I'm going to make an attempt to collect as many baseball cards as possible from 1976. I was 9 when the 1976 Topps baseball cards came out. I have most of those cards, but I'd like to expand and get the other cards from this great year.
Wilbur Wood had a long and successful career that spanned from 1961-1978. Wood was signed by the Boston Red Sox in 1960. He bounced between the Red Sox and the minors from 1961-1964. Wood had records like 15-11, 2.84 in 1962, 5-2, 1.12 in 1963, and 15-8, 2.30 in 1964 but he couldn't stick in the majors.
In 1961 Wilbur made his debut and had a 5.54 ERA in six games. He started one game for the Red Sox in 1962 and had no decision. Wood pitched in 25 games (including six starts) in 1963 and was 0-5 with a 3.76 ERA. In 1964 Wilbur started the season with the Red Sox. After posting a 17.47 ERA in four games he was sold to the Pittsburgh Pirates where he pitched in 3 games (2 starts) and was 0-2 with a 3.63 ERA.
Wilbur spent the entire 1965 season with the Pirates. He was 1-1 with a 3.16 ERA in 34 games in '65. Wood was in the minors for the whole season in 1966 and after the season he was traded to the Chicago White Sox for Juan Pizarro.
Wood's career finally got going once he went to the White Sox. In 1967 he was in 51 games (8 starts) and was 4-2 with 4 saves and a 2.45 ERA. Wilbur led the AL in appearances in three straight seasons from 1968-1970. He was 13-12 with 16 saves and a 1.87 ERA in 1968. Wood made 88 appearances that year which at the time was a major league record. In 1969 Wood had a 10-11 record with 15 saves and a 3.01 ERA. Wilbur was 9-13 with 21 saves and a 2.81 ERA in 1970.
In 1971 the White Sox made Wood a starter. The knuckleball he pitched didn't put as much strain on his arm and he was able to make 40 or more starts in the next five straight seasons. In 1971 Wilbur made the AL All Star team (he wasn't used in the game) and finished 3rd in Cy Young Award voting. Wood was 22-13 with a 1.91 ERA in 42 starts.
Wood led the AL in several categories in 1972. He led in wins (24), starts (49), and innings (376.2). Wilbur ended up 24-17 and finished 2nd in Cy Young Award voting. He pitched two innings in the All Star game and got "credit" for a blown save after allowing one run. Wilbur Wood: A Fluttering Success Story - November 1972 Baseball Digest.
Wilbur didn't make the All Star team in 1973 but still had a good year. He led the AL in wins (24) and starts (48) and ended up 24-20. Wilbur Wood: King of the Knucklers - August 1973 Baseball Digest. When the White Sox Almost Traded Wilbur Wood - October 1973 Baseball Digest. Wood was 20-19 in 42 starts in 1974 and made the All Star team (he wasn't used in the game) again.
Wood's last big season was 1975. The White Sox were awful that year, but Wilbur still managed to win 16 games. He was 16-20 in 43 starts. Wood was off to a good start in 1976 when his kneecap was shattered by a Ron LeFlore line drive on May 9. He had to miss the remainder of the season. Before the injury Wood was 4-3 with a 2.24 ERA in seven starts.
After extensive rehabilitation Wood came back to pitch in 1977, but he wasn't the same pitcher. Wilbur was 7-8 with a 4.99 ERA in 1977 and was 10-10 with a 5.20 ERA in 1978. Wood retired after the 1978 season. Knuckleballer Wilbur Wood Recalls How It Was in the 1970s - July 1993 Baseball Digest
After his playing career Wood moved back to Massachusetts and worked in pharmaceutical sales. Here is an interview with Wilbur done in 2005.
Liked to face: Jerry Moses (.043 in 21 AB); Rusty Staub (.045 in 22 AB); Aurelio Rodriguez (.133 in 83 AB)
Hated to face: Frank White (.591 in 22 AB); Ron LeFlore (.444 in 36 AB); Don Baylor (.422 in 45 AB)
Bruce Miller played in parts of four seasons for the San Francisco Giants from 1973-1976. Miller was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 1970. Bruce had been playing shortstop for Indiana University before he was drafted.
Bruce played for several minor league teams in the White Sox and Angels organizations before finally settling in with the San Francisco Giants organization. He put up good numbers for AAA Phoenix in 1973 and 1974 but couldn't stick with the big club.
Miller had his first shot in the majors at the end of the 1973 season. He batted .143 in 12 games for the Giants. He started the 1974 season with the Giants and was sent down to Phoenix at the end of April in spite of having a .292 batting average at the time. Bruce moved back and forth between San Francisco and Phoenix during the 1974 season. He ended up batting .278 in 73 games for the Giants in 1974.
Bruce was with San Francisco for the entire 1975 season. He batted .239 in 99 games while filling in at 3B, 2B, and SS. Miller was in Phoenix for most of the 1976 season. He played in only 12 games for San Francisco and batted .160 in 25 at bats. Miller retired after the 1976 season.
Bobby Valentine was a first round draft pick of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1968. He played in the minors in 1968 and 1969 and got a late season call up in '69. Bobby appeared in five games as a pinch runner in 1969.
Valentine spent the 1970 season at AAA Spokane and showed that he was ready for the majors by batting .340 with 39 doubles, 16 triples, and 14 homers. Bobby was named the 1970 PCL Player of the Year. He started the 1971 season with the Dodgers but struggled at the beginning of the season. Bobby was batting .125 on May 1 when he was sent to Spokane. He regained his stroke in Spokane and came back to the Dodgers a couple of weeks later. Valentine had a "5th infielder" role with the Dodgers in 1971. He started several games at shortstop, then had a stint at third base, then played at second base for a while. Bobby batted .249 in 107 games for the Dodgers in 1971.
In 1972 the Dodgers continued to use Valentine in a utility role. He played in 119 games and played every position except pitcher and catcher. Bobby batted .274 in 391 at bats. After the 1972 season Valentine was packaged in a big trade with the California Angels in which the Dodgers obtained Andy Messersmith.
