1976 Topps #177 - Marty Perez

• This is a great "school playground" picture.

• Marty Perez was an infielder for several teams from 1969-1978. He originally signed with the California Angels at the age of 18 as an amateur free agent in 1964. Marty played in the minors through the 1970 season. He had a couple of major league looks in 1969 (13 at bats) and 1970 (3 at bats).

• After the 1970 season Perez was traded to the Atlanta Braves for a minor leaguer. He became the Braves' starting shortstop in 1971 and batted .227 in 130 games. Marty had a similar season in 1972--he batted .228 in 141 games and led the NL in grounded into double plays with 21. In 1973 Perez batted .250 and set career highs in home runs (8), walks (49), and RBI (57).

• Marty's batting average continued to climb in the next two seasons (.260 in 1974 and .275 in 1975) and he moved over to second base. Perez started the 1976 season with the Braves and was traded with Darrell to the San Francisco Giants for Willie Montanez and some other guys. He had a utility role with the Giants, playing 2B, SS, and 3B.

• After the 1976 season Perez was traded to the New York Yankees for Terry Whitfield. Marty played in only one game for the Yankees in 1977 then was traded with Dock Ellis and Larry Murray to the Oakland A's for Mike Torrez. He was a utilityman for the A's in 1977 and batted .231 in 115 games.

• Marty was cut loose by the A's in May of 1978 after he started the season 0-for-12. He was signed by the New York Mets as a free agent and played for AAA Tidewater. Marty retired after the 1978 season.