS. What'd he get for it? A trade from the White Sox to the Red Sox in December 1970.

Can ya dig it: Dig that White Sox uniform that Topps didn't try very hard to hide.

Right on: It was a happy day when I landed this card. I remember going into the coin and collectibles shop downtown when I was first starting to get back into cards. One of the random cards for sale was this '71 Aparicio. I thought about getting it many times even though I had no intent to collect the '71 set at the time.

You see that cat Aparicio is a bad mother: A Rookie of the Year in 1956 and a Hall of Famer in 1984, Aparicio was the heart-and-soul of the Go Go Sox and known as one of the greatest shortstops to ever play the game.

Shut your mouth: Aparicio was released by the Red Sox during spring training in 1974. Yankees owner George Steinbrenner sent him a letter with an open contract and a note that said, "you put in the amount to play for the New York Yankees." Aparicio sent the envelope back with a note that said, "Thank you very much for your offer but I just get released once in my lifetime."

No one understands him but his woman: Aparicio is the first Venezuelan to make the Hall of Fame.

(A word about the back): Oof. That last part should read: "Set record by leading AL in stolen bases 9 consecutive years, 1956 thru 1964."

no. 710 - sonny siebert

Who is the man: Sonny Siebert had completed his second season with the Red Sox in 1970, winning 15 games for Boston. His 1971 season would be even better.

Can ya dig it: Home plate is the over there, Sonny.

Right on: You can see why Siebert was called Sonny from the signature. Siebert's full first name is Wilifred.

You see that cat Siebert is a bad mother: While with the Indians, Siebert pitched a no-hitter against the Washington Senators on June 10, 1966.

Shut your mouth: Before leaving for the ballpark on the day he threw the no-hitter, Siebert's wife kidded him about several recent poor outings on the mound. Siebert said, "promise you'll get off my back and I'll pitch a no-hitter."

No one understands him but his woman: Siebert is the last American League pitcher to hit two home runs in a single game.

(A word about the back): That grounder that just got through the infield was hit by the Angels' Jay Johnstone to lead off the third inning during that July 31st game.

no. 678 - george thomas

Who is the man: George Thomas was in his final season in the majors when this card was issued. He was signed as a free agent by the Twins in June of 1971.

Can ya dig it: This card is in great shape for a high number, probably one of the finest I own.

Right on: Final card.

You see that cat Thomas is a bad mother: Thomas was a valuable bench player for the Red Sox during their Impossible Dream season in 1967. He played every position except pitcher during his career.

Shut your mouth: Like the best bench players, Thomas possessed a great Uecker-esque sense of humor. When an injury to a starter put Thomas in the lineup for four straight games, he joked to his manager, "I can't play all these games. Bench me or trade me!" Another time, during spring training, he spotted Johnny Bench and told him, "Oh, I see we both play the same position, only you have it written on (the back of) your uniform."

No one understands him but his woman: Thomas' daughter, Kristin, was shown on television while in the stands during the 2004 World Series, displaying a sign that said "Impossible Dream" and "George Thomas Fan Club".

(A word about the back): Thomas indeed was made a coach during the 1970 season after he was sidelined with a broken wrist, but was also eligible to play after his injury healed.

no. 660 - ray culp

Who is the man: Ray Culp was pitching in what would be the last of his four straight seasons of double-figure victories when this card was issued. He won 64 games between 1968-71.

Can ya dig it: That collar, created from the windbreaker under his uniform, makes it appear as if Culp is participating in something more formal than a ball game.

Right on: I remember seeing Culp's 1969 Topps card, looking at the back, and thinking, "hey, this guy is good." Outside of the superstars, I knew very little about 1960s players as a kid. Culp was one of the first notables that I discovered.

You see that cat Culp is a bad mother: Culp pitched seven straight complete-game victories to close out the 1968 season, including four straight shutouts. His final shutout was a one-hitter against the Yankees in Yankee Stadium.

Shut your mouth: Culp tied an MLB record in 1970 by striking out the first six batters he saw in a game against the Angels. But the Angels won the game, 2-1, in 19 innings.

