1976 Topps #428 - Jim Crawford

• Jim Crawford pitched parts of five seasons between 1973 and 1978. Crawford was drafted and signed by the Houston Astros in 1972. He was originally drafted by the San Diego Padres in 1968 but didn't sign (he opted to attend Arizona State University). Jim was 12-1 with a 2.13 ERA for the Sun Devils in 1972.

• After posting an ERA of 1.58 in two minor league stops, Crawford made the Astros club in 1973. Jim pitched in 48 games (all in relief) and was 2-4 with six saves and a 4.50 ERA. Crawford spent 1974 with AAA Denver. His stats don't look real good (11-10, 4.96 ERA), but this was in Denver in the PCL, which was more of a hitter's league.

• Jim started the 1975 season with AAA Iowa but was recalled to Houston after making one start. Crawford was with the Astros for the rest of the season and went 3-5 with 4 saves and a 3.63 ERA in 44 games (2 starts). After the 1975 season Jim was traded to the Detroit Tigers with Milt May for four players.

• Crawford was a reliever and spot started for the Tigers in the last three years of his career. In 1976 Jim went 1-8 with two saves and a 4.53 ERA in 32 games (5 starts). He was 7-8 with 1 save and a 4.79 ERA in 37 games (7 starts) in 1977.

• In 1978 Jim pitched in 20 games for the Tigers and was 2-3 with a 4.35 ERA. He also spent some time with AAA Tulsa. Crawford retired after the 1978 season.
• Liked to face: Lee May (.100 in 10 AB); Butch Hobson (.167 in 12 AB); Darrell Porter (.000 in 7 AB)
• Hated to face: Lou Piniella (.474 in 19 AB); Rico Carty/Doug DeCinces (.455 in 11 AB)