Showing posts with label Detroit Tigers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Detroit Tigers. Show all posts

Saturday, February 12, 2011

1976 Topps Traded #649T - Dave Roberts


  • Dave Roberts started 36 games for the Detroit Tigers in 1976 and went 16-17 with a 4.00 ERA.
  • Roberts started 22 games for the Tigers in 1977 (4-10, 4.59 ERA) before being sold to the Chicago Cubs on July 30.
  • Dave was used as a reliever and a spot starter from the end of the 1977 season through his last season in 1981.

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Saturday, February 5, 2011

1976 Topps Traded #532T - Milt May



  • Milt May fractured his ankle early in the 1976 season and played in only six games (.280 in 25 AB).
  • May played for the Tigers until early in the 1979 season when he was traded to the Chicago White Sox.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

1976 Topps Traded #428T - Jim Crawford



  • Jim Crawford spent three seasons (1976-1978) after his trade from the Houston Astros.
  • Crawford had a 1-8 record with a 4.53 ERA in 32 games (5 starts) in 1976.
  • Jim retired after the 1978 season at the age of 27.

Monday, January 10, 2011

1976 Topps Traded #120T - Rusty Staub


  • It's hard to associate Rusty Staub with any one ballclub. He played well for four different teams (Astros, Expos, Mets, and Tigers).
  • Staub was the Tigers' starting RF in 1976 and made the AL All Star team. He batted .299 with 15 HR and 96 RBI in 1976.
  • Rusty was exclusively a DH for the rest of  his time with the Tigers (1977-1979).

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Tuesday, December 28, 2010

1976 Topps #659 - Ben Oglivie


  • Ben Oglivie was a major league outfielder and DH from 1971-1986. Oglivie was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 1968. Ben played in the minors from 1968-1971 and was called up by the Red Sox in September 1971. Oglivie batted .267 in 14 games for Boston in '71.
  • Ben was a backup outfielder for Boston in 1972 (.293 in 94 games ) and in 1973 (.218 in 58 games). After the 1973 season Oglivie was traded to the Detroit Tigers for Dick McAuliffe.
  • Oglivie was a fourth outfielder and DH for the Tigers in 1974 (.270 in 92 games) and in 1975 (.286 in 100 games).
  • In 1976 Oglivie played all three OF positions as well as 1B and DH. Ben became the starting right fielder for the Tigers in 1977. Ben batted .285 with 15 HR and 47 RBI in 1976 and .262 with 21 HR and 62 RBI in 1977. Ben was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for Rich Folkers and Jim Slaton after the 1977 season.
  • Ben spent the rest of his career with the Brewers and had his  best years for that ballclub. In 1978 Oglivie batted .303 with 18 HR and 72 RBI. Ben hit for more power in 1979, batting .282 with 29 HR and 81 RBI.
  • Oglivie had his best year in 1980. He was the starting LF for the AL in the 1980 All Star Game and went 0 for 2 with a walk. Ben won the Silver Slugger Award in LF in 1980 and batted .304 with a league-leading 41 HR and 118 RBI. Ben Oglivie Finds Stardom in Another Uniform - September 1980 Baseball Digest
  • Ben batted .243 with 14 HR and 72 RBI in the 1981 strike season. Oglivie went 3 for 18 (.167) in the 1981 ALDS.
  • The Brewers  made it to the World Series in 1982 and Oglivie was a big contributor to the club. Ben made the AL All Star team (he went 0 for 1 as a pinch hitter) and batted .244 with 34 HR and 102 RBI. Ben went 2 for 15 (.133) in the ALCS and 6 for 27 (.222) in the World Series.
  • Oglivie was an AL All Star again in 1983 (he struck out in his only at bat), but he was starting to tail off as a hitter. Ben batted .280 with 13 HR and 66 RBI in 1983.
  • Ben's last season as a starting LF was in 1984. He batted .262 with 12 HR and 60 RBI.
  • Oglivie was a backup outfielder and DH for the last two seasons of his career. In 1985 Ben batted .290 with 10 HR and in 1986 he batted .283 in 103 games. The Brewers bought out the last year of Oglivie's contract after the 1986 season.
  • Ben went to Japan to play in 1987 and in 1988. Oglivie was invited to spring training by the Brewers in 1989. Ben hurt his knee in spring training. He signed with AA El Paso but played in only two games. Later in 1989 Oglivie played for the Winter Haven Super Sox of the Senior Professional Baseball Association.
  • Oglivie has coached in the minors off and on since 1995. Ben will be the hitting coach for the West  Michigan Whitecaps (Detroit's Class A team) in 2011.
  • Liked to face: Pete Redfern (.500 in 28 AB); Rick Honeycutt (.474 in 19 AB); Geoff Zahn (.444 in 27 AB)
  • Hated to face: Dave Schmidt (.000 in 14 AB); Shane Rawley (.100 in 20 AB); Mike Flanagan (.115 in 26 AB)