Valentine was the starting shortstop for the Angels for the first five weeks of the 1973 season. He was moved to center field in mid-May and played well (.302 in 32 games) until he caught his spike in the fence on May 17 when going for a fly ball. He had a multiple compound leg fracture and missed the rest of the 1973 season. Bobby was never the same player after the injury.
Bobby came back in 1974 and batted .261 in 117 games. In 1975 he spent most of the season in AAA. He played a little with the Angels in August and early September and was batting .281 in 25 games when he was traded to the San Diego Padres on September 17. Bobby played in seven games with the Padres to finish the 1975 season.
Valentine was in the minors for most of the 1976 season. He played in 15 games for the Padres and batted .367. Bobby started the 1977 season with the Padres. He was batting .179 in 44 games when he was traded to the New York Mets with Paul Siebert for Dave Kingman on June 15. Bobby finished the 1977 season with the Mets and batted .133 in 42 games.
Bobby was with the Mets for the entire 1978 season. He batted .269 in 69 games. Valentine was released by the Mets during spring training in 1979.
Valentine was signed by the Seattle Mariners at the beginning of the 1979 season. He played in 62 games and batted .276 as a utilty man. Bobby retired after the season.
After his playing career Bobby was a minor league fielding instructor for the San Diego Padres (1980-1981) and the New York Mets (1982). He was the Mets' third base coach in 1983 and 1984 and left to manage the Texas Rangers. Valentine managed the Rangers from 1985 to 1992 and was the AL Manager of the Year in 1986. He worked for the Cincinnati Reds in 1993 and then managed in the minors in 1994 and managed in Japan in 1995. Bobby became manager of the New York Mets in 1996 and managed the club until 2002. He was an ESPN analyst in 2003 and then returned to Japan to manage the Chiba Lotte Marines in 2004. Valentine was very successful in Japan and is still popular there. Bobby has returned to ESPN as a baseball analyst.
Bobby does a lot of charity work and owns two restaurants. His wife is a daughter of former pitcher Ralph Branca.
Does it seem like a lot of the Red Sox cards were taken during games instead of posed? Seems that way to me.
Carlton Fisk was born in Vermont, but always claimed New Hampshire as his home. Apparently the nearest hospital was across the state line in Vermont so that's why he was born there. Fisk was the #1 draft pick (4th overall) of the Boston Red Sox in 1967. His minor league batting averages weren't real impressive, but he had some power and was a good catcher. Fisk came up to the majors for two games late in 1969 and went 0 for 5. This enabled him to become a rare 4-decade player, as his playing career didn't end until 1993.
Fisk was in the minors again in 1970 and most of 1971. He played in 14 games for the Red Sox late in 1971 and batted .313 in 48 at bats. Fisk was the AL Rookie of the Year in 1972, won his first Gold Glove, and was in the All Star Game (he was 1 for 2 with a run scored). Carlton led the AL with nine triples and batted .293 with 22 HR and 61 RBI in 131 games. Fisk finished 4th in AL MVP voting in 1972. The Challenge that Inspired Carlton Fisk - March 1973 Baseball Digest.
Fisk was the starting catcher for the AL in the 1973 All Star Game (he was 0 for 2) and batted .246 with 26 HR and 71 RBI in 135 games. Carlton Fisk Deflates the Sophomore Jinx - September 1973 Baseball Digest. He was off to a good start in 1974 (.299 with 11 HR in 52 games) when he tore the ligaments in his knee in a home plate collision on June 28. Fisk missed the rest of the 1974 season. He was voted as the starting catcher for the AL in the 1974 All Star Game but didn't play due to the injury.
The injury changed Fisk's career. He realized how much hard work it took to come back from the injury and continued to work hard to prepare for the baseball season each year for the rest of his career. In 1975 Fisk was ready to return to action but his forearm was broken by a pitched ball in spring training and he didn't play until June 23. He played in 79 games and batted a career-high .331. Fisk batted .417 in the NLCS and although he batted only .240 in the World Series, he hit that famous game 6 12-inning home run which extended the Series to a 7th game.
In 1976 Fisk returned to the All Star Game (he was 0 for 1) and batted .255 with 17 HR and 58 RBI. Carlton had a nice year in 1977, batting .315 with 26 HR and 102 RBI and finishing 8th in MVP voting. He was the AL starting catcher in the All Star Game and was 0 for 2. Fisk Did What Many Great Catchers Didn't - May 1978 Baseball Digest
Fisk caught in a career-high 154 games in 1978 and batted .284 with 20 HR and 88 RBI. He started in the All Star Game and was 0 for 2 with a sacrifice fly. He's Behind the Plate but Ahead of the Game! - October 1978 Baseball Digest. In 1979 Fisk was injured and played in only one game before May 23. In 91 games he batted .272 with 10 HR and 52 RBI.
The 1980 season was Fisk's last as a member of the Boston Red Sox. He batted .289 with 18 HR and 62 RBI. Carlton started the All Star Game and struck out twice. The Red Sox made a blunder and didn't mail Fisk's 1981 contract offer in time, so he was declared a free agent. The Red Sox offered Fisk a $2 million guaranteed contract, but the Chicago White Sox offered him $3.5 million. He wasn't sure if he wanted to leave Boston, but after the Red Sox traded Fred Lynn, Rick Burleson, and Butch Hobson to the California Angels Fisk questioned the team's committment to winning and signed with the White Sox.
Fisk started the 1981 All Star Game (1 for 3 with a run scored) and won the AL Silver Slugger Award at catcher. He batted .263 with 7 HR and 45 RBI in 91 games. In 1982 Fisk was 0 for 2 as the starting catcher in the All Star Game. He batted .267 with 14 HR and 65 RBI.
The White Sox finally won the AL West in 1983 and Fisk was a big part of the team's success. Fisk finished third in AL MVP voting as he batted .289 with 26 HR and 86 RBI. Fisk batted .176 in the ALCS as the Baltimore Orioles knocked out the White Sox and went on to the World Championship.