No one understands him but his woman: Culp played a part in the Phillies' famous 1964 collapse by not playing a part. Depending on your source, Phillies manager Gene Mauch skipped over Culp in favor of repeatedly starting Jim Bunning and Chris Short on two days' rest because Culp was hurt or Mauch was mad at Culp. The Phillies' catcher at the time, Clay Dalrymple, said Mauch held a grudge against Culp because Culp gained 10 pounds during the season.

(A word about the back): That's quite the praise by the bio writer. It's true that the Red Sox fleeced the Cubs by obtaining Culp for minor leaguer Bill Schlesinger. A lot of time has passed since 1971 though and the Red Sox did acquire Derek Lowe and Jason Varitek from the Mariners for Heathcliff Slocumb.

no. 649 - sparky lyle

Who is the man: Sparky Lyle enjoyed another season as one of the best left-handed relief pitchers in the game in 1970, although he managed to lose seven of the eight games in which he received a decision.

Can ya dig it: Every card of Lyle with short hair and no bushy mustache is bizarre. It's like I'm looking at a completely different person.

Right on: I wonder if he's standing in front of the Green Monster?

You see that cat Lyle is a bad mother: Lyle was the first reliever to win the American League Cy Young Award, receiving the honor while with the Yankees in 1977.

Shut your mouth: Lyle's book, "The Bronx Zoo," which he wrote with Peter Golenbock, is the first sports tell-all book that I ever knew or read. It was an eye-opener as I was 13 at the time.

No one understands him but his woman: Lyle was a big defender of manager Billy Martin. Facing Martin's critics in The Bronx Zoo, Lyle said, "This team could have never become what it did without Billy Martin."

(A word about the back): Lyle was signed by scout George Staller after that 17-inning game. Lyle didn't even pitch all 17 innings in the game. For three innings, he played first base.

no. 622 - joe lahoud

Who is the man: Joe Lahoud spent most of 1970 with Triple A Louisville after appearing in 101 games for Boston in 1969 and hitting just .188.

Can ya dig it: You can almost read Lahoud's No. 14 uniform in the photo.

Right on: Lahoud's card here looks similar to his 1975 Topps card.

You see that cat Lahoud is a bad mother: Lahoud hit three home runs in one game while playing for the Red Sox against the Twins on June 11, 1969. He was 22 and is one of the youngest players to hit three home runs in a game (Al Kaline is the youngest at age 20).

Shut your mouth: Lahoud was kicked off of the University of New Haven baseball team between games of a doubleheader by legendary coach Porky Viera. Viera was known for forbidding players to talk back or demonstrate disloyalty. The story goes that when Lahoud found out he wasn't starting the second game of the doubleheader, he threw his glove against the dugout wall and Viera dismissed him. But Lahoud said that he arrived late to the game after his father had open-heart surgery, causing Viera to yell at him. Lahoud said he ended up taking off his uniform right there and walked out in his baseball shorts, got in a car and left.

No one understands him but his woman: Lahoud went to New Haven on a basketball scholarship. He had 34 scholarship offers from some of the biggest basketball schools in the country, but he said in a recent interview he went to New Haven to stay close to his girlfriend, whose name he doesn't remember.

 (A word about the back): Speaking of power (it's there in the write-up), Lahoud hit his first career MLB home run in his second career at-bat, off of 30-game winner Denny McLain in 1968.

no. 601 - ken tatum

Who is the man: Ken Tatum spent his sophomore season with the Angels in 1970, but was dealt to the Red Sox in October in the deal that sent Tony Conigliaro to Anaheim.

Can ya dig it: This card looks in much better condition than it is. There are two significant creases, one to the right of Tatum's right ear and another along his very long neck.

Right on: It still mystifies me that Topps blacked out caps during this period. How could they possibly think that this was a realistic depiction of a major league player? This ain't the Cleveland Browns, there are no logo-less caps in MLB!

You see that cat Tatum is a bad mother: Tatum aced his rookie test, saving 22 games in 45 appearances with a 1.36 ERA to finish fourth in the AL Rookie of the Year voting in 1969.

Shut your mouth: Tatum very nearly ended Orioles center fielder Paul Blair's career when he struck him in the head with a pitch during the 1970 season. Blair's nose and cheekbone were broken and he missed three weeks. But his vision was never altered.

