1976 Topps #237 - Dave Hamilton

• Dave Hamilton pitched for four teams from 1972-1980. He was a swingman for the Oakland A's during their World Series years.

• Hamilton was drafted by the Kansas City A's in 1966. He pitched in their minor league organization from 1966-1973. In late May of 1972 Dave was brought up to the major league club and appeared in 25 games (14 starts). He was 6-6 with an ERA of 2.93. In game 4 of the AL Championship Series Hamilton came in with the A's leading 3-2 in the bottom of the 10th. The bases were loaded with one out. Dave walked Norm Cash to force in the tying run. Jim Northrup singled in the winning run. Hamilton also made two appearences in the 1972 World Series.

• In 1973 Hamilton didn't make the team and was sent to AAA Tucson. He was there until early June and then was up and down for the remainder of the season. Dave made 16 appearances (11 starts) for the A's in 1973 and was 6-4 with a 4.39 ERA. He did not appear in the postseason.

• Dave had a good year as a 5th starter/long man in 1974. He was 7-4 with a 3.15 ERA in 29 games (18 starts). He didn't appear in the post season in 1974.

• In 1975 Hamilton was with the A's until June 15 when he was traded with Chet Lemon to the Chicago White Sox for Stan Bahnsen and Skip Pitlock. Whoops. The White Sox moved Dave to the bullpen and he did well for them (6-5, 2.84 ERA, six saves). He remained as a reliever for the White Sox in 1976 (6-6, 3.59 ERA, 10 saves) and in 1977 (4-5, 3.65 ERA, nine saves).

• Hamilton was sent to the St. Louis Cardinals after the 1977 season as one of the players to be named later in a trade that the White Sox had made for Clay Carroll. Dave struggled in St. Louis in 1978. He was 0-0 with a 6.43 ERA in 13 appearances before being sold to the Pittsburgh Pirates on May 28. Hamilton finished the season with the Pirates (0-2, 3.42 ERA, one save) and then was granted free agency.

• Dave signed with the A's and spent the last two years of his major league career with them. He was 3-4 with five saves and a 3.70 ERA in 40 appearances (7 starts) in 1979. In 1980 Hamilton had a really hard time. He was 0-3 with an ERA of 11.40 in 21 games (1 start) and also spent some time in the minors. Dave pitched for AAA Tacoma in 1981 but hung 'em up after four appearances.

• Dave Hamilton now lives in San Ramon, CA. He coaches high school baseball and is a project manager for a roofing contractor.
• Liked to face: Carl Yastrzemski (.185 in 27 AB); Tommy Harper (.091 in 22 AB); Roy White (.208 in 24 AB)
• Hated to face: Chris Chambliss (.409, 1 HR in 22 AB); Carlton Fisk (.500, 2 HR in 18 AB)