Fisk missed almost a month with injuries in 1984. He batted .231 with 21 HR and 43 RBI in 102 games. Fisk played a lot more in 1985 (153 games) and hit a career-high 37 home runs. Carlton was the starting catcher for the AL in the All Star Game (0 for 2) and won the Silver Slugger Award.
Carlton played fewer games (125) in 1986 and batted .221 with 14 HR and 63 RBI. In 1987 he batted .256 with 23 HR and 71 RBI in 135 games. Fisk missed 2 1/2 months of the 1988 season with an injury. He batted .277 with 19 HR and 50 RBI and won the Silver Slugger award despite missing all of that time.
In 1989 Fisk split time with Ron Karkovice behind the plate for the White Sox. He batted .293 with 13 HR and 68 RBI in 103 games. Carlton played a lot more in 1990 (135 games) and batted .285 with 18 HR and 65 RBI. Carlton Fisk: He's a Durable Wonder Behind the Plate - December 1990 Baseball Digest. Fisk set the record for home runs by a catcher in August when he hit #349 (Mike Piazza now holds the record).
Fisk played in his last All Star Game (he was 1 for 2) as a 43-year-old in 1991. He batted .241 with 18 HR and 74 RBI in his last season as a regular player. In 1992 he played in 62 games and his average dipped to .229. In 1993 Fisk set the record for games caught (2226) and was released soon afterward (Ivan Rodriguez later broke the record). He batted .189 in his final season.
A memorable incident in 1989: Deion Sanders didn't run out a pop fly. The next time Sanders came up Fisk said, "If you don't play it [the game] right, I'm going to kick your ass right here."
Fisk was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000.
Fisk's number is retired both by the Red Sox and the White Sox.
Elias Sosa was a relief pitcher for eight teams in twelve seasons in the majors. Sosa was signed by the San Francisco Giants in 1968. Elias put up fair numbers in the minor leagues from 1968-1971 but really started to do well when the Giants converted him to a reliever in 1972. Sosa was brought up to the majors in September 1972 and was 0-1 with three saves and a 2.30 ERA in eight games.
Sosa was a big part of the Giant bullpen in 1973. He was 10-4 with 18 saves and a 3.28 ERA in 71 games. Sosa finished third in NL Rookie of the Year voting. In 1974 Elias was 9-7 with 6 saves and a 3.48 ERA in 68 games. Sosa was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals with Ken Rudolph for Marc Hill after the 1974 season.
Sosa didn't stay in St. Louis very long. He pitched in 14 games (0-3, 3.95 ERA) before being traded with Ray Sadecki to the Atlanta Braves for Ron Reed and Wayne Nordhagen on May 28. Sosa was 2-2 with 2 saves and a 4.48 ERA in 43 games for the Braves to finish the 1975 season.
Elias started the 1976 season with the Braves but soon found himself on the move again. He was 4-4 with 3 saves and a 5.35 ERA in 21 games with the Braves when he was traded with Lee Lacy to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Lee Lacy Mike Marshall (thanks Night Owl). Sosa pitched in 24 games for the Dodgers and was 2-4 with a 3.48 ERA in 1976.
In 1977 Sosa had a nice year as a set-up man for the Dodgers. He was 2-2 with 1 save and a 1.98 ERA in 44 appearances. Elias made two appearances each in the NLCS and the World Series but had a rough time. He lost game 1 of the NLCS and had a 10.12 ERA. Sosa had an 11.57 ERA in the World Series.
After the 1977 season Sosa was purchased by the Pittsburgh Pirates. He never pitched for Pittsburgh - before the start of the 1978 season he was traded with Miguel Dilone and Mike Edwards to the Oakland A's for Manny Sanguillen. Sosa had a good year for the A's in 1978 - he was 8-2 with 14 saves and a 2.64 ERA in 68 games. After the 1978 season Elias became a free agent and signed with the Montreal Expos.
Sosa spent three seasons with the Expos (1979-1981). In 1979 he was 8-7 with 18 saves and a 1.96 ERA in 62 games. Elias was 9-6 with 9 saves and a 3.07 ERA in 67 games in 1980. Sosa wasn't used as much in 1981 (even including the strike). He pitched in 32 games and was 1-2 with 3 saves and a 3.66 ERA. Sosa pitched in two games in the NLDS (3.00 ERA) and in 1/3 of an inning in the NLCS (0.00 ERA).
During spring training in 1982 Sosa was sent to the Detroit Tigers as part of a "conditional deal" (whatever that is). He appeared in 38 games and had a 3-3 record with 4 saves and a 4.43 ERA. The San Diego Padres purchased Sosa from the Tigers after the 1982 season. Sosa pitched in 41 games in 1983 and was 1-4 with a 4.35 ERA. He became a free agent after the 1983 season and wasn't signed by anyone. Elias attempted a comeback in 1987 and had a 9.95 ERA in three appearances in single-A ball.
Dave Collins played in the majors for 16 years. He was a first round draft pick of the California Angels in 1972. Collins was in the minors from 1972-1974 for the entire season. Dave batted .343 in A-ball and .352 in AA in 1974 and .311 in AAA for the first part of the 1975 season so he was brought up to the Angels in June 1975. Collins batted .266 in 93 games and stole 24 bases.
In 1976 Dave started the season with the Angels but was sent down in mid-May (he was batting .212 at the time). Collins tore up the Pacific Coast League with a .360 average in 35 games and was brought back up in late June. Dave ended up batting .263 with 32 stolen bases in 99 games. After the 1976 season Collins was taken by the Seattle Mariners in the expansion draft.
Collins played only one season with the Mariners. He batted .239 in 120 games. After the season Dave was traded to the Cincinnati Reds for Shane Rawley.
The 1978 season was a tough one for Collins. He was mostly used as a pinch runner and defensive replacement. Dave came to bat 120 times in 102 games and batted .216. Collins had a strong season in 1979. He batted .318 in 122 games and played all 3 outfield positons and some first base. Dave batted .357 in the 1979 NLCS.