No one understands him but his women: In 1995, the L.A. Times wrote a story about the history of the Angels' trials with relief pitchers. It mentioned Ken Tatum as the Angels' all-time leader for fewest hits and runs allowed in a season (at least 40 appearances). Tatum allowed just 51 and 13 in 1969. Tatum's hit record fell shortly after the article, as the Angels enjoyed a series of standout closers in Lee Smith, Troy Percival and Francisco Rodriguez. Percival broke the runs record in 2002 by allowing just 12. Granted, Tatum was pitching more innings per appearance than Smith, Percival and K-Rod.

(A word about the back): Topps keeps you in suspense about the major off-season trade by not mentioning any names. It was Ken Tatum, Jarvis Tatum and Doug Griffin to the Red Sox for Tony Conigliaro, Ray Jarvis and Jerry Moses.

no. 577 - jim lonborg

Who is the man: Jim Lonborg was enjoying a comeback summer for the Red Sox when this card was issued. He struggled with shoulder problems all during the 1970 season and appeared in just nine games.

Can ya dig it: Lonborg has such a goofy expression on some his cards. Here he seems to be saying, "oops, watch out grandma, I almost nailed you with that pitch!"

Right on: I would get Jim Lonborg and Jim Bunning confused for years. And here in the 1971 Topps set, they are three cards apart.

You see that cat Lonborg is a bad mother: Lonborg will be forever known for his Cy Young season in 1967 when he led the Impossible Dream Red Sox to the World Series.

Shut your mouth: Lonborg pitched a one-hitter and a three-hitter in back-to-back appearances in the '67 World Series (Game 2 and Game 5). He paid partial credit to Sandy Koufax for the performance, saying that he had a conversation with Koufax, who was a broadcaster for the Series, before pitching. They talked about visualizing pitching a game in his mind before going on the field, and Lonborg said it helped.

No one understands him but his woman: When Lonborg retired from baseball and was figuring out what to do next, his wife Rosemary said, "Why don't you become a dentist? You like health care. You've always looked good in a uniform." Lonborg did and is practicing to this day. He's said he'll retire in 2017.

(A word about the back): Lonborg's 1967 season is mentioned on the write-up of each of his Topps cards from 1968-71. Then, in the 1972 set, after his trade to Milwaukee, the write-up simply says: "The Opening Day pitcher for Louisville, 4-16-71, Jim hurled 12-3 win vs. Rochester on his 29th birthday."

How the mighty have fallen.

no. 557 - tom satriano

Who is the man: Tom Satriano appeared in 59 games (with just 165 at-bats) in 1970, which would be his final season. He retired after the season.

Can ya dig it: I really get a kick out of "catcher squatting" photos. I should start a mini-collection.

Right on: Final card!

You see that cat Satriano is a bad mother: Satriano was an original Los Angeles Angel, playing 35 games at third base as a 20-year-old in 1961.

Shut your mouth: During his final season, Satriano became the personal catcher for Sonny Siebert. Satriano said the arrangement happened by accident. The two were talking during pregame, and Satriano suggested that Siebert be more aggressive with hitters. Satriano caught Siebert's next start and Siebert pitched well. From that point on, Red Sox manager Eddie Kasko made sure Siebert and Satriano were a battery. Siebert went 15-8 in 1970.

No one understands him but his woman: Satriano's daughter, Gina, was the first girl to play Little League Baseball in Southern California. Gina Satriano later pitched for the Colorado Silver Bullets, the all-female team that played male baseball teams during the mid-1990s.

(A word about the back): Satriano went 8-for-19 during that 10-game string in 1962. He also hit two home runs.

no. 530 - carl yastrzemski

Who is the man: Carl Yastrzemski was coming off his last great powerful season when this card was issued. He hit at least 40 home runs for the third and final time in his career and led the league in runs, on-base percentage, slugging, OPS and total bases.

Can ya dig it: This is possibly the tightest shot on Yastrzemski of all of his Topps flagship cards. He looks pretty regal with the Yankee Stadium stands as a backdrop.

Right on: Still not over Yastrzemski popping up to third base for the final out of the one-game playoff against the Yankees in 1978.

You see that cat Yastrzemski is a bad mother: For a good portion of my life, Yastrzemski was "the last player to hit for the Triple Crown," which he was for 45 years.

