#382 Dave Freisleben

Who is this player?

Dave Freisleben, relief pitcher, Toronto Blue Jays

By the time this card was being pulled from packs in the 1980 season, Dave Freisleben had already appeared in his final major league game. Dave had already moved on from Toronto and had signed a contract with the California Angels. The Angels, however, released him shortly before Spring Training had ended and he was unable to catch on with another team. He did pitch for the Monterrey Sultanes in the Mexican League that year, but his six year major league career had come to an end. 

First, its pronounced FREEZE-Leb-En. 

Today, when you Google the name Dave Freisleben, two bits of trivia are the most prominent. The first was arguably the best pitching performance of his major league career, a 13 inning shutout against the Cincinnati Reds on August 4, 1974. It was ultimately a 14 inning game and despite his excellent outing, Freisleben did not get the decision. 

The second is that his photograph wearing the potential road uniforms of the National League club in Washington pending the transfer of the San Diego Padres to D.C. for the 1974 season.

A prep star from Pasadena, Texas, Dave was drafted by the Padres in 1971 and immediately led the Texas League in shutouts. The following year, he led the Texas League in wins (17), ERA (2.32) and innings pitched (190). By the time he was 22 years old, Freisleben was in the major leagues.

He started his big league career quickly, winning two complete-game efforts to start the 1974 season and then defeating future Hall of Famer Steve Carlton in his third start. However, the league would eventually catch up with Freileben. He struggled with his control, walking over 100 batters, and finishing in the top five in wild pitches and hit batsmen. Nonetheless, he was named by San Diego sportswriters the Padres' rookie pitcher of the year.

Freisleben would be a mainstay in the Padres' starting rotation for the next three seasons (1975-1977), with a highlight coming in 1976 when he was named Player of the Week for his two shutouts on May 24 and May 29th. 

Injuries began to befall Dave, and his spot in the rotation was lost. He tried working his way back, but struggled before the Padres traded him to the Cleveland Indians in 1978. At the end of the season, he was traded again, this time to the Toronto Blue Jays where he would spend his final major league summer in 1979.

In retirement, he coached in the minor leagues, but also had a long career in law enforcement. He was honored by his high school and even spent some time playing golf professionally. Today residing in his native Texas, he his active on Facebook and Twitter and working as a Galveston Bay Fishing Guide.

Why I love this card

Often times, the kids in the neighborhood had trouble pronouncing certain players names. John D'Acquisto, Ivan DeJesus, Gary Rajsich. Dave Freisleben was one of those players. It got to the point that there was no consensus on how to pronounce his name and everyone had their own variation. So much so, that it ended up delving into calling Dave "Funky Winkerbean," off of a comic character in the newspaper at the time. Apparently, that was all we could agree on as 10 year olds. 

Something else...

For reference (and for those who may not recall), here was the comic we were referencing. It had nothing to do with baseball and none of the characters had any common ground, it was just a silly word association that I can recall 36 summers later. 

#381 Preston Gomez Chicago Cubs Team Card

What is this card?

Team Card, Chicago Cubs, Preston Gomez Manager

Not much was expected out of the Chicago Cubs and they didn't disappoint during the 1980 season. Or then again, maybe they did. Preston Gomez was named manager prior to the season and it would turn out to be the final managerial position of Gomez' career. 

Like all Cub seasons 1980 began with the hope and promise of Opening Day. The Cubs had a decent April, even spending a little time in first place. Their bullpen was a strength as was Dave Kingman, who would win Player of the Month honors for April, batting .345, swatting 6 home runs and driving home 16 teammates. Jerry Martin also started the season hot, batting .368 for the month.

Briefly, some Cub highlights from April, what would be their only winning month of 1980:

May began optimistically, but reality began to set in, as did injuries and gaping holes in center field and third base. By mid-month, the Cubs had slipped to the .500 level with no realistic prospects of returning to the first division:

 

By summer, the Cubbies had lost 8 out of 9 and were sinking fast. Cliff Johnson was added to the roster and rookie like Jesus Figueroa were seeing more playing time. Third base was a revolving door as by this point in the season, five players had seen action at the hot corner. Dave Kingman was also banged up, injuring his shoulder in a home plate collision:

A highlight came in July as Dave Kingman was named to the NL starting lineup at the All Star Game in Los Angeles, and Bruce Sutter picked up the save in the National League's ninth straight victory. However, Kingman took to complaining about the press coverage he was receiving and Cub management decided that a change was needed and Preston Gomez was fired, replaced by coach Joe Amalfitano:

As the dog days of August rolled in, the Cubs found themselves 25 games under .500 by the end of the month. 1980 would wind up being the third worst season in club history to that point, as the Cubbies lost 98 games, finishing last, 27 games off the pace. At this point, in the season, the Cubs would take outs any way they could get them:

By the time September rolled around, the only thing left really for Cub fans was to see if Bill Buckner would win the National League batting crown. He came from behind to win the race, edging out the Cardinals' Keith Hernandez and Garry Templeton:

In the off-season, the Cubs made some moves to improve on their standing for 1981, obtaining third baseman Ken Reitz from the Cardinals in a trade. Reitz had started the All Star Game at third for the NL in 1980 and it was hoped he would bring stability to the position. Also coming from St. Louis was highly touted prospect Leon Durham. However, it cost the Cubs their closer Bruce Sutter. 