Collins followed up his good 1979 season with his best season in 1980. He stole 79 bases in 144 games and batted .303. In 1981 Dave played in 95 games and batted .272. After the season he became a free agent and signed with the New York Yankees.
Dave spent only one season in the Yankees' crowded outfield. He batted .253 in 111 games. After the 1982 season Collins was traded with Fred McGriff, Mike Morgan, and cash to the Toronto Blue Jays for Tom Dodd and Dale Murray.
Collins spent two seasons in Toronto. In 1983 he batted .271 in 118 games as he spent most of his time in left field. Dave led the AL in triples (15) in 1984, stole 60 bases, and batted .308 in 128 games. The Man Who Would be King - Dave Collins is Threatening to Steal Rickey Henderson's Stolen Base Crown - September 24, 1984 Sports Illustrated. He was traded with Alfredo Griffin and cash to the Oakland A's for Bill Caudill after the 1984 season.
Dave batted .251 in 112 games for the A's in 1985. After the 1985 season he was traded to the Detroit Tigers for Barbaro Garbey. The 1986 season was Dave's last one as a regular. Collins batted .270 in 124 games but was released by the Tigers after the season.
Collins tried out with the Montreal Expos in 1987 but was released during spring training. He caught on with the Cincinnati Reds in June and spent a couple of weeks playing for AAA Nashville before being called up to the Reds in early July. Dave batted .294 in 57 games as a substitute outfielder and pinch hitter/runner. Collins played two more seasons as a part-timer with the Reds (.236 in 99 games in 1988 and .236 in 78 games in 1989). Collins became a free agent after the 1989 season and signed with the St. Louis Cardinals. He batted .224 in 58 at bats and retired after the 1990 season.
After his playing career Dave coached first base for the Cardinals in 1991 and 1992. From 1992 to 1998 Dave coached high school baseball. He was the first base coach for the Cincinnati Reds in 1999 and 2000. He managed in the minors in 2001 and coached first base for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2002. He coached first base for the Colorado Rockies from 2003-2006, managed in the minors in 2007, and is now the first base coach for the Florida Marlins.
Will McEnaney was a relief pitcher from 1974-1979. Will was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in 1970. He was in the minors from 1970-1974. Will was called up to the Reds in July 1974 and was 2-1 with 2 saves and a 4.33 ERA in 24 games.
McEnaney was an important part of the Reds' bullpen in their 1975 and 1976 championship years. He teamed up with Rawly Eastwick to make an effective lefty/righty duo. McEnaney had his best season in 1975. He was 5-2 with 15 saves and an ERA of 2.47 in 70 appearances. He made one appearance in the 1975 NLCS and pitched in five games in the World Series. Will got the save in game 7 of the World Series.
In 1976 McEnaney wasn't as effective. He made 55 appearances and was 2-6 with 7 saves and a 4.85 ERA. Will appeared in game 3 and 4 of the 1976 World Series and earned the save in both games. McEnaney was traded with Tony Perez to the Montreal Expos for Woodie Fryman and Dale Murray in December 1976. I was a 10-year-old Reds fan and was shocked at the deal.
McEnaney was also shocked by the deal and by the death of his mother. Soon after he arrived in Montreal he started to use drugs and drink more heavily. In 1977 Will was 3-5 with 3 saves and a 3.95 ERA in 69 games. During spring training in 1978 he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Tim Jones. Will started the 1978 season with the Pirates but was rocked in six appearances (10.38 ERA). He spent the rest of the year in the minors and had a 6.24 ERA.
Will was released after the 1978 season and signed with the St. Louis Cardinals for the 1979 season. After posting a 2.08 ERA in seven AAA appearances, McEnaney came back to the majors and was 0-3 with 3 saves and a 2.95 ERA in 45 games. Will was released by the Cardinals during spring training in 1980. He pitched for a few minor league clubs and in Mexico until 1985.
Edit 4/11/10: Will's company went out of business when the economy tanked, so now he works as a salesman for Dick's Sporting Goods in Florida and operates the scoreboard at Roger Dean Stadium for the Class A Jupiter Hammerheads. Thanks to Wicked Ortega for the link.
Liked to face: Bill Buckner (.000 in 15 AB); Bill Madlock (.167 in 12 AB); Steve Garvey (.000 in 7 AB)
Hated to face: Ted Simmons (.471 in 17 AB); Chris Speier (.455 in 11 AB); Jerry Mumphrey (.556 in 9 AB)
The Tigers were still rebuilding in 1976. They weren't as bad as they were in 1975, but they were still a few years away from contending. The Tigers had some exciting young players (Mark Fidrych, Ron LeFlore) and some good established players like Rusty Staub, but they had some work to do.
Ralph Houk was in the third year of his 5-year tenure with the Tigers. The 1978 season was the only season in which the Tigers would finish above .500 during Ralph's time as manager. Houk managed a total of 20 years in the majors -- 11 years with the New York Yankees (1961-1963, 1966-1973), 5 years with the Tigers (1974-1978), and 4 years with the Boston Red Sox (1981-1984). After he stopped managing Houk worked in the Minnesota Twins front office for a few years before retiring for good at the age of 70 after the 1989 season. Houk is the oldest living former manager of a World Championship team (1962 Yankees).
Team record: 74-87, 5th in AL East (24 games behind New York)
Attendance: 1,467,020 (4th in AL)
Team batting: .257 (6th in AL)
Team home runs: 101 (5th in AL)
Team ERA: 3.87 (11th in AL)
Team fielding: .974 (11th in AL)
League leaders: Rusty Staub (games played - 161, double plays grounded into - 23); Mark Fidrych (ERA - 2.34, complete games - 24)
Gold Gloves: Aurelio Rodriguez (3B)
Awards: Mark Fidrych (Rookie of the Year)
All Stars: Mark Fidrych (starting pitcher); Rusty Staub (starting RF); Ron LeFlore (starting LF)
Jeff Burroughs was the first player taken in the 1969 draft. He played at the rookie league level in 1969 and then spent most of the next three seasons with AAA Denver. Jeff came up for a look in 1970 and batted .167 in 12 at bats.