Shut your mouth: Yaz grew up on Long Island and was a top high school player. The Yankees made overtures toward him and in Yastrzemski's autobiography, he says that a Yankee scout once came to the house and exchanged bonus signing numbers with Yaz's dad. The scout was so shocked by Yastzremski's dad's figure of $100,000, he said the Yankees would never pay that and flipped his pencil in the air. Yastrzemski's dad told the scout, "Nobody throws a pencil in my house. Get the hell out and never come back."

No one understands him but his woman: For a year, Yastrzemski held the major league record for most games played with 3,308. Pete Rose broke it the following season.

(A word about the back): As discussed earlier, Yastrzemski missed out on the 1970 batting title by .0003 to the Angels' Alex Johnson.

no. 512 - red sox rookie stars

Who is the man: Dick Mills and Mike Garman spent the vast majority of their 1970 seasons with Triple A Louisville. Only Mills appeared in the majors, getting in two relief appearances for the Red Sox in September, 1970.

Can ya dig it: This is the second Red Sox rookie stars card in the set. The first one featured players that made more of an impact for Boston.

Right on: It appears to be a more pleasant day where Garman is than where Mills is.

You see these rookies are bad mothers: Pssssh. These two? You know they're rookies, right?

Shut your mouth: Mills went on to become a notable pitching coach and teacher before his death last year. His website (with the most appropriate web address ever) is now headed by his son, Ryan, who pitched seven seasons in the minors.

No one understands him but his woman: Garman is the first player from Idaho to be picked in the first round of MLB's amateur draft. The Red Sox selected him third overall and he remains the highest draft choice for any Idahoan who played in the majors.

 (A word about the back): Those two games that Mills hurled were the only major league experience he ever had.

no. 498 - john kennedy

Who is the man: John Kennedy finished out the 1970 season with the Red Sox after being purchased from the Brewers in June. Kennedy would stay with the Red Sox through the end of his career in 1974.

Can ya dig it: John Kennedy in Yankee Stadium with the American flag in the background. It's just too presidential of a photo.

Right on: Kennedy's position is listed as "infield," and it's accurate. He played first, second, third and short in 1970.

You see that cat Kennedy is a bad mother: Kennedy hit a home run in his first MLB bat, a pinch-hitting appearance that broke up a no-hit attempt by the Twins' Dick Stigman. Stigman had retired 17 straight batters when Kennedy homered with two outs in the sixth inning on Sept. 5, 1962.

Shut your mouth: Kennedy was made the Dodgers' regular third baseman in 1965 after Jim Gilliam retired. But Kennedy struggled to hit and then was injured. Gilliam came out of retirement and took back the third base job.

No one understands him but his woman: Kennedy not only shares his name with the 35th president of the United States, but the same birthday, May 29. This was a pretty big deal for someone who started his career with the Washington Senators with a Kennedy in the White House. Kennedy told former SABR director Paul Hirsch that a love letter written to him by his fiancee once was delivered to the White House by accident.

(A word about the back): Kennedy sure could pick his home run moments. The inside-the-park homer came against the Indians' Rick Austin in the fifth inning, tying the game at 3-3. The Red Sox would score two more times in the inning and go on to win, 8-4.

no. 473 - gary wagner

Who is the man: Gary Wagner completed his first full season with the Red Sox in 1970 after coming over from the Phillies in a trade in 1969. He appeared in 38 games, all in relief, and saved seven.

Can ya dig it: Final card!

Right on: I really hope Wagner is actually rubbing a baseball because if he's fake rubbing a baseball that's just weird.

You see that cat Wagner is a bad mother: Wagner's best season was his rookie year in 1965 when he went 7-7 with 91 strikeouts in 59 games and 105 innings pitched.

Shut your mouth: In a write-up in late January, announcing that Wagner would appear on a TV show in Bangor, Maine, a newspaper article closes with a quote from Red Sox manager Eddie Kasko, who says Wagner "will be around this ball club for a long while." Wagner was released by the Red Sox less than three months later.

No one understands him but his woman: I get Gary Wagner confused with 1960s White Sox pitcher Gary Peters (they are both Red Sox in this set). In fact, I nearly typed Peters' name instead of Wagner's four times in this post. I'm sure confusing a well-established pitcher like Peters with a sometimes major leaguer like Wagner makes me a whipper-snapper in the eyes of some fan from the 1960s. I don't care. In fact at my age, being called a whipper-snapper is kind of nice.