In retrospect, trading a Hall of Famer away seemed like a poor move, but at the time it made sense. The Cubs finished last in fielding in 1980, 41 errors coming from their third basemen. And the Cubs only bright spot in 1980 was their bullpen. In addition to Sutter, Bill Caudill and Dick Tidrow had solid years. Willie Hernandez would be a future MVP and making his major league debut in 1980 was their closer of the future Lee Smith. 

Why I love this card

The uniqueness of the floating heads made the Cubs different. Like no lights in Wrigley, their team card was one that always made you stop and look at it. Of the Cubs pictured on 1980 cards, only two (Miguel Dilone and Ken Holtzman) would not play for the Cubbies that year.

Something else...

The video clips above feature a couple of things that we will likely never see again: a game suspended by darkness and a July 4th doubleheader. The game has certainly changed. 

#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.

#327 Ray Fosse

Who is this player?
Ray Fosse, reserve catcher, Milwaukee Brewers
As the 1980 season got underway, Ray Fosse was not on a major league roster. Six days before the Brewers broke camp, Fosse was cut in favor of Ned Yost. The free agent contract that he signed with Milwaukee prior to the 1978 season had other teams financially avoid him. He was unfortunately seen as too expensive to take a chance on at that point in his career. Fosse resigned himself to the fact that his 12-year career was at its end, taking a position in California with a commercial real estate firm.

A native of Marion, Illinois, Fosse was a heavily recruited high school athlete, especially by the Houston Astros. However, the Indians were part of a scouting co-op and drafted Fosse on the first round of the 1965 draft. Fosse's high school coach handled the negotiations with the Indians and Fosse eagerly signed a deal. He quickly moved up the minor league ladder and developed a reputation as a solid hitter and handler of pitchers. Ray earned the nickname "Mule" among his teammates for his strength and ability to carry a team when necessary.

He was derailed in 1969 when he broke his right index finger, but blossemed in the first half of 1970. By most accounts, Fosse was seen as a rising superstar. He was named to the All Star team, batting .313 with 16 home runs and was part of one of the most replayed All Star moments of all-time when Pete Rose crashed into him to score the winning run in the 12th inning. A fracture and seperation of his shoulder were never detected on the initial x-ray and Fosse gamely continued to play. He developed some bad habits during this stretch to compensate and since then, Fosse has gone one record that he never regained the power and the swing that he had prior to the All Star Game.

Fosse won consecutive Gold Glove Awars in 1970 & 1971 and was even named to his second All-Star squad, but a series of injuries cut into his playing time. The Indians traded Ray to Oakland before the 1973 season and with the A's, he won two World Series ring. He would suffer another serious injury in Oakland, breaking his neck while trying to be peacemaker in a locker room scuffle between Reggie Jackson and Bill North. He would never be a regular player again.

He returned to Cleveland in 1976 in a backup cacpacity and then was traded to Seattle the following season. He signed a free agent contract with the Milwaukee Brewers prior to the 1978 season, but he destroyed his knee in Spring Training, limiting him to only 19 appearances the next two seasons. After his retirement in 1980, Fosse became a broadcaster for the A's, a job that he has held since the 1986 sesaon.

Why I love this card
I remember when I got this card. I had no idea who Fosse was and asked my Dad who he was. I vividly recall his response as a sympathetic "Aww." I had no idea about the All Star collision and my Dad told me the story. I wouldn't go so far as to say that it turned me off to Pete Rose, but I do remember thinking more of Fosse than Rose every time I saw that play after that. Still do, in fact.

Something else....
Today, Pete Rose claims that he Fosse is angry with him about the play and doesn't know why. Maybe it has something to do with this.
Anyway, an interesting side note is that a week before the infamous All-Star Game, Fosse narrowly avoided serious injury when a fan at Yankee Stadium threw a cherry bomb on the field and in exploded near Fosse's foot. It was so serious in fact, that the Indians trainer initially thought Fosse was shot.

#317 Mike Anderson

Who is this player?
Mike Anderson, reserve outfielder, Philadelphia Phillies
Shortly before the 1980 season was to begin, Mike Anderson of the Philadelphia Phillies was sent to the minor leagues. This was not a unique occurrence for Anderson, who had been shuttled between the majors and Triple-A for most of his career. This time, however, Anderson did not return to the parent club. Despite hitting .327 in 84 games at Triple-A Oklahoma City, the Phillies did not recall Anderson for the stretch drive late in the season. He would not see major league action again, concluding his nine-year major league career.

Mike Anderson was from an athletic family that was the pride of Timmonsville, South Carolina. His sister was an All-American basketball player and his older brother played baseball in the minor leagues. Mike was a high school football star and signed a letter of intent to play tight end for the University of South Carolina. When the Philadelphia Phillies selected him in the first round of the 1969 draft, he chose a different athletic path.

The righthanded hitting Anderson was a slugging star in the minor leagues and tied a Pacific Coast League record in 1971 by homering in six consecutive games. He was a fearsome batter that combined average with power and his 1971 season numbers were eye popping (.334 36 100, .658 111 runs) and was seen as one of the best prospects in the Phillies organization. In this era, his minor league teammates included Mike Schmidt, Oscar Gamble, Bob Boone and Greg Luzinski and Anderson out shined them all. He was given his first major league look in 1971 and by 1973 was handed the reigns as the team's regular right fielder.