In 1971 Jeff was brought up in late July. He batted .232 in 58 games in '71. Burroughs spent most of the 1972 season in Denver. Jeff was brought up in September and batted .185 in 22 games.
Burroughs stayed with the Rangers in 1973 and began to hit for power at the major league level. Jeff batted .279 with 30 HR and 85 RBI in 1973. Burroughs had his best season in 1974. He was named AL MVP as he batted .301 with 25 HR and a league-leading 118 RBI. Jeff started in left field for the American League in the All Star game and walked twice. Jeff Burroughs: Best of the Young Power Hitters - October 1974 Baseball Digest
Burroughs continued to hit for power in 1975 -- he hit 29 home runs and had 94 RBI -- but his batting average dropped to .226 and he led the AL with 155 strikeouts. Jeff hit only 18 HR in 1976 and batted .237. After the 1976 season Jeff was traded to the Atlanta Braves for five players and $250,000. Why the Rangers Traded Jeff Burroughs - June 1977 Baseball Digest.
Jeff had a great first year with the Braves. He hit 41 HR, batted .277, and had 114 RBI. In 1978 Burroughs made the NL All Star team (he didn't play) and led the NL with 117 walks and a .432 on base percentage. He batted .301 with 23 HR and 77 RBI.
In 1979 Jeff was injured and didn't play after September 2. He didn't have as good a year, batting .224 with 11 HR and 47 RBI. Burrourghs played in only 99 games in 1980 and batted .263 with 13 HR and 51 RBI. During spring training in 1981 Jeff was traded to the Seattle Mariners for Carlos Diaz. He played one season in Seattle and batted .254 with 10 HR and 41 RBI.
Burroughs became a free agent after the 1981 season and signed with the Oakland A's. He bounced back in 1982 and batted .277 with 16 HR and 48 RBI. Jeff became the regular designated hitter for the A's in 1983 and batted .269 with 10 HR and 56 RBI in 121 games.
Jeff had a tough year in 1984 and played in only 58 games. He batted .211 in 71 at bats. After the 1984 season Burroughs was purchased by the Toronto Blue Jays. He played one season for the Blue Jays (1985) and batted .257 with 6 HR and 28 RBI in 86 games. Jeff finally got to the post season and struck out in his only time at bat in the ALCS. Burroughs became a free agent after the 1985 season and wasn't signed by anyone. Jeff retired at the age of 34.
After his playing career Jeff coached little league when his son Sean (who went on to the majors) was playing and won the championship coaching the Long Beach All Stars in 1992 and 1993. He wrote Jeff Burroughs' Little League Instructional Guide in 1994.
Liked to face: Al Fitzmorris (.415 in 53 AB); Luis Tiant (.385 in 39 AB); Stan Bahnsen (.378 in 45 AB)
Hated to face: Jackie Brown (.056 in 18 AB); Vern Ruhle (.067 in 30 AB); Charlie Hough (.069 in 29 AB)
Rick Reuschel was a starting pitcher for many years. He had two career peaks - the 1970s with the Chicago Cubs and another smaller peak in the mid-late 1980s with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the San Francisco Giants. Reuschel was drafted by the Cubs in 1970. He pitched in the minors from 1970 to 1972 and was judged to be ready for the majors after starting the 1972 season 9-2 with a 1.32 ERA in 12 starts for AAA Wichita. Rick pitched well for the Cubs in his rookie year. He was 10-8 with a 2.93 ERA in 21 games (18 starts) in '72.
Reuschel was a workhorse for the Cubs in the 1970s. In 1973 he started 36 games and was 14-15 with a 3.00 ERA. Rick had a record of 13-12 with a 4.30 ERA in 38 starts in 1974. The 1975 season was a tough one for Reuschel. He was 11-17 with a 3.73 ERA. The 17 losses led the National League. Rick had a better year in 1976 (14-12, 3.46 ERA in 37 starts). During this time he and his brother Paul were teammates on the Cubs.
Rick's best season was probably 1977. He won 20 games for the only time in his career, was an NL All Star (he pitched a scoreless 8th inning), and was 3rd in NL Cy Young Award balloting. Reuschel was 20-10 with a 2.79 ERA in 1977. Rick Reuschel of the Cubs Throws A 'Slurve' - November 1977 Baseball Digest.
Reuschel was 14-15 with a 3.41 ERA in 1978. His last really big year for the Cubs was 1979. Reuschel was 18-12 with a 3.62 ERA in 36 starts. In 1980 Rick led the NL in starts with 38 and was 11-13 with a 3.40 ERA.
Rick started the 1981 season with the Cubs. He was 4-7 with a 3.47 ERA in 13 starts for the Cubs. On June 12 Reuschel was traded to the New York Yankees for Doug Bird, Mike Griffin, and $400,000. He didn't pitch for the Yankees until the end of the strike in August. Rick was 4-4 with a 2.67 ERA in 11 starts for the Yankees in 1981. He started game 4 of the ALDS and lost 2-1 to Milwaukee's Pete Vuckovich. Rick wasn't used in the ALCS, but he got into two games in the World Series. Rick started game 4 but lasted only 3.2 innings. He didn't get a decision in that game. Rick also appeared in game 6 and allowed an unearned run.
Reuschel had a torn rotator cuff in 1982 and missed the entire season. He started four games for the Yankees' AAA Columbus club in 1983 but was ineffective and the Yankees released him on June 9. A few weeks later Rick signed with the Cubs and pitched for their A-level Quad Cities team. Rick pitched well for Quad Cities and was brought back to the Cubs at the end of the 1983 season. Reuschel was 1-1 with a 3.92 ERA in 4 starts for the Cubs in '83.
In 1984 Reuschel struggled with his effectiveness. The Cubs used him as a spot starter and occasional reliever. Rick was 5-5 with a 5.17 ERA in 19 games (14 starts). The Cubs didn't use Rick in the postseason (they left him off of the roster) and released him at the end of the season.