(A word about the back): It's always a little sad when the write-up mentions minor league performances that take place after the player's first game in the majors.

no. 446 - bobby bolin

Who is the man: Bobby Bolin came to the Red Sox in early September of 1970 in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers. He pitched in just six games for Boston, but would be the Red Sox's most used pitcher in 1971.

Can ya dig it: It's pretty awesome that Topps was able to get a photo of Bolin in a Red Sox uniform even though he spent less than a month of the previous season with the team.

Right on: You can tell Bolin is a tall man (6-foot-4) from the photo angle.

You see that cat Bolin is a bad mother: Bolin finished second behind Bob Gibson in ERA for the 1968 season. Of course, Gibson recorded his famed 1.12 ERA that year. Bolin's was 1.99.

Shut your mouth: In high school, Bolin pitched four no-hitters in a row.

Nobody understands him but his woman: Bolin grew up a Brooklyn Dodgers fan and hated the Giants. So, of course, he signed with the Giants.

(A word about the back): Bolin's first four clubs were the Michigan City (Ind.) Whitecaps, the St. Cloud (Minn.) Rox, the Eugene (Ore.) Emeralds, and the Rio Grande Valley (Texas) Giants.

no. 409 - don pavletich

Who is the man: Don Pavletich played 32 games in his first season with the Red Sox in 1970. He'd play just one more season and in very limited fashion.

Can ya dig it: You can tell that Pavletich just pounded his mitt as he prepares to give the pitcher a good target.

Right on: The photo is off-center. But at least you get to see the base paths.

You see that cat Pavletich is a bad mother: Pavletich was a bonus baby with the Reds. Required to be carried on the Reds' roster, he appeared in one game in 1957 before entering the military. The back of his 1959 card is interesting in that his stats list exactly one game and one at-bat in his career.

Shut your mouth: In spring training in 1971, Red Sox manager Eddie Kasko said one of his mistakes the previous year was not using Pavletich more and that he was going to give him a long look at the starting catcher position. Pavletich then played just 14 games in '71.

No one understands him but his woman: Even though Pavletich's career ended when 1971 ended, he has a card in the 1972 Topps set. He's listed with the Brewers, but he never played a game for them. He was released by Milwaukee in March.

 (A word about the back): Pavletich was pinch-hitting for Hal Jeffcoat in 1957.

no. 386 - red sox

Who is the man: The Red Sox were treading water in the early 1970s. After changing managers to Eddie Kasko for the 1970 season, Boston finished 87-75 and in third place, the exact same record and same position as in 1969. In 1971, the Red Sox would win two fewer and lose two more games and finish -- you guessed it -- in third place.

Can ya dig it: I believe that is a team photo in Fenway Park, possibly in front of the right field bleachers. But I could be so far off that it's actually in a different ballpark. Ballparks, even ones that have been around since 1912, change so much.

Right on: Am I looking at Tom Yawkey in this photo? I have no idea. This is a very hazy picture and, by far, the worst team photo in the set so far.

You see that cat Kasko is a bad mother: I couldn't tell you where Eddie Kasko is in this photo. Maybe the fifth guy from the left in the first row? This picture is like a holdover from those 1960s team cards.

Shut your mouth: No chance of identifying anyone in this picture.

No one understands him but his woman: Kasko was the bridge between two managers who brought the Red Sox to the World Series -- Dick Williams in 1967 and Darrell Johnson in 1975. But the best Kasko did for Boston was second place.

(A word about the back): Those pitching leaders are insane. The complete games, innings, wins, losses, shutouts, hits allowed, and ERA records are all still intact.

no. 363 - mike nagy

Who is the man: Mike Nagy suffered from the sophomore slump in 1970, posting a 4.47 ERA and six wins in 23 games after coming in second in the AL Rookie of the Year voting in 1969.

Can ya dig it: Nagy appears braced for a comebacker.

Right on: Always appreciate a shot of Fenway Park in the background.

You see that cat Nagy is a bad mother: Nagy was the AL Rookie Pitcher of the Year in 1969, going 12-2 for the Red Sox in his first season.

Shut your mouth: Nagy, a Bronx native, made his first major league start against the Yankees in 1969. He beat Mel Stottlemyre and New York 2-1, allowing three hits in 6 2/3 innings.