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Saturday, November 13, 2010

1976 Topps #614 - Fernando Arroyo



  • Fernando Arroyo pitched for three teams in eight seasons from 1975-1986. Arroyo was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 1970. Fernando pitched in the minors from 1970-1975 and got his chance at the majors after having a good start of the season with AAA Evansville. Arroyo pitched in a total of 14 games (2 starts) with the Tigers in 1975 and was 2-1 with a 4.58 ERA.
  • Arroyo was in Evansville for the entire 1976 season. Fernando stayed in Detroit for the entire 1977 season and was 8-18 with a 4.17 ERA in 38 games (28 starts).
  • Fernando spent most of the 1978 and 1979 seasons in Evansville. He pitched in two games for the Tigers in 1978 (0-0, 8.31 ERA) and six games in 1979 (1-1, 8.25 ERA). Arroyo was traded to the Minnesota Twins for Jeff Holly after the 1979 season.
  • Arroyo spent the first two months of the 1980 season in AAA Toledo and came up to the Twins in June after going 6-1 with a 1.62 ERA in eight starts in Toledo. Fernando was 6-6 with a 4.68 ERA in 21 games (11 starts) for the Twins during the last four months of the 1980 season.
  • Fernando stayed in the majors for the entire 1981 season. He had a record of 7-10 with a 3.93 ERA in 19 starts.
  • Arroyo started the 1982 season with the Twins but was sent down to AAA after going 0-1 with a 5.62 ERA in six games. Fernando was released on May 18 and signed with the Oakland A's on May 25. Arroyo was up and down between AAA and Oakland for the next two months. Fernando had a 5.64 ERA in ten games with the A's and was released on July 27. He was signed by the  Chicago White Sox a few days later and spent the rest of the 1982 season in AAA.
  • Fernando was in AAA for the entire 1983 and 1984 seasons. Arroyo was released after the 1984 season and pitched in the Mexican League in 1985. Arroyo was pitching in the Mexican League in 1986 when he was signed by Oakland on May 29. Fernando spent some time in the minors and then came back to Oakland at the end of the season to pitch in one game. That was it for Arroyo's career.
  • After his playing career Arroyo was a pitching coach and a manager in the minor leagues.
  • Arroyo was the pitching coach for manager Jerry Royster on the Korean Baseball Organization's Lotte Giants. Arroyo was hired for the 2008 season. Royster left the club after the 2010 season and the coaching positions are all listed as vacant now.