Rick went to spring training as a non-roster invitee with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1985. He started the 1985 season with AAA Hawaii and was brought up to the Pirates after posting a 6-2 record with the Islanders. Reuschel had a nice season for the Pirates, going 14-8 with a 2.27 ERA in 26 starts. Rick also won a Gold Glove award. How Perseverance Paid Off for Rick Reuschel - May 1986 Baseball Digest. Pittsburgh's Golden Oldie - July 15, 1985 Sports Illustrated.
In 1986 Rick was 9-16 with a 3.96 ERA in 34 starts for the Pirates. Reuschel started the 1987 season with the Pirates (8-6, 2.75 ERA in 25 starts) and made the NL All Star Team (he pitched the 7th and part of the 8th innings). Rick was traded to the Giants for Scott Medvin and Jeff Robinson on August 21. Rick was 5-3 with a 4.32 ERA in 8 starts for the Giants as they won the NL West title. Reuschel started and lost game 1 of the NLCS. He also started game 5 but wasn't involved in the decision. To top it all off, Rick won another Gold Glove award and was 3rd in NL Cy Young Award voting.
Rick led the NL with 36 starts in 1988 and was 19-11 with a 3.12 ERA. Rick Reuschel: He Lets Batter Get Himself Out - December 1988 Baseball Digest. He started the 1989 All Star game and gave up home runs to the first two AL hitters (Bo Jackson and Wade Boggs). Dave Stewart let Rick off the hook by allowing two runs in the bottom of the first, so Rick wasn't involved in the decision. Reuschel went 17-8 with a 2.94 ERA for the NL Champion Giants. He lost game 2 of the NLCS and won game 5. In the World Series Rick started and lost game 2 as the Giants were swept by the Oakland A's.
Reuschel was injured for much of the 1991 season. He didn't pitch from May 27-September 17. Rick was 3-6 with a 3.93 ERA in 13 starts. Reuschel was 0-2 with a 4.22 ERA in 4 games (1 start) in 1991 when he was released by the Giants on June 19.
Buddy Bell has had a long career as a player and as a manager. His father (Gus Bell) played in the majors as did two of his sons (David and Mike). Buddy was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in 1969. He played in the minors from 1969-1971 and then made the Cleveland club at the age of 20 in 1972. Bell spent most of the season playing right field (they had some guy named Graig Nettles at third base) and batted .255 with 9 HR and 36 RBI in 132 games.
Bell moved to third base in 1973 and had a good sophomore year. He made the AL All Star team and tripled in a pinch-hitting appearance. Buddy batted .268 with 14 HR and 59 RBI. He had a tough time on the basepaths -- he stole 7 bases and was caught 15 times.
Bell batted .262 with 7 HR and 46 RBI in 116 games in 1974. He missed about three weeks in May/June and another three weeks in August with injuries. In 1975 he batted .271 with 10 HR and 59 RBI in 153 games. Buddy batted .281 with 7 HR and 60 RBI in 1976. Bell suffered from seizures during the early part of his career and decided to seek medical help after falling out of a golf cart and breaking his nose in 1976. It was originally thought that he might have a brain tumor, but it was found that he suffered from epilepsy. He started taking epilepsy medication and he hasn't had problems since.
Buddy was injured again in 1977 and missed the last 3 1/2 weeks of the season. He batted .292 with 11 HR and 64 RBI in 129 games. Bell batted .282 with 6 HR and 62 RBI in 1978. After the 1978 season Bell was traded to the Texas Rangers for Toby Harrah.
Bell hit his peak with the Rangers. He won six straight Gold Gloves (1979-1984) and earned at least some MVP consideration in each of those seasons. In 1979 Bell batted .299 with 18 HR and 101 RBI. He also had 200 hits that season and hit a career-high 42 doubles.
In 1980 Bell batted .329 with 17 HR and 83 RBI. He made the AL All Star team that year and was 0 for 2. Buddy missed three weeks in June with an injury. Why Doesn't Buddy Bell Get More Recognition? - January 1981 Baseball Digest.
Buddy batted .294 with 10 HR and 64 RBI in 97 games in 1981. He was an All Star and was 0 for 1 with a sacrifice fly. In 1982 Bell was an All Star again (0 for 3 with two strikeouts) and batted .296 with 13 HR and 67 RBI. Winning, Top Baseball Priority for Buddy Bell - February 1982 Baseball Digest.
In 1983 Bell batted .277 with 14 HR and 67 RBI. He played in his last full season for the Rangers in 1984. Buddy made his last All Star team (0 for 1) and won the Silver Slugger Award at third base. He batted .315 with 11 HR and 83 RBI.
Bell started poorly with the Rangers (.236, 4 HR, 32 RBI in 84 games) in 1985 and was traded to the Cincinnati Reds for Duane Walker and Jeff Russell on July 19. He didn't do very well for the Reds either (.219 with 6 HR and 36 RBI in 67 games). Buddy did much better in 1986, batting .278 with 20 HR and 75 RBI.
The 1987 season was Buddy's last season as a regular. He batted .284 with 17 HR and 70 RBI. In 1988 he started slowly (.185 in 54 at bats) and he was traded to the Houston Astros for a minor leaguer on June 19. Buddy batted .253 with 7 HR and 37 RBI for the Astros and was released after the season. Buddy received the 1988 Lou Gehrig Memorial Award. Bell signed with the Rangers for the 1989 season but retired after batting .183 in 82 at bats (his last game was June 17). Buddy Bell: A Class Performer at Third Base Bows Out - October 1989 Baseball Digest
After his playing career Bell worked as a coach for the Reds and Indians. Bell managed the Detroit Tigers for 2 1/2 years (1996-1998), the Colorado Rockies for 2 seasons and one month (2000-2002), and the Kansas City Royals for 2 1/2 years (2005-2007). In between his Colorado and Kansas City tenures he worked as a coach for the Indians. Buddy dealt with tonsil cancer at the end of the 2006 season and resigned as the Royal manager after the 2007 season to spend more time with his family.