However, for three straight years, his average never rose above .260 and he never reached double-digit figures in home runs. Out of patience, the Phillies traded Anderson to the St. Louis Cardinals for pitcher Ron Reed. Anderson performed well in St. Louis, but was essentially a reserve player. After a poor showing in 1977 he was sold to the Baltimore Orioles and wasn't used often. The Phillies welcomed him back into the fold for the 1979 season and he appeared in 79 games batting .231. The Philies released him in October 1980 shortly after winning the World Series.

Mike was signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates played one more season in the minor leagues (1981) before ending his baseball career. He returned to South Carolina and coached both high school baseball and basketball. His younger brother Kent, followed him to the big leagues, appearing in 135 games over two seasons with the 1989-90 California Angels. Any current information on what Mike is up to these days would be most appreciated.

Why I love this card
I remember debating the cartoon on the back. Was Anderson supposed to be the cartoon fielder in the foreground or the background. It would seem that he would be in the back since it would make the most sense considering the runner. Then again, most of Topps cartoons back in those days usually tried to show the featured player up front. I've said it before, but the things kids argue about sitting on the curb during the lazy days of August, 1980.

Something else....
Much is made of Anderson's 1969 season at Pulaski. His manager that season in Rookie Ball? None other than Dallas Green, the man who would be at the helm in 1980 and the same man that sent Anderson down in the Spring. I always felt sorry for guys like Anderson that play most of their career with a team and then the year they don't, the win the World Series. It was a shame that he couldn't have at least gotten an at bat or something.

On this day in 1980:
Remember the K-Car?


Regardless of your thoughts, these were a staple of the 1980s. On this day, Chrysler chairman Lee Iacocca drove the first one off the assembly line.


The legacy of these cars is that the helped Chrysler rebound from a disastrous era in the late 1970s to a prosperous time in 1980s. What's that line about those not learning from history?

#311 Roger Metzger

Who is this player?
Roger Metzger, utility infielder, San Francisco Giants
In November 1979, Roger Metzger of the San Francisco Giants was badly hurt when he severed parts of four fingers on his right hand in a sawing accident at his home in Texas. Determined, Metzger reported for Spring Training to reclaim his position on the Giants. He not only won a roster spot by batting .300 during the exhibition season, but the respect and admiration of peers and teammates. Used primarily as a defensive substitute and pinch-runner, Metzger struggled at the plate, batting only .074 (2 for 27). He retired in August, ending his 11-year career, and spent the remainder of the season as a coach on the Giants' staff.

Texas-born Roger Metzger was a collegiate star at St. Edward's University in Austin. The switch-hitting shortstop was an All-Conference player and was selected as an alternate to the 1968 Olympic baseball team. In 1969, he batted .414 was was named to the All-American baseball team. This made him the #1 selection of the Chicago Cubs in June, 1969. He was in the major leagues the following season, but only appeared in one game. That winter, he was traded to his hometown Houston Astros, for whom he would play the majority of his career.

As a shortstop, his reputation with the Astros quickly rose; he led the National League in triples in 1971 & 1973, setting a team record in the process. He also developed a reputation as one of the premier defensive shortstops in the league, leading NL shortstops in putouts in 1971 and double plays in 1972. He was rewarded for his fielding excellence in 1973, when he earned the National League Gold Glove Award. He was also named Astros team MVP that season, when he batted .250 and achieve career highs in most offensive categories.

In eight seasons in Houston, Metzger was a popular player, setting a NL record with 59 consecutive errorless games in 1976 (since broken). However, Roger batted a collective .229 during this period. As the Astros built towards contention in the late-1970s, Metzger's playing time diminished and he was traded to the San Francisco Giants midway during the 1978 season. Metzger was a valuable man off the bench for the Giants, often splitting time with Johnnie LeMaster in the starting shortstop role.

After leaving baseball following the 1980 season, he and his wife ran a local restaurant for more than 10 years. He graduated with a degree in mathematics in 1972 and taught math for several years at Brenham High School (TX). Today, Roger works as the job procurement officer at the Brenham State School. The school is home to 400 people with mental disabilities from ages 12–82. His wife also works there as a fundraising coordinator.

Why I love this card
I knew nothing about Roger Metzger's accident when I got this card during the summer of 1980. I don't know why I didn't, but I didn't learn about it until much later. Today though, I am much more in awe of what he has done with his life since 1980 than what he did before. There aren't many guys in this set that I can honestly say that about, but Roger Metzger is one.

Something else....
In 2005, Metzger's jersey #14 at St. Edward's was retired, this first in the history of its athletics program. He had already been inducted into the St. Edward's Hall of Fame in 1987, the first year the hall accepted inductees.

On this date in 1980:
Two future professional athletes are born on this day - Michael Vick (insert your own remark here) and Chris Shelton. Shelton will be best remembered for his prodigious home run output early in the 2006 season. Playing with the Detroit Tigers, "Red Pop" hit nine home runs in the first 13 games of the season; this made him the fastest player in American League history to reach that mark at that point in a season. He dropped off quickly though and was not a factor in the Tigers' World Series run that fall. He currently is in the Houston Astros organization trying to return to the majors.

#301 Mike Edwards

Who is this player?
Mike Edwards, second baseman, Oakland A's
The year began curiously for the A's Mike Edwards; he went to salary arbitration with the notorious owner Charlie Finley. Edwards likely became the only player in history to ask for less than what any owner offered, $50,000 to Finley's offer of $58,000. Of course, Edwards was not aware of the offer, and signed on to what would be his fourth and final major league season. New skipper Billy Martin used Edwards sparingly and he batted .237. He was not offered a contract at the end of the season and he did not catch on with another major league club.