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Tuesday, October 26, 2010

1976 Topps #596 - Rookie Infielders (Reynolds, Johnson, LeMaster, Manuel)


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  • Craig Reynolds
    • Drafted in the first round by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1971
    • Played briefly for the Pirates in 1975 (.224 in 76 at bats) and in 1976 (1 for 4 in seven games)
      • Went 0 for 1 in the 1975 NLCS
    • Traded with Jimmy Sexton to the Seattle Mariners after the 1976 season for Grant Jackson
    • Started at shortstop for the Mariners in 1977 (.248 in 135 games) and in 1978 (.292 in 148 games)
    • Made the AL All Star team in 1978 but he didn't play in the game
    • Traded to the Houston Astros after the 1978 season for Floyd Bannister
    • Was an All Star for the NL in 1979 and went 0 for 2 in the game
    • Batted .265 in 146 games in 1979 and led the NL with 34 sacrifice hits
    • In 1980 Reynolds batted only .226 in 137 games
    • Went 2 for 13 (.154) in four games in the 1980 NLCS
    • Batted .260 in 87 games and led the NL with 12 triples in 1981
    • Went 1 for 3 in two games in the 1981 NLDS.
    • Had a stint on the disabled list in 1982 and lost his starting SS job to Dickie Thon
      • Batted .254 in 54 games in 1982
    • Backed up Thon at shortstop in 1983 and batted .214 in 98 at bats
    • Regained his starting job in 1984 after Thon was beaned early in the season. Batted .260 in 146 games
    • Batted .272 in 107 games in 1985
    • Played in a utility role in 1986 and batted .249 in 114 games
    • Went 4 for 12 (.333) in four games in the 1986 NLCS
    • Was a starter for the last time in 1987 and batted .254 in 135 games
    • Was a utility player for the last two years of his career and batted .255 in 78 games in 1988 and .201 in 101 games in 1989
    • Retired after the 1989 season
    • Craig and his wife now serve on the staff of Pro Athletes Outreach. Reynolds is currently the Preaching & Teaching Pastor at Second Baptist Church North Campus in Houston, TX.
  • Lamar Johnson
    • Drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 1968
    • Played in the minors for eight seasons (1968-1975) and had a lifetime .302 batting average.
    • Batted .336 with 20 HR in AAA Denver in 1975.
    • First played in the majors in 1974 and batted .345 in ten games.
    • Played in eight games in 1975 and batted .200 in 30 AB.
    • Was a designated hitter and played some first base and left field during his career.
    • 1976 -- batted .320 in 82 games
    • 1977 -- Batted .302 with 18 HR in 118 games 
    • Sang the national anthem before the game on June 19, 1977 and hit two home runs in the game, which were the only two White Sox hits of the day (Chicago won 2-1)
    • 1978 -- Batted .273 with 8 HR and 72 RBI in 148 games.
    • 1979 -- Batted .309 with 12 HR and 74 RBI in 133 games
    • 1980 -- Batted .277 with 13 HR and 81 RBI
    • 1981 -- slowed by injuries and the strike and batted .276 in 41 games
    • Became a free agent after the 1981 season and signed with the Texas Rangers
    • 1982 -- Batted .259 with 7 HR and 38 RBI in 105 games
    • Didn't make the Texas ballclub in 1983 and was released at the end of spring training
    • Played in the Senior Professional Baseball Association in 1989 and 1990
    • Coached for several teams in the 1990s and 2000s.
  • Johnnie LeMaster
    • Johnnie LeMaster was always a favorite of mine. It started one day in 1974 or 1975 when LeMaster was playing for the AAA Phoenix Giants. My dad took me to a game and Johnnie made an error. A drunk guy a few rows behind us yelled, "You *@^&#!! Do you have a hole in your glove?" I felt bad for Johnnie and he became my favorite player on the team
    • Was the first pick (6th overall) of the San Francisco Giants in 1973
    • Played in the minors from 1973-1977
    • First came up at the end of the 1975 season after batting .292 in 143 games for Phoenix.
    • Hit an inside-the-park home run in his first major league at bat.
    • He split time at shortstop with Tim Foli (1977) and Roger Metzger (1978 and 1979) during the first few years of his career
    • Became the Giants' starting shortstop in 1980 and held the job through the 1984 season
    • Johnnie wasn't in there for his offense -- he batted above .250 only twice in his career and he had a lifetime .222 batting average
    • He wasn't a huge glove man either -- Johnnie's fielding percentages were usually a few points below league average.
    • LeMaster lost his starting job to Jose Uribe in 1985 and was traded to the Cleveland Indians for Scott Bailes on May 30, 1985
    • Johnnie was cut loose by the Pirates at the end of spring training in 1986. He signed with the Montreal Expos in June and played for AAA Indianapolis for a couple of weeks before being released again.
    • LeMaster signed with the Oakland A's in 1987 and was up and down between Oakland and AAA. He was released in the middle of the 1987 season, ending a 12-year career.
    • LeMaster now lives in Paintsville, KY and is an elder in the Paintsville Church of Christ
    • Here is a card tribute with all of Johnnie's Topps Giants cards.
  • Jerry Manuel
    • Drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the first round in 1971
    • Was a minor leaguer for most of his playing career (1971-1984)
    • Went 1 for 18 (.056) in six games in 1975
    • Batted .140 in 43 AB in 1976
    • Traded to the Montreal Expos in 1980 for Duffy Dyer
    • Went 0 for 6 in seven games for the Expos in 1980
    • Batted .200 in 55 games in 1981
    • Started at second base in the 1981 NLDS but was replaced for the NLCS by Rodney Scott after going 1 for 14 in the NLDS
    • Traded to the San Diego Padres in May 1982 and batted .200 (1 for 5) in two games
    • Traded back to Montreal in June 1982 and spent the rest of his playing career in the minors
    • Coached and scouted in the minors from 1985-1989
    • Started managing at AA in 1990 and managed in AAA in 1991
    • Became the Montreal Expos' third base coach in 1991 and continued in that position through 1996
    • Was the bench coach for the World Champion Florida Marlins in 1997
    • Managed the Chicago White Sox from 1998-2003
    • Was a first base coach and bench coach for the New York Mets from 2005-2008
    • Managed the New York Mets from 2008-2010