Ken Forsch had a 16-year career as a major league pitcher from 1970-1986. His brother Bob also had a good career as a major league pitcher. Forsch was drafted by the Houston Astros in 1968. He was in the minors from 1968-1970 and was brought up to the Astros in September 1970. Ken was 1-2 with a 5.62 ERA in four starts for the Astros in 1970.
For the next three years Forsch was a 5th starter and occasional reliever. In 1971 he was 8-8 with a 2.53 ERA in 33 games (23 starts). Ken was 6-8 with a 3.91 ERA in 30 games (24 starts) in 1973. The Astros started to use Forsch out of the bullpen more in 1973 -- he pitched in 46 games (26 starts) and was 9-12 with four saves and a 4.20 ERA.
From 1974-1978 Forsch spent most of his time as a reliever. Ken made 70 appearances in 1974 and was 8-7 with 10 saves and a 2.79 ERA. In 1975 Forsch was a swingman. He made 34 appearances, 9 of them starts. Ken was 4-8 with 2 saves and a 3.22 ERA in 1975. Ken must have been injured in '75 -- he missed all of August and three weeks in September.
The 1976 season was probably Ken's best one as a reliever. Forsch made 52 appearances and had 19 saves. He was 4-3 with a 2.15 ERA. Ken was selected to the 1976 NL All Star team and pitched a scoreless 9th inning.
Forsch had two more good seasons as a swingman in 1977 (5-8, 8 saves, 2.72 ERA) and 1978 (10-6, 7 saves, 3.04 ERA). In 1979 Ken went back to being a starting pitcher and stayed in that role until his final season in 1986. Forsch was 11-6 with a 3.04 ERA in 24 starts in 1979. On April 7 he pitched a no-hitter against the Atlanta Braves. He missed about five weeks in May and June. Bob and Ken Forsch: No-Hitters Are A Family Affair - August 1979 Baseball Digest.
Ken and the Astros finally made it to the postseason in 1980. Forsch made 32 starts in 1980 and was 12-13 with a 3.20 ERA. He started game 1 of the NLCS and lost to the Phillies' Steve Carlton. Ken also appeared in the 8th inning of game 5 and got a blown save as Manny Trillo hit a 2-run triple to put the Phillies ahead 7-5. The Phils eventually won the game in the 10th inning and went on to win the World Championship.
On April 1, 1981 Forsch was traded to the California Angels for Dickie Thon. He had a good year for the Angels and was an All Star for the American League (he pitched the 5th inning and allowed a home run to Gary Carter). Ken was 11-4 with a 2.88 ERA in 20 starts in 1981.
Forsch was 13-11 with a 3.87 ERA in 32 starts for the Angels in 1982. He wasn't used in the ALCS. Ken was 11-12 with a 4.06 ERA in 31 starts in 1983. In 1984 Forsch was 1-1 with a 2.20 ERA in 2 starts when he was injured (he landed on his elbow and dislocated his shoulder making a tag) and missed the rest of the season. He also missed the 1985 season with elbow problems and was released. Forsch came back to the Angels in 1986 and pitched in 10 games (0-1, 9.53 ERA) before being released again on May 25. The Seattle Mariners signed Forsch and assigned him to AAA Calgary. Ken pitched for Calgary in 1986 and then retired.
After his playing career Forsch went into real estate in Anaheim and did community relations work with the Angels. He became the Angels' Director of Player Development in 1994. Ken is now the Assistant General Manager, a position he has had since 1998. Here is a January 2009 interview with Forsch.
Liked to face: Larry Biittner (.000 in 15 AB); Mike Phillips (.087 in 23 AB); George Foster (.103 in 29 AB)
Hated to face: Felix Millan (.433 in 30 AB); Willie Davis (.429 in 35 AB); John Milner (.423 in 26 AB)
Ted Martinez played in parts of nine seasons from 1970-1979. He was signed by the New York Mets in 1966. Martinez was in the minors for all of the 1967-1969 season as well as most of the 1970 and 1971 seasons. Ted played in four games for the Mets late in 1970 and batted .063 in 16 at bats.
Martinez was batting .297 for AAA Tidewater when he was brought up to the Mets in early July 1971. Ted batted .288 in 38 games for the Mets. In 1972 Martinez batted .224 in 103 games. Ted played six positions in '72 (all but pitcher, catcher, and first base).
Ted was a utility guy for the next two years with the Mets. He batted .255 in 92 games in 1973 and was used defensively in two games in the NLCS. In 1974 Martinez batted .219 in 116 games. After the 1974 season Ted was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals for Jack Heidemann and Mike Vail.
Martinez wasn't used very much by the Cardinals (.190 in 21 at bats) and was traded to the Oakland A's for a minor leaguer and Mike Barlow on May 18. He was a utility guy for the A's and batted .172 in 87 at bats. Ted was used defensively by the A's in three games in the 1975 ALCS.
Martinez didn't play for the A's in 1976 and was released by the A's on May 7. He was signed by the Cincinnati Reds on May 30 and spent the season for the Reds' AAA Indianapolis club. After the 1976 season Martinez was drafted by the LA Dodgers in the Rule 5 draft.
Ted spent the next three seasons with the Dodgers. His best season for the Dodgers was 1977 (.299 in 137 at bats). Ted batted .255 in 55 at bats in 1978. Martinez wasn't used by the Dodgers in the NLCS in '77 or in '78. In 1979 Martinez batted .268 in 112 at bats. He was released by the Dodgers at the end of spring training in 1980. He played for the Dodgers' AAA Albuquerque club but batted only .234 and retired after the 1980 season.
After his playing career, Ted coached for various teams around the world and spent some time as the Dodgers' representative in Taiwan.
Liked to face: Steve Carlton (.368 in 38 AB); Carl Morton (.348 in 23 AB); Tommy John (.348 in 23 AB)
Hated to face: Joaquin Andujar (.071 in 14 AB); Claude Osteen (.115 in 26 AB); Bob Gibson (.118 in 17 AB)
Steve Carlton was a Hall of Famer who pitched from 1965-1988. Carlton was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1963. Pirates Missed Their Chance of Signing Steve Carlton - August 1984 Baseball Digest. He was in the minors in 1964, stayed with the Cardinals in 1965, and bounced between the minors and the Cardinals in 1966.