Mike Edwards was from a baseball family. Two of his brothers made the major leagues as well. Younger brother Dave has a card featured in this set and played the most seasons in the majors (1978-1982). Mike's twin, Marshall, saw postseason action with the 1982 AL Champion Milwaukee Brewers. Mike and Marshall are part of baseball history; only nine sets of twins have both advanced to the major leagues.

The Los Angeles, California native was the first in his family to reach the bigs after a successful minor league career. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1974, he led the New York-Penn League in games played, at-bats and triples while playing for Niagara Falls and later led the International League (AAA) in hits and stolen bases. Edwards also showed his talents in the field, leading the IL in double plays and total chances. He appeared in a handful of games for the Pirates in 1977, but his big break came when he was traded to the Oakland A's in April, 1978.

He made an immediate impact, setting a club record with a 17-game hitting streak and scoring five runs in a game. The defining moment of his career came on August 10, 1978 when he tied the major league record for unassisted double plays by a second baseman. Mike pulled the trick twice against the California Angels. On the other side, he also established a major league record for most time caught stealing by a rookie (21).

His production fell off precipitously in 1979 as his average fell by 40 points and he stole 17 fewer bases. However, that is tempered by the fact that the A's of 1979 were one of the worst teams of the modern era and in a constant state of flux. When he lost his job in 1980, he rebounded and played in Japan in the early 1980s. Any information on his current whereabouts would be most appreciated.

Why I love this card
What a great action shot! I can hear my Little League coach now, "Two hands! Two hands!" By far, the A's lead this set with the best live game photography. Interestingly, the standouts have been of their middle infielders, first Mario Guerrero, then Rob Picciolo, now Edwards. Even if you didn't know who Edwards was or even care about the A's, if this card showed up in your pack, you were guaranteed to spend some of your summer afternoon gazing it over.

Something else....
Here is Edwards' 1979 Record Breaker card:




I ended up getting this card probably in the mid-1980s sometime and wondered what happened to Mike. After all, he set a record, didn't he? My mind couldn't comprehend the 'here today, gone tomorrow' turnover in major league baseball. I'm still wondering what happened to Mike Edwards.

On this date in 1980:
The Blues Brothers debuts on this date in Chicago. I was not fortunate to see this in theatres the first time through, but have seen it a hundred times since. I don't get tired of it (I know, I'm sick) and am glad that this movie introduced me to artists like Ray Charles, John Lee Hooker and Cab Calloway. Shame, a boy that young goin' bad.....

#298 Ken Holtzman

Who is this player?
Ken Holtzman, pitcher, Chicago Cubs
By the time kids across America were pulling this card from their packs in 1980, Ken Holtzman had already moved away from the diamond and transitioned into the brokerage business. After 15 years in the major leagues, Holtzman retired as a 3-time World Champion with the Oakland A's, pitched two no-hitters and was one of the more underrated pitchers of his era.

Holtzman was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 1965 amateur draft, the inaugural First-Year Player draft. He was the first drafted player to make it to the majors when he made his big league debut that September. The following season, the fireballing southpaw led the Chicago staff in wins and strikeouts. Dubbed "The New Koufax" the Jewish Holtzman faced the Dodger legend in late-September. He defeated the future Hall of Famer late in the 1966 season, holding the Dodgers hitless for eight innings the day after Yom Kippur. He played only part-time in 1967, due mainly to military obligations, but posted a perfect 9-0 record pitching on primarily on weekends.

Holtzman became a strong second starter behind Cubs' ace Ferguson Jenkins. After going 11-14 in 1968, he posted consecutive 17-win seasons. In military service again in 1969, he was able to return to the team and pitch in weekend games. On of those was his first career no-hitter against the Atlanta Braves. Despite this promise, and a second no-hitter against the "Big Red Machine" era Cincinnati Reds, Holtzman was traded to the Oakland A's, namely because Cub manager Leo Durocher didn't care for Holtzman. It would prove to be a ill-fated move for Chicago.

In Oakland, Holtzman was the #2 starter on an Oakland team that dominated baseball. He averaged 19 wins a season in his four years with the A's, with a high of 21 in 1973. He won four games during three World Series with the A's, including Game 7 in 1973 against the New York Mets. However, Holtzman would be known more for his bat during World Series play. Never known as a great hitter in his NL days, Holtzman batted .308 during the World Series, including key hits during the 1973 Series. In 1974 he homered, the last pitcher to do so in World Series play until 2008.

When Charlie Finley dismantled the A's, Holtzman was one of the first to go, traded to Baltimore in 1976. Shortly thereafter, he was sent to the New York Yankees. In New York, he saw his playing time limited, and did not appear in the 1976 or 1977 postseasons with New York due to owner George Steinbrenner being disappointed by his performance and refusal to meet his demands. Holtzman needed consistent work to be sharp and he didn't get it in New York. When he did make an appearance, it was typically in mop-up or long relief roles. He went to the Chicago Cubs and spent the final two years of his career where it began before beginning a successful and lucrative career away from the game.

Why I love this card
I was always a sucker for the cards of longtime veterans. The back of Holtzman's card facinated me to see how long his career was. To see a guy begin his career in the 1960's? That was impressive to me. I may not have known who Holtzman was at the time, but I knew that he must have been good to have been around so long. My Dad filled in the rest.

Something else....
Holtzman is the all-time winningest Jewish pitcher with 174 career victories. He was inducted into the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame and in 2007 he managed the Petach Tikva Pioneers in the inaugural season of the Israel Baseball League.