Thursday, October 21, 2010

1976 Topps #591 - Rookie Pitchers (Grilli, Mitchell, Sosa, Throop)



  • Steve Grilli
    • Signed by the Detroit Tigers in 1970.
    • Pitched in three games for the Tigers in 1975 (0-0, 1.35 ERA)
    • Went 3-1 with three saves and had a 4.64 ERA in 36 games in 1976.
    • Appeared in 30 games (2 starts) and was 1-2 with a 4.83 ERA in 1977.
    • Sold to the Toronto Blue Jays before the 1978 season.
    • Was in the minors (AAA Syracuse) for the entire 1978 season.
    • Made 49 appearances and had a 2.01 ERA for Syracuse in 1979.
    • Appeared in one game for the Blue Jays on September 17, 1979 and allowed no runs in 2.1 innings. That was the last time Steve pitched in the  majors.
    • Pitched in AAA in 1980 and in 1981 before retiring.
    • Steve was the losing pitcher in the longest game (33 innings) in baseball  history on April 19 / June 23, 1981 (Rochester vs. Pawtucket). Grilli was with the Blue Jays Syracuse club on April 19 when 32 of the innings were played. Steve was cut loose by the Blue Jays and had hooked on with Rochester before the remainder of the game was played. Steve started the 33rd inning and walked the bases loaded. Another pitcher was brought in and surrendered a single, making Grilli the losing pitcher.
    • Now lives in Baldwinsville (near Syracuse), NY. He owns a sports bar called "Change of Pace."
  • Craig Mitchell
    • Drafted in the first round by the Oakland A's in 1973 (first player taken in the June draft)
    • Started in one game for the A's in 1975 (0-1, 12.27 ERA in 3.2 innings)
    • Pitched in one game for the A's in 1976 (0-0, 2.70 ERA in 3.1 innings)
    • Pitched in three games (one start) for the A's in 1977 (0-1, 7.94 ERA)
    • Continued to pitch in the Oakland system through the 1979 season but never got back to the majors.
  • Jose Sosa
    • Signed by the Houston Astros in 1970
    • Pitched for the Houston Astros in 1975 and 1976
    • Hit a home run in his first plate appearance on July 30, 1975
    • Went 1-3 with one save and had a 4.02 ERA in 25 games (2 starts) in 1975
    • Pitched in nine games (0-0, 6.94 ERA) in 1976.
    • Pitched in Houston's system through the 1978 season.
  • George Throop
    • Listed as 6'7" and 205 lbs.
    • Drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 1972
    • Pitched in the minors from 1972-1975 and earned a promotion to Kansas City after going 12-9 with a 2.95 ERA for AAA Omaha.
    • Pitched in seven games (0-0, 2 saves, 4.00 ERA) in September 1975.
    • George couldn't break into the Royals' pitching staff and spent the entire 1976 season (and most of 1977 and 1978) at Omaha.
    • 1977: 0-0, 1 save, 3.38 ERA in four games
    • 1978: 1-0, 0.00 ERA in one game (3 innings)
    • Started the 1979 season with Kansas City (0-0, 13.50 ERA in four games) and was traded to the Houston Astros for Keith Drumright on April 25.
    • Spent the month of May in  and then pitched for the Astros from June-August 1979. 
    • Pitched in 14 games for the Astros (1-0, 3.22 ERA) in 1979.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