Steve wasn't used much in 1965 (0-0, 2.52 ERA in 15 games-2 starts). He missed two months from late June to late August and missed another month from late August to late September. Carlton came back to the majors to stay on July 31, 1966. He started 9 games for the Cards in '66 and was 3-3 with a 3.12 ERA.
Carlton became part of the Cardinals' rotation in 1967. He was 14-9 with a 2.98 ERA in 28 starts. Steve started and lost game 5 of the 1967 World Series. In 1968 Carlton was 13-11 with a 2.99 ERA in 33 starts. Steve was named to his first NL All Star team and pitched a scoreless 6th inning. Carlton made two relief appearances in the 1968 World Series but wasn't involved in either decision.
After the 1968 season the Cardinals went on a trip to Japan. While in Japan Carlton experiment with a slider and started using it in the 1969 season. Steve started the 1969 All Star game for the National League and was the winning pitcher, allowing two runs in three innings. He was 17-11 with a 2.17 ERA, which was quite good in a hitter's season. On September 15 Steve struck out 19 New York Mets but lost the game 4-3 as Ron Swoboda hit two 2-run homers. Carlton fell off in 1970 and led the NL in losses with 19. He was 10-19 with a 3.73 ERA that season.
The 1971 season was Steve's last one as a St. Louis Cardinal. He bounced back to win 20 games for the first time in his career. He was 20-9 with a 3.56 ERA for the Cards in '71. After the season Steve demanded a raise. Cards owner Gussie Busch wasn't willing to give Carlton as much as he wanted and Steve was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies for Rick Wise.
Carlton had one of the greatest seasons ever by a post World War II pitcher in 1972. Pitching for an awful team, Steve led the NL in wins (27), ERA (1.97), strikeouts (310), starts (41), complete games (30), and innings (346.1). Carlton pitched a scoreless 6th inning in the All Star game, won his first Cy Young Award, and was 5th in NL MVP voting. Steve Carlton: At Last A Winner for the Phils - November 1972 Baseball Digest
Steve fell off again in 1973 and led the NL with 20 losses. He was 13-20 with a 3.90 ERA and led the NL in starts (40) and complete games (18). Carlton had a better year in 1974 (16-13, 3.22 ERA) and was named to the NL All Star team (he wasn't used in the game). Steve had an off season (for him) in 1975. He was 15-14 with a 3.56 ERA in 37 starts.
In 1976 Carlton returned to the 20-win club and led the NL with a .714 winning percentage. He had a record of 20-7 with a 3.13 ERA. Steve started and lost game 1 of the NLCS. Carlton won his second NL Cy Young award in 1977. He was 23-10 with a 2.64 ERA. Steve was an NL All Star but didn't pitch in the game. Carlton started game 1 of the NLCS and got a no-decision. He started and lost game 4 of the NLCS. Steve Carlton: Pitcher with the Classic Style - December 1977 Baseball Digest.
Steve was 16-13 with a 2.84 ERA in 1978. He started and won game 3 of the NLCS -- it was the only game the Phillies won in the series. In 1979 Steve was 18-11 with a 3.62 ERA. He started the 1979 All Star Game and allowed a 2-run homer to Fred Lynn. He pitched only the first inning and allowed 3 runs.
The Phillies finally broke through in 1980 and won a World Championship. Carlton was a big reason why the Phillies won. He won his third Cy Young Award, was an All Star again (he didn't pitch in the game), and was 5th in NL MVP voting. Steve was 24-9 with a 2.34 ERA and led the NL in wins,starts, innings, and strikeouts. He started and won game 1 of the NLCS, and he started game 4 but got a no-decision. Steve started and won games 2 and 6 of the World Series.
Carlton had another good year in the strike-shortened 1981 season. He was 13-4 with a 2.42 ERA in 24 starts, was an All Star (but didn't get in the game), and won a Gold Glove Award. Steve had his last great season in 1982. He won his fourth Cy Young Award, was an All Star (he pitched two scoreless innings), and led the NL in wins (23), starts (38), complete games (19), shutouts (6), innings (295.2), and strikeouts (286).
Steve finally started to slow down in 1983. He still pitched a lot, leading the NL with 283.2 innings pitched. Carlton was 15-16 with a 3.11 ERA in 37 starts and led the NL in strikeouts with 275. Steve started and won games 1 and 4 of the NLCS. He started game 3 of the World Series against Jim Palmer and lost 3-2.
Carlton was 13-7 with a 3.58 ERA in 33 starts in 1984. In 1985 Steve missed 2 1/2 months of the season and was 1-8 with a 3.33 ERA in 16 starts. He started the 1986 season with the Phillies but was released on June 24 after starting the season 4-8 with a 6.18 ERA in 16 starts. Steve signed with the San Francisco Giants but was released after going 1-3 with a 5.10 ERA in 6 starts. Carlton then caught on with the Chicago White Sox and was 4-3 with a 3.79 ERA in 10 starts.
The White Sox didn't offer Carlton a contract for the 1987 season and he signed with the Cleveland Indians. Carlton was 5-9 with a 5.37 ERA for the Indians when they traded him to the Minnesota Twins for a minor leaguer on July 31. Steve didn't help the Twins much during their stretch run (1-5, 6.70 ERA in 9 games - 7 starts) and he was left off of their postseason roster. Steve started the 1988 season 0-1 with a 16.76 ERA and the Twins released him on April 28.
Carlton and Nolan Ryan had a see-saw race for the all time strikeout lead from 1982-1984. Steve tailed off and Ryan ended up almost 1600 strikeouts ahead of Carlton after all was said and done. Steve was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1994 with 96% of the vote. Some quotes attributed to him stirred up some controversy in 1994, but he has continued to be a popular guest at appearences.