On this date in 1980:
In Los Angeles, comedian Richard Pryor is badly burned trying to freebase cocaine. He later made this part of his comedy act as part of 1982's concert, Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip. A clip can be seen here. LANGUAGE WARNING.

#297 Tim Johnson

Who is this player?
Tim Johnson, infielder, Toronto Blue Jays
After putting the finishing touches on a seven-year career as a major league infielder, Tim Johnson was spending his first season with the Major Leagues Central Scouting Bureau in 1980. It was the start of a second career in baseball for Johnson that would culminate of him being named manager of the Toronto Blue Jays in December 1997.

As a youth, Tim Johnson led his Connie Mack team to the state finals in North Dakota two consecutive seasons (1966 & 1967). This caught the eye of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who signed Johnson as an amatuer free agent in 1968. Tim made a splash immediately, becoming only the ninth player in the history of the California League to get six hits in a game and he led all shortstops in assists, chances and double plays. Johnson earned a repution as a solid defensive player, winning a Silver Glove as the best fielding minor-league shortstop in 1970. However, he had trouble with the bat, batting .243 in parts of six minor league seasons. Since the Dodgers were so deep in minor league talent in the early 1970s, Johnson was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in 1973.

The Brewers of the early 1970s were a different story than the Dodgers. Only a few seasons removed from their expansion season as the Seattle Pilots, the Brewers had many holes at the major league level. Johnson filled one at shortstop and although he hit only .213, he appeared in 136 games and was named to Baseball Digest's All Rookie Team for 1973. However, the next season he lost the position to future Hall of Famer Robin Yount and spent the remainder of his Milwaukee career in a utility role.

Johnson played every infield position during his Brewer days, but his performance was one of contrasts. He hit .275 in 1976 but followed that with a .061 mark in 1977. With his major league career on the proverbial bubble, he was able to play two more season with the Toronto Blue Jays in a similar role. When the 1979 season concluded, so did Johnson's career. From there Johnson scouted and coached for several teams throughout the 1980s and 1990s before earning his first shot as a major league manager.

When Johnson took over the Blue Jays in 1998, they were a team in decline. He earned the job over more notable candidates due to his reputation for motivation, communication and enthusiasm. Although the Jays would win 88 games and make a Wild Card run, Johnson had clashes with coaches and players. The discontent boiled over when it was revealed that Johnson embellished his military service and athletic background. He was fired by the Blue Jays during Spring Training 1999. Since then, Johnson has managed in independent leagues and in Mexico but has never made a return to the major leagues.

Why I love this card
When I look at this card now, I honesty cannot recall any specific memories of what drew me to this card. When I see this card, all I think of the public disgrace that Johnson endured (granted by his own doing) as manager of the Blue Jays. What gets forgotten is that Johnson led the Jays to their most victories since their World Series championship season of 1993.

Something else....
Today, Johnson is managing the independent Tuscon Toros. His son has created a production group develop both a documentary and a feature-length film about his dad. I will say this, the entire Tim Johnson saga would make for an interesting made-for-TV movie.

On this date in 1980:
It was the 36th anniversary of D-Day, arguably the most significant date of the last 100 years. Like Topps has done with #7 in their base sets, I am "retiring" this date to stop and honor those who have served and died in the call of duty. I humbly thank you.

#294 Charlie Spikes

Who is this player?
Charlie Spikes, utility, Atlanta Braves
In what would be the final season of his nine-year major league career, Charlie Spikes was the Atlanta Braves pinch-hitting specialist during the 1980 season. 34 of the 41 games Charlie appeared in that season came as a pinch-batter and he excelled in the role, batting .323. He thrived in late-inning and pressure situations and often keyed several Brave rallies. He became a free agent at the end of the season and when no major league team made an offer, Charlie signed a million dollar contract to play with the Chunichi Dragons in Japan.

Charlie Spikes was a high school baseball star out of Bogalusa, Louisiana and led his team to a state championship in 1969. Charlie homered for the only run of the game, capping a prep career that would lead to his selection by the New York Yankees on the first round of the amateur draft. He would lead the Carolina League in homers in 1971 and was an minor league All-Star the following season. He quickly established a reputation as one of the finest prospects in the Yankee organization. Charlie played in a handful of games near the end of the 1972 season, but was involved in a multi-player trade that sent him to the Indians for Graig Nettles.

Spikes would lead Cleveland with 23 home runs as a rookie in 1973, the most by an Indian freshman in 23 years. He was an instant fan favorite and the club's PR department dubbed him "The Bogalusa Bomber." Stardom seemed certain for Spikes. His manager, Ken Aspromonte compared him to Hall of Famer Larry Doby and initially New York fans were critical of the trade as Spikes outperformed Nettles in 1973 and 1974.

Things began to change for Spikes when Frank Robinson was hired as Cleveland manager in 1975. The easy-going Spikes did not blossom under the harsh and critical eye of Robinson, whose "tough-love" approach did not help Spikes' career. Charlie was criticized in the press, slumped, lost playing time and eventually found himself demoted to the minor leagues. When he clashed with his manager at Triple-A Toledo, he found himself traded to the Detroit Tigers. To his credit, Spikes never blamed Robinson's for his career turn, instead praising Robby's efforts as the first black manager in major league history.