1976 Topps #552 - Terry Humphrey



  • The Abner Doubleday story is kind of like Santa Claus. We believe it for a while when we are little kids but eventually we realize it isn't true.
  • Terry Humphrey was a backup catcher for nine seasons (1971-1979) in the  major leagues. Humphrey was drafted by the  Montreal Expos in 1969. He played in the minors in 1970 and 1971 and was brought up at the end of the 1971 season after batting .280 for AAA Winnipeg. Terry batted .192 in 26 at bats for the  Expos in September 1971.
  • Humphrey was the  Expos' backup catcher for the entire 1972 season and batted .186 in 69 games. Terry started the 1973 season with Montreal but continued to struggle with the bat and spent some time in AAA. Humphrey batted .167 in 43 games for the Expos in 1973.
  • Terry batted .359 in ten games for AA Quebec in 1974 but batted only .117 for AAA Memphis in 31 games and .192 in 20 games for the Expos. 
  • After the 1974 season Humphrey and Tom Walker were traded to the Detroit Tigers for Woodie Fryman. Terry was with the Tigers for the entire 1975 season but played in only 18 games (.244 in 41 AB). After the 1975 season Terry was sent to the Houston Astros as part of a seven-player deal that sent Milt May to the Tigers.
  • Terry never played for the Astros. He was assigned to AAA Memphis at the beginning of the 1976 season and was traded with Mike Barlow to the California Angels for Ed Herrmann in June. The Angels promoted Humphrey to the majors and he batted .245 in 71 games.
  • Humphrey became the Angels' starting catcher in 1977 and batted .227 in 123 games. Brian Downing became the Angels' starting catcher in 1978 and Terry went back to a  backup role. Humphrey batted .219 in 53 games in '78.
  • Terry's last season was 1979. Humphrey got into only nine games as he had injury problems and Tom Donohue replaced him as the backup catcher. Humphrey was batted .059 (1 for 17) in nine games when he was released by the Angels on July 31.
  • Humphrey contributed four tickets behind the Angels' first base dugout for a raffle benefiting a Los Angeles area high school in 2010. That's about all I could find about him after his playing career.

