1976 Topps #436 - Bill Fahey

• Bill Fahey was a catcher in the majors in parts of 11 seasons from 1971-1983. Bill was drafted by the Washington Senators (first player selected) in 1970. He got a brief look in 1971 (0 for 8) after batting .285 in AA and AAA.
• Fahey was in AAA for most of the 1972 season and was called up in late July. He batted .168 in 119 at bats. Bill was in AAA for all of the 1973 season and most of 1974 as well. He batted .250 in 16 at bats for the Texas Rangers in '74.
• By 1975 Jim Sundberg established himself as the starting catcher for the Rangers, leaving Fahey with very little playing time. Bill batted .297 in 37 at bats in 1975, .250 in 80 at bats in 1976, and .221 in 68 at bats in 1977.
• Bill spent the entire 1978 season in the minors. After the season he was traded with Kurt Bevacqua and Mike Hargrove to the San Diego Padres for Oscar Gamble, Dave Roberts and $300,000.
• Fahey had his best season in 1979, batting .287 in 209 at bats. In 1980 Fahey batted .257 in 241 at bats. During spring training in 1981 Bill was purchased by the Detroit Tigers.
• The Tigers had Lance Parrish behind the plate so Bill again was relegated to very occasional catching duty. In 1981 Fahey batted .254 in 67 at bats. Bill batted .149 in 67 at bats in 1982 and .273 in 22 at bats in 1983. He also spent some time in AAA Evansville in 1983. Bill was released on August 5 and became a coach for the Tigers.

• After his playing career Fahey managed in the Detroit Tigers' farm system and then coached with the San Francisco Giants under Roger Craig from 1986-1991. Bill has a son (Brandon) who was a utility player for the Baltimore Orioles from 2006-2008.
• Liked to face: Mike Krukow (.500 in 10 AB); Stan Bahnsen (.400 in 15 AB)
• Hated to face: Tom Bradley (.000 in 10 AB); Dave Goltz (.100 in 10 AB)