Despite high hopes, he played very little for Detroit in 1978 and was almost out of baseball before his old minor league manager Bobby Cox (now in Atlanta) recommended the Braves sign him before the 1979 season. He played two seasons in Atlanta, mostly as a reserve player. After his playing days, Spikes returned to his native Louisiana where he worked for several innings in a textile factory. He suffered a back injury a few years ago and is now collecting his disability and retired.

Why I love this card
Leslie Charles Spikes. I always loved the full signature. And we giggled because we were dumb kids and thought Leslie was a girl's name.

Something else....
Charlie receives not one, but two mentions on the fifth-ever episode of "Cheers." Here is the link. The first mention is at the very beginning, the second at about the 1:50 mark.

On this date in 1980:
The Amateur Free-Agent Draft draft is held. The New York Mets have the first selection and draft outfielder Darryl Strawberry out of Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles. Also selected in the first round of this draft is future Red Sox manager Terry Francona (by the Expos) and current Oakland GM Billy Beane (by the Mets)

#291 Randy Scarbery

Who is this player?
Randy Scarbery, relief pitcher, Chicago White Sox
After leading the Chicago White Sox in appearances in 1979, things did not go as well for Randy Scarberry in 1980. When allowed three earned runs in his first appearance, and when April ended, his ERA was well over 5.00. He pitched in ten more games during May and began to get into a groove, allowing seven runs in 18.2 innings. To his surprise, he was sent to the minor leagues and then traded to the California Angels for infielder Todd Cruz. Randy never again made a appearance in a major league game, drawing the curtain on his brief two-year career.

A native of Fresno, California, Randy Scarbery was the first player selected twice in the first round of the amateur draft when Houston Astros selected him in 1970. He turned down an $86,000 bonus, choosing college instead, and was a standout at USC, a collegiate baseball powerhouse. The Trojans won the College World Series every year that Scarbery was on on the team, and he led the nation with 15 victories in 1973. He was drafted in the first round in 1973 by the current World Champion Oakland Athletics.

He immediately debuted at the Triple-A level, and although he sometimes struggled, he was often among the Pacific Coast League leaders in innings and starts. After three seasons in the Oakland organization, he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in April 1977 for fellow prospect Steve Dunning. He was granted free agency at the end of the season and signed on with the Chicago White Sox.

In Chicago he would finally break through and make the major league roster. He made his major league debut in April of 1979 and spent most of his rookie season coming out of the bullpen. He was used in virtually all roles, periodically used as a closer, long relief, and was even given five starting assignments. He finished his first season with a 2-8 record and a 4.62 ERA.

Scarbery didn't pitch anywhere after the 1980 season and I could not find any information on his whereabouts or activities post-baseball. Any information would be most appreciated.

Why I love this card
I loved the cartoons like the one depicted on the back of Scarbery's card. I always wanted to earn a trophy like that. The ones that I had always had a little baseball player on it and the bat always broke off.

Something else....
I found a little clip of Scarbery (along with several White Sox teammates) in Spring Training that you can find here.

On this date in 1980:
Ken Landreaux of the Minnesota Twins goes 0-for-4 in an 11 - 1 loss to the Baltimore Orioles, ending his hitting streak at 31 consecutive games, the longest streak in the American League since Dom DiMaggio hit safely in 34 games in a row in 1949.

#286 Darold Knowles

Who is this player?
Darold Knowles, relief pitcher, St. Louis Cardinals
After making the final cut in Spring Training, the 38-year old veteran Darold Knowles was hoping to get another season out of his well-used left arm. In only his second appearance, Knowles was treated rudely by the Pittsburgh Pirates, giving up a home run and a double and losing the game 12-10. Shortly thereafter, he was let go by the St. Louis Cardinals. Knowles did not appear in another game in 1980, and finished his 16-year career holding the record for most lifetime appearances by a lefthanded pitcher (765).

Best known for his time as one of Oakland's "Moustache Gang" of the 1970s, Darold Knowles was initially product of the University of Missouri. The Baltimore Orioles selected him as an amateur free agent in 1961 and he was a highly regarded prospect when he pitched a no-hitter in 1962 won 16 games with Elmira in the Eastern League the following year. After a brief appearance with the Orioles in 1965, Darold was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies. He spent only one year with the Phillies, finishing third in the National League in appearances and seventh in saves.

Traded to the Washington Senators in 1967, he was consistently one of the most durable and reliable pitchers in the baseball. Except for one year spent in the Air Force, Darold was consistently among the league leaders in appearances and saves. This workload earned him All Star recognition in 1969. Pitching in front of his hometown fans, Knowles worked the American League out of a jam in the third inning. He saved 64 games in a Washington uniform and posted a 2.46 ERA over his six seasons there.

When he was traded to the Oakland A's during the 1971 season it would prove to be the most successful run of Knowles' career. As setup man to Rollie Fingers, Knowles had an indispensable role with the A's as they won the World Series three consecutive years. Although he missed the 1972 season with a finger injury, he appeared in all seven games of the 1973 Classic, notching two saves and not allowing a run. No other pitcher before or since has replicated the feat of appearing in every game of a seven game set.

After his years in Oakland, Knowles became a journeyman, with stops with the Chicago Cubs, Montreal and finally in St. Louis. Like most players of his era, Knowles went into coaching when his career ended, with the Cardinals and the Philadelphia Phillies at the major league level. Most recently he was a pitching coach with the Dunedin Blue Jays. He also has a Facebook account with a friends ranging from George Brett to Casey Blake.