Monday, August 30, 2010

1976 Topps #540 - Bill Freehan


  • The 1976 season was the final year of a long and successful career for Bill Freehan. Freehan was  born in Detroit and spent his entire career playing for his hometown ballclub.
  • Freehan won five straight Gold Glove awards (1965-1969) and was an AL All Star 11 times (1964-1973, 1975).
  • Bill was signed by the Detroit Tigers in 1961. He played in the minors in 1961 and was brought up for a short look (4 for 10 in four games) at the end of the 1961 season. Freehan spent the 1962 season with AAA Denver and then came back to the Tigers to stay in 1963. Polished Pro at 21 - July 1963 Baseball Digest 
  • Freehan backed up Gus Triandos at catcher and also played some first base in 1963. He batted .243 with nine home runs in 100 games.
  • Bill took over the starting catcher position in 1964 and didn't relinquish it for several years. Freehan batted .300 with 18 HR and 80 RBI in 144 games and finished 7th in MVP voting. He threw out 53% of opposing base stealers to lead the AL.
  • Freehan had off-years at the plate in 1965 (.234, 10 HR) and in 1966 (.234, 12 HR).  Baseball's Next Superstar? - May 1965 Baseball Digest. In 1967 Bill was hit by a pitch 20 times to lead the AL and also led the league with 15 intentional walks. Freehan batted .282 with 20 HR and 74 RBI in 1967 and finished 3rd in MVP voting.
  • The Tigers won it all in 1968 and Freehan was a big part of that ballclub. Bill finished second to teammate Denny McLain in MVP voting as he batted .263 with 25 HR and 84 RBI. He also led the AL in hit by pitch again with 24. Bill went 2 for 28 (.083) in the 1968 World Series.
  • In 1969 Freehan batted .262 with 16 HR and 49 RBI. Bill missed the last month of the 1970 season when he had spinal surgery and batted .241 with 16 HR in 117 games.
  • Freehan batted .277 with 21 HR and 71 RBI in 148 games in 1971. Bill played in 111 games in 1972 and batted .262 with 10 HR and 56 RBI. Bill fractured  his right thumb late in the 1972 season and the Oakland A's took some baserunning liberties on him in the American League Championship Series. He batted .250 (3 for 12) in the 1972 ALCS. In 1973 Bill started to play less often behind the plate as manager Billy Martin decided to platoon him. He batted .234 with six HR in 110 games in 1973.
  • Bill started more games at first base (65) than at catcher (64) in 1974. It was the first season since 1964 that he didn't make the AL All Star team. Freehan batted .297 with 18 HR and 60 RBI in 1974. After the 1974 season Freehan was almost traded to the Philadelphia Phillies with Mickey Stanley for Bob Boone but the Phillies cancelled the deal at the last minute.
  • The 1975 season was Bill's last one as a full-time player. He batted .246 with 14 HR and 47 RBI in 120 games. Freehan started 62 games at catcher in his final season (1976) and batted .270 with five home runs in 71 total games. The Tigers released Bill after the 1976 season and he retired.
  • After his playing career Bill coached Lance Parrish and taught him some things about catching. Freehan also was a successful businessman in the Detroit area. He did some broadcasting for the Seattle Mariners (1979-1980) and the Tigers (1984-1985). Freehan was the head coach of the University of Michigan baseball team from 1989-1995. He was disturbed by reports of problems with the baseball program and his tenure restored the program's integrity. Bill also served as the Tigers' organizational catching instructor from 2002-2005.
  • Where are They Now? - June 1989 Baseball Digest
  • Turn Back the Clock - June 2000 Baseball Digest
  • Freehan's SABR biography.
  • Bill Freehan's All Star Games:
    • 1964 - selected but did not play
    • 1965 - substitute (1 for 1, BB)
    • 1966 - starting catcher (1 for 2)
    • 1967 - starting catcher (0 for 5)
    • 1968 - starting catcher (0 for 2)
    • 1969 - starting catcher (2 for 2, 2 RBI, HR off of Steve Carlton)
    • 1970 - starting catcher (0 for 1)
    • 1971 - starting catcher (0 for 3)
    • 1972 - starting catcher (0 for 1, BB, run scored)
    • 1973 - selected but did not play
    • 1975 - selected but did not play
  • Liked to face: Jack Hamilton (.533 in 15 AB); Ross Grimsley (.483 in 29 AB); Frank Bertaina (.450 in  20 AB)
  • Hated to face: Rick Wise (.000 in 22 AB); Gaylord Perry (.040 in 25 AB); Earl Wilson (.094 in 32 AB)

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Tuesday, July 27, 2010

1976 Topps #507 - Ray Bare

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  • Ray Bare pitched in the  majors from 1972-1977. Ray was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1969. He pitched in the minors from 1969-1972 before being called up by the Cardinals in 1972. Ray was 0-1 with one save and a 0.54 ERA in 14 games for the Cards in '72.
  • Bare was in AAA Tulsa for the entire 1973 season and most of the 1974 season. He was 12-4 with a 2.34 ERA for Tulsa in 1974 before being recalled. Ray went 1-2 with a 5.92 ERA in ten games (three starts) for the Cardinals in 1974. During spring training in 1975 Bare was placed on waivers and selected by the Detroit Tigers.
  • Ray became a starting pitcher for the Tigers in 1975 and was 8-13 with a 3.81 ERA in 29 games (21 starts). In 1976 Bare was 7-8 with a 4.63 ERA in 30 games (21 starts).
  • Bare struggled in 1977. He was 0-2 with a 12.56 ERA in five games (four starts) before being sent to AAA Evansville. Ray pitched for Baltimore's AAA Rochester club in 1978 before calling it quits.
  • Ray died of leukemia in his hometown of Miami, Florida in 1994 at the age of 44.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

