1976 Topps #101 - Pete LaCock

• Pete LaCock played for the Chicago Cubs (1972-1976) and the Kansas City Royals (1977-1980). He swung the bat fairly well in his first three years for the Royals, but he didn't have much power and was more known for his defense at first base.



• Pete made his major league debut on September 6, 1972 (my sixth birthday). He mostly played in the minors from 1971-1974 and finally stuck with the Cubs in 1975. He batted .306, .297, and .326 in his last three years in the minors.



• Pete had September looks in 1972, 1973, and 1974. He didn't show a whole lot during those looks. He stayed with the Cubs in 1975 and batted .229 in 249 at bats. LaCock batted .221 in 244 at bats in 1976 and then part of a three-way trade between the Cubs, Royals, and Mets. Pete ended up with the Royals.



• LaCock batted .303 in 218 at bats with Kansas City in 1977, splitting his time between 1B, DH, and the outfield. He struck out in his only at bat in the 1977 American League Championship Series.



• Pete had a similar season in 1978, batting .295 in 322 at bats as one part of a 1B platoon for the Royals. Pete had a much better ALCS in '78, batting .364 in 11 at bats.



• He played a lot of first base in 1979 and batted .277 in 408 at bats.



• Pete fell off badly in 1980, batting only .205 in 156 at bats. He didn't play in the post season. He was granted free agency after the season but didn't catch on with anyone.



• Pete did some managing and coaching in the minors after his playing career. He is currently the hitting coach for the Tucson Toros in the independent Golden Baseball League.



• Pete is the son of former Hollywood Squares host Peter Marshall.