Why I love this card
The cartoon on the back was the first I had ever heard of Knowles' World Series feat. However, it always left me with the impression that Knowles didn't do as well as he did. Must be the squiggly arms and legs. Or the pained expression. Or maybe the really huge star.

Something else.....
Knowles' card is a DP variety, and it figures since I have four of these, but only one Don Baylor. We've also had a bit of a run lately of guys in their last season or last card. With Knowles, that makes five out of the last eight. I wonder if Topps knew something the rest of us didn't?

On this date in 1980:
The #1 song in the country on this date is "Funkytown" by Lipps, Inc. I'm having shivers just typing that.

#284 Larry Murray

Who is this player?
Larry Murray, outfielder, Oakland A's
While not known at the time, the six-year major league career of Larry Murray was already at an end. In Spring Training Larry was designated for assignment and spent the season with the Triple-A Ogden A's. Murray appeared in only 13 games that season batting only .233 with one home run and three RBI.

A phenominal three-sport athlete at Phillips High School in Chicago, Murray chose baseball after a high school career in which he broke and established numerous records as a standout running back/defensive back. He was taken in the 5th round of the 1971 draft by the New York Yankees, and spent the next six seasons in the minor leagues. Murray displayed impressive speed and a strong throwing arm, but his hitting was suspect. He failed to bat over .300 during that span in the bushes, but did earn three brief looks by the Yankees during 1974-76. He played in a handful of games each year and managed only four hits.

Nicknamed "Slick," Murray had his finest minor league season in 1976, leading the Eastern League in runs and being named an All-Star. He was assigned to Triple-A Syracuse in 1977 before he was involved in a multi-player deal with the Oakland A's. The trade would be the biggest break in Murray's career. As the A's fell from the perch of perennial contender in the wake of free agency, Murray earned regular playing time. He appeared in 90 games with the 1977 A's, but only batted .179.

Murray spent most of the 1978 season in the minors, but returned to the A's in 1979. He began the year as Oakland's right fielder, but eventually lost the job to Tony Armas. He also saw his playing time diminish thanks to a talented rookie named Rickey Henderson. Larry struggled at the plate all summer, finishing the year batting .186. Even his greatest asset, his speed faltered as he was cuaght 50% of the time. He attempted a comeback with the A's in Spring Training 1981 but was cut and his career was formally over.

Currently, Larry lives in California and was quoted in the Chicago Defender recently upon the passing of his high school coach, Carl Bonner. During his 42-year career as a coach/physical education teacher at Wendell Phillips High School, Bonner became one of the winningest coaches in Illinois history, winning more than 200 games. He also played a pivotal role in sending thousands of underprivileged student-athletes to college and beyond. Said Murray:

“He was one of the greatest men I knew. He helped shape us into who we turned out to be as men. It wasn't just football. He was like our father when our fathers weren’t there. We were a gang-infested school back then.”

Why I love this card
The minor league records occassionally listed on the back would always interest me. I would always ask my Dad where certain cities were when it wasn't obvious. I had an atlas and would look first. It may not have been Murray's card, but I do recall almost stumping him on Oneonta. I sat on the porch while he finished cutting the front lawn. When he was done he just looked at me and said "New York." Back to the drawing board....

Something else....
Murray finished his career with 20 stolen bases in 30 attempts. His 20 steals were the most by a post-Deadball Era player with a career average under .200. Murray is also featured in the recent book "Mendoza's Heroes" by Al Pepper.

On this date in 1980:
The New York Islanders defeated the Philadelphia Flyers in overtime of Game 6 of the Stanley Cup finals. It was the first Cup win for the Isles who would go on to create a dynasty and win four in a row. The game winner can be viewed here.

#281 Paul Blair

Who is this player?
Paul Blair, reserve outfielder, Cincinnati Reds
As the 1980 began, Paul Blair's career seemed to be over. Released by the Cincinnati Reds, Blair had accepted a position as a roving hitting instructor and scout with the New York Yankees. When the Yankees began the season with several injuries to their outfielders, the 36-year old Blair was signed to a one-year deal and activated to the major league roster. It was strictly a stop-gap measure as Blair appeared in only 12 games, mainly as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement. It was the last action Blair would see in his 17-year career and he returned to his previous positions within the organization.

Considered to be one of the best defensive centerfielders of all-time, Paul Blair is an eight-time Gold Glove winner was who also a clutch hitter and four time World Champion. He began his professional career in 1961 as a member of the New York Mets system. The Mets left him unprotected the following year and he was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles, the team he would become most closely associated. Paul appeared as a pinch-runner in his major league debut in 1964 and appeared in eight games during his brief trial.

Before the 1965 season, Blair completed a six-month tour of duty with the Army Reserve at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, as a communications specialist. He earned the centerfielder's job in Spring Training and would remain there for the Orioles for the next 13 years. He helped lead the Baltimore to the World Series four times, winning twice (in 1966 and 1970). He had the game-winning home run in Game 3 of the 1966 Series win, and batted .474 in 1970 as the Orioles again took home the crown. Blair's combination of speed, defense and timely hitting made him one of the league's most dangerous players in his prime and he was a favorite of teammates, peers and fans.

Nicknamed "Motormouth," Blair was severely beaned in the skull in 1970 and eventually had to undergo hypnosis to restore confidence in his ability to avoid inside pitches. In January 1977, he was traded to the New York Yankees were he was essentially a reserve. A famous moment came early in the 1977 season when Billy Martin famously pulled Reggie Jackson mid-inning for loafing in a game in Boston. Blair was the one sent in for Reggie. Paul played in all six games of the 1978 World Series, batting .375. He was released early in the 1979 season and caught on with the Cincinnati Reds, where he batted only .150 in 75 games.

