1976 Topps #654 - Doug Griffin

• Doug Griffin was a second baseman in the majors from 1970-1977. Griffin was drafted by the California Angels in 1965. Doug played in the minors for the next several years (except for a two-year stint in the Navy) and got his chance to play in the majors in 1970. Doug batted .127 in 18 games for the Angels in 1970.
• After the 1970 season Griffin was traded to the Boston Red Sox in a multi-player trade that sent Tony Conigliaro to the Angels.
• Luis Tiant called Griffin "skeleton" because he was so thin. Doug and newly acquired shortstop Luis Aparicio formed a good defensive double play combination. Griffin started well in 1971 but was injured on July 28 when his back went into spasms. He missed a month of the 1971 season and batted .241 for the season.
• Doug won the Gold Glove in 1972. He suffered a broken hand after being hit  by a Gaylord Perry pitch and missed a month of the season. Griffin batted .260 in 1972.
• In 1973 Griffin was bothered by back spasms and was hit in the hand by Billy Champion on May 25. Tom missed about six weeks from late May to mid July. Doug batted .255 in 113 games during the 1973 season.
• Early in the 1974 season Griffin missed some time due to a pulled muscle. He had a much more serious injury on April 30 when he was beaned by Nolan Ryan. The beaning knocked Griffin unconscious and it caused some temporary hearing loss. Doug spent two months on the disabled list after the beaning. Griffin batted .266 in 93 games in 1974.
• Early in the 1975 season several possibilities were discussed on replacing Griffin due to his injury difficulties. The Red Sox acquired Denny Doyle in June and Griffin's playing time decreased significantly. Doug batted .240 in 100 games in 1975. Doug was beaned by Oakland pitcher Dick Bosman on August 30 but he had a quicker recovery time since he was wearing an ear flap on his batting helmet. Griffin didn't play in the ALCS and made one appearance in the World Series. After the 1975 season Griffin wanted to be traded because of his lack of playing time.
• Griffin batted only  .189 in 49 games in 1976. Doug played in five games in 1977 and was 0 for 6. Griffin was released on June 21, 1977.
• After his playing career Griffin worked in the construction trade. He is now retired and lives in Winter Haven, FL.
• Here is Doug's SABR biography.
• Liked to face: Mike Hedllund (.545 in 11 AB); Lerrin LaGrow (.429 in 14 AB); Vida Blue (.405 in 37 AB)
• Hated to face: Frank Linzy (.000 in 9 AB); John Odom (.053 in 19 AB); Ray Corbin (.059 in 17 AB)

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