1976 Topps #533 - Lee Richard

• Lee Richard played in the majors from 1971-1976. Richard was the #1 draft pick (#6 overall) of the Chicago White Sox in 1970. Lee played in the minors in 1970 and then made the Chicago ballclub in 1971. 
• Richard was the starting shortstop for most of the first two months of the season, but he didn't hit well enough to keep the starting position. Lee batted .231 in 87 games for the White Sox in 1971.
• Lee was in the minors for most of the 1972 season. He was called up at the end of the 1972 season and batted .241 in 11 games.
• Richard was in the minors for the entire 1973 season. He started the 1974 season in the minors and was called up in late June. Lee was used in a utility role in '74 and batted .164 in 32 games. Richard stayed with the White Sox for the entire season in 1975 and batted .200 in 45 at bats. He was mostly used as a pinch runner in '75.
• After the 1975 season Richard was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals for Buddy Bradford and Greg Terlecky. Lee batted .176 in 91 at bats in 1976 and was released after the season.
• Richard played in AAA for the next two seasons but was never called back up to the majors.
• Richard had the nickname "Bee Bee" that he got while he was a fastball pitcher in high school. White Sox announcer Harry Caray used to call Lee "The Juggler" due to his defensive struggles. Dick Williams thought Lee may have been the fastest player of his time. Richard was used a lot as a pinch runner because he didn't hit or field well.

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