1976 Topps #483 - Mickey Stanley





  • Mickey Stanley was a major leaguer from 1964-1978. He was born in Michigan and became a legend in Detroit Tigers history. Mickey was signed in 1961 and was in the minors from 1961-1965. Stanley put up solid (but not spectacular) numbers in his minor league stops. The Tigers gave Mickey a brief look in 1964 (.273 in 11 AB) and a longer look in 1965 (.239 in 117 AB).
  • Stanley came to the Tigers to stay in 1966. He batted .289 in 235 at bats as a part-time center fielder. In 1967 Mickey became the starting center fielder and batted .210 in 333 at bats.
  • Mickey is mostly remembered for his 1968 season. He won his first Gold Glove award in the outfield and had a solid offensive season, batting .259 with 11 HR and 61 RBI. At the end of the season Detroit manager Mayo Smith asked Stanley to play shortstop in order to get a better bat in the lineup for the upcoming World Series (starting shortstop Ray Oyler batted .135 in 1968). Mickey had never played shortstop in his career but agreed to the  move. The move worked as the Tigers won the World Series in seven games (Stanley batted .214 in the series). ESPN ranked the move as the third most gutsiest call in sports history.
  • The Tigers tried to keep Stanley at shortstop after they lost Oyler in the expansion draft, but the move lasted only 59 games before Stanley was moved back to the outfield. Mickey would play a few games per year in the infield for the rest of his career, but he was  mainly an outfielder. Stanley batted .235 with 16 HR and 70 RBI in 1969 and won his second Gold Glove even though he played outfield in 101 games.
  • Stanley won his third consecutive Gold Glove in 1970 and batted .252 with 13 HR and 47 RBI. In 1971 Mickey batted a career-high .292 with 7 HR in 139 games. 
  • The Tigers won the AL East in 1972 and Stanley batted .234 with 14 HR and 55 RBI. Mickey went 2 for 6 in four games in the 1972 ALCS. Mickey Stanley - The Kid Who Became A Star - October 1972 Baseball Digest. In 1973 Stanley won his fourth (and last) Gold Glove and batted .244 with 17 HR and 57 RBI.
  • Mickey suffered a broken hand after being hit by a pitch in 1974 and played in only one game after July 25. He batted .221 in 99 games and was never again a full-time player after 1974.
  • Stanley was a utility player from 1975 through 1978 and played every position except pitcher and catcher. He batted .256 in 52 games in 1975, .257 in 84 games in 1976, .230 in 75 games in 1977, and .265 in 53 games in 1978. Mickey retired after he was released by the Tigers following the 1978 season.
  • After his playing career Stanley worked as a manufacturer's representative and later built subdivisions with his son. He now lives in Brighton, MI.
  • Here is Mickey's SABR biography.
  • Liked to face: Dave Boswell (.480 in 25 AB); Bill Gogolewski (.429 in 21 AB); Jerry Augustine (.400 in 20 AB)
  • Hated to face: Dave Leonhard (.000 in 15 AB); Eddie Watt (.059 in 17 AB); Roger Nelson (.071 in 14 AB)

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

1976 Topps #456 - Joe Coleman


  • Joe Coleman pitched in the majors from 1965-1979. His father Joe also pitched in the majors in the 1940s and 1950s. Coleman was a #1 draft pick of the Washington Senators in 1965. He had a great start to his major league career as an 18-year-old at the end of the 1965 season when he started two games and had complete game victories in both of them.
  • Even though he had a great start to his career, Coleman wasn't quite ready for the majors. He pitched in the minors in 1965 and 1966. Joe had a complete game victory in his only major league game in 1966, which ran his career record to 3-0 in three starts.
  • Joe started the 1967 season with the Senators and had a brief stint in the minors in August. Coleman ended up 8-9 with a 4.63 ERA in 28 games (22 starts). In 1968 Coleman was 12-16 with a 3.27 ERA in 33 starts.
  • Joe's best season with the Senators was 1969. He went 12-13 with an ERA of 3.27 in 40 games (36 starts). Coleman was 8-12 with a 3.58 ERA in 1970. He battled with manager Ted Williams because of his reluctance to throw a slider. Joe tried it during spring training one season and wasn't successful with it. After the 1970 season Joe was traded with Ed Brinkman, Jim Hannan and Aurelio Rodriguez to the Detroit Tigers for Elliott Maddox, Denny McLain, Norm McRae and Don Wert. The trade was disastrous for the Senators.
  • Coleman was a real workhorse for the Tigers in the next four seasons. In 1971 he was 20-9 with a 3.15 ERA in 38 starts. Joe was an AL All Star in 1972 (he didn't pitch in the game) and was 19-14 with a 2.80 ERA in 39 starts. Coleman pitched a 7-hit shutout in game 3 of the ALCS. He struck out a LCS-record 14 batters (the record was broken by Mike Mussina in 1997).
  • Joe was 23-15 with a 3.53 ERA in 40 starts in 1973. He was 14-12 with a 4.32 ERA in 41 starts in 1974. Amazingly, Coleman didn't lead the league in starts in either of those seasons. How to Be A Winner Without the Slider - May 1974 Baseball Digest.
  • All of those innings started to take a toll on Joe. In 1975 he slipped to 10-18 with a 5.55 ERA in 31 starts. Coleman started the 1976 season with the Tigers (2-5, 4.86 ERA in 12 starts) and was sold to the Chicago Cubs on June 8. The Cubs mostly used Joe as a reliever and he was 2-8 with a 4.10 ERA in 39 games (4 starts).
  • During spring training in 1977 Joe was traded to the Oakland A's for Jim Todd. Coleman was a swingman for the A's in '77 and had his last good season. He went 4-4 with two saves and a 2.96 ERA in 43 games (12 starts). In 1978 Coleman pitched in 10 games for the A's (3-0, 1.37 ERA) before being sold to the Toronto Blue Jays on May 22. Joe went 2-0 with a 4.60 ERA in 31 games for the Blue Jays in 1978.
  • Coleman became a free agent after the 1978 season. He was invited to spring training by the San Francisco Giants and made the club. Joe pitched in five games for the Giants (0-0, 0.00 ERA) before being released on April 21. Coleman signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates on May 8. He spent most of the season in the minors before being recalled in August. Joe pitched in 10 games for the Pirates (0-0, 6.10 ERA) in 1979.
  • Coleman spent three  more seasons in AAA but never made it back to the major leagues.
  • Joe managed the single-A Peoria club in the Midwest League in 1983. He has been a pitching coach for various organizations since 1988. Joe is now the pitching coach for the class A Lakeland Flying Tigers.
  • Liked to face: Orlando Cepeda (.000 in 12 AB); Glenn Borgmann (.053 in 19 AB); Jim Fregosi (.109 in 46 AB)
  • Hated to face: Juan Beniquez (.450 in 20 AB); Bobby Murcer (.433 in 67 AB); Joe Pepitone (.409 in 22 AB)

Friday, May 7, 2010

1976 Topps #432 - Tom Veryzer

  • Tom Veryzer played in the majors from 1973-1984. He bridged the gap between Ed Brinkman and Alan Trammell in Detroit. Veryzer was drafted out of Islip High School in New York in 1971. He played in the minors from 1971-1974. Tom played a little for the Tigers in 1973 (.300 in 20 at bats) and in 1974 (.236 in 55 at bats).
  • Veryzer became the starting shortstop for the Tigers in 1975. He batted .252 in 128 games and was named to the Topps Rookie All Star Team. On June 8, 1975 Tom doubled with two outs in the 9th inning to spoil a no-hitter by Ken Holtzman.
  • In 1976 Veryzer had some injury problems. He missed almost three weeks in June and he didn't play after August 18. Tom batted .234 in 97 games in 1976. He batted only .197 in 125 games in 1977. Alan Trammell was ready to take over the shortstop positon so Veryzer was traded to the Cleveland Indians for Charlie Spikes after the 1977 season.
  • Tom had his best season in 1978. He batted .271 in 130 games. Veryzer batted .220 in 149 games in 1979. He batted .271 in 109 games in 1980. He missed one month of the season with an injury.
  • Veryzer batted .244 in 75 games in 1981. After the 1981 season he was traded to the New York Mets for Roy Searge.
  • Tom was used as a backup second baseman and shortstop in 1982. He played in 40 games and batted .333 in 54 at bats. Tom missed three months (early June - early September) with a fractured leg in 1982. Just before the 1983 season Veryzer was traded to the Chicago Cubs for two minor leaguers.
  • Tom spent the last two seasons of his career with the Cubs. In 1983 he batted .205 in 88 at bats. Veryzer batted .189 in 74 at bats in 1984. He also spent some time in the minors in '84. Veryzer played in three games in the NLCS and went 0 for 1. Tom didn't make the club in 1985 and was released at the end of spring training.
  • Tom lives in his hometown of Islip, NY with his wife and children.
  • Liked to face: Jackie Brown