No one understands him but his woman: Nagy pitched very well in the Mexican League after his major league career was over. But the road trips were so long that it began to affect Nagy physically. After one season, he came home 20 pounds lighter. "What happened to you?" his wife said.

(A word about the back): Baseball-reference credits Jim Palmer with the best AL win percentage in 1969 (.800). Nagy had 196.2 innings pitched in 1969, perhaps that wasn't enough.

no. 340 - rico petrocelli

Who is the man: Rico Petrocelli was at the height of his productivity as a major leaguer in 1970. He drove in over 100 runs that year, the most by a Red Sox player since 1950. And after slamming 40 homers in 1969, he hit 29 more in '70.

Can ya dig it: A batting cage in Fenway Park? Well that's just too much of a good thing.

Right on: This is the last time that Petrocelli is listed as a shortstop on his card. He was moved to third base for the 1971 season to accommodate the acquisition of Luis Aparicio.

You see this cat Petrocelli is a bad mother: Petrocelli hit 25 home runs before the All-Star break in 1969 on his way to setting the Red Sox record for most home runs by a shortstop.

Shut your mouth: Petrocelli went through a number of injuries in his career, including a constant elbow problem. He suffered from calcium deposits and at one point gave up milk and ice cream to cure himself of the issue.

No one understands him but his woman: It shocks me that Petrocelli was out of baseball by age 33. He was leaving just as I became acquainted with those who played the game. I thought Petrocelli looked awfully old on his '76 and '77 Topps cards and couldn't wait for the youthful Butch Hobson to take over for him at third. Little did I know that Petrocelli was still a youngster at that point.

(A word about the back): The fewest errors by an AL shortstop in a season is now a miniscule three by Cal Ripken and Omar Vizquel.

no. 305 - reggie smith

Who is the man: Reggie Smith was rounding into form as one of the top American League talents in 1971. He had just enjoyed two straight .300 seasons, the first two of his career. He would play in a career high 159 games in 1971.

Can ya dig it: Just an awesome card. Smith, a switch-hitter, is posing left-handed, which was his home run side.

Right on: It appears as if there are some reporters congregating in the background.

You see this cat Smith is a bad mother: Smith charged into the stands behind the Dodgers' dugout in San Francisco in 1981 after a Dodger-bating fan threw a plastic helmet at him. Nine fans were arrested.

Shut your mouth: Bob Gibson, who was Smith's teammate in 1974 and 1975, called him "Spike," after the angry cartoon guard dog in Bugs Bunny cartoons.

No one understands him but his woman: Smith, who encountered racism when he played in Boston, ended his career in Japan, where he also encountered racist incidents and a series of misunderstandings. Smith and his son, Reggie Smith Jr., were assaulted by fans after he punched out a heckler.

(A word about the back): Smith looks very young to me here. I first became acquainted with Smith from his 1976 Topps card, and then later, of course, as a member of the late '70s Dodgers. He was a veteran by then and very good at what he did. I was surprised when I first learned he had an earlier career in Boston.

no. 302 - phil gagliano

Who is the man: Phil Gagliano was a brand new Boston Red Sox player after being dealt by the Cubs on Dec. 3, 1970. He had spent just one year in Chicago after eight previous seasons with the Cardinals.

Can ya dig it: That's one close look at an Italian smile. Topps had to shrink his signature down to nothing.

Right on: If I was a kid collecting in 1971, I would have hated this card. No cap. You can't see what team he's playing for. Just a giant head.

You see this cat Gagliano is a bad mother: Gagliano made an immediate impact with the Red Sox in '71. After years of struggling at the plate with the Cardinals, he batted a career-high .324 in 81 at bats.

Shut your mouth: Gagliano was in the same high school class as Tim McCarver and they graduated Christian Brothers High School in Memphis, Tenn., together. Both signed with the Cardinals with bonuses, although McCarver's bonus was about $65,000 more than Gagliano's. "We were the gold dust twins," Gagliano said. "Tim got the gold, I got the dust."

No one understands him but his woman: Gagliano always wanted a chance to start and thought he was branded as a utility player with the Cardinals, because he could play so many positions.

(A word about the back): Poor Ralph! One game! He didn't even get an at bat.