Blair was named head baseball coach of Fordham University in 1982 and later coached at the major league level with the Hosuton Astros. Paul also devoted his time to high school coaching, operating a baseball camp, and working as a sports coordinator for a clothing firm. He was also the head baseball coach at Coppin State College from 1998 to 2002. Three days before Christmas in 2009, Blair suffered a heart attack, with 98% blockage in his coronary artery. He has made a full recovery and is enjoying retirement working out and bowling in Woodstock, Maryland.

Why I love this card
My mitt in Little League was a Paul Blair model. Problem was, I had no idea who Paul Blair was at the time. The other kids had a Steve Garvey, a George Brett, a Ken Griffey. I knew who those guys were instantly. When I looked into the palm of my mitt, Paul Blair's signature was staring back at me. When I finally got this card, I was relieved to find out that Blair was indeed a major leaguer and an exceptional one a that. If only my fielding was as good.

Something else....
I'll be honest. This is not my favorite Paul Blair card. This is:


It is from the 1994 All Star Game that I was lucky enough to attend in Pittsburgh. The day before the game, they had the Upper Deck Heroes of Baseball game and Blair was the star. He hit a home run off of Hall of Famer Juan Marichal. He also scored from second on a single later in the game. He was interviewed on the field after that scoring play and uttered the now-famous line "I'm 'bout to die." The Three Rivers crowd cracked up and to this day, that's the first thing I think of when I think of Paul Blair.

On this date in 1980:


Next to these (and other) baseball cards, a major influence in my childhood was Star Wars. The Empire Strikes Back opened today in 1980. My Dad actually called me out of school so that we could see the 12 noon showing at the Eastland Twin in Harper Woods, MI. To know my Dad, you would have to know how extraordinary that is. He would never give permission to miss school yet he missed work to take me to the first showing.

In time, I would have Empire action figures, drinking glasses, posters, trading cards, a T-shirt, the works. We spent the summer wondering how Han Solo would get out of the carbonite and how cool Boba Fett was. I smile at those memories today and pause to reflect how quickly 30 years have passed.

#279 Rob Andrews

Who is this player?
Rob Andrews, second baseman, San Francisco Giants
After being released by the Giants at the end of the 1979 season, Rob Andrews signed a contract to begin 1980 with the New York Mets. However, an injured knee proved to be a problem and he instead retired, bringing to an end his five-year major league career. As this card was being pulled from packs across America that summer, Rob was teaching Sunday school at King's Valley Christian School in his hometown of Concord, California.

The younger brother of infielder Mike Andrews, Rob followed his brother to the major leagues. Upon his graduation from high school, Rob signed a contract with the Baltimore Orioles when they selected him on the 10th round of the 1970 amateur draft. He quickly gained a reputation as a speedy base runner and good glove man. Rob was named an All Star in the International League in 1974 after being among the league leaders in steals and batting over .300. When the season ended, he was the key prospect in a trade to the Houston Astros for slugger Lee May.

Andrews earned the second baseman's job for the Astros and was their Opening Day starter in 1975. He got a hit off of future Hall of Famer Phil Niekro and followed that with a hit in his first five games. He tailed off at the plate after that, finishing the season with a .238 average. However, his fielding prowess was recognized by his teammates, who began calling him "Rock" for his ability at the keystone. Houston traded Andrews to the San Francisco Giants shortly before the start of the 1977 season.

He played in a career-high 127 games and posted his best average (.264) with the Giants in 1977. However, when San Francisco obtained Bill Madlock the following year, Madlock was moved to second base in an attempt to get more offense in the lineup and Andrews was relegated to the bench. He hit three home runs in his career and all were memorable; a nationally televised game-winner on Monday Night Baseball against St. Louis and a two-homer performance in 1979 against future Hall of Famer Tom Seaver.

Away from the game, Andrews initially returned to school to become an elementary school teacher like his wife. He the interim, he opened a summer baseball camp in his native California and soon the camp would host 1,800 youngsters from the Bay Area. The camp became a full-time business and has been in operation for over 25 years. The success of the camp caught the attention of his former team, the Giants, who in 1997 asked him to organize and supervise fantasy baseball camps for adults. Andrews is involved in several charitable organization and local civic causes in his community.


Why I love this card
When I was in Little League, the coaches were forever instructing us to "choke up!" Seeing Andrews on this card legitimized that major leaguers did it too. Also, bonus points for a game action photo of Andrews instead of opting for the posed variety. I have been hard on Topps the last two posts for being a tad lazy, so kudos to them for this shot, even if it is inexplicably off center.

Something else....
Some of the instructors at Rob Andrews' Baseball Camp include former A's infielder Wayne Gross and Cincinnati Reds pitcher Brad "The Animal" Lesley. I'm sure that Lesley is a great instructor, but I cannot get out of my head the scene from Little Big League with Lesley as John "Blackout" Gatling. "GOOOO AWAY!!!"

On this date in 1980:
Mt. St. Helen's in Washington state erupted. For those of you old enough to have been around at this time, you can recall how enormous this event was. It was the deadliest and most destructive volcanic event in the history of the United States. 57 people were killed; 250 homes, 47 bridges, 15 miles of railways, and 185 miles of highway were destroyed. You can watch a clip from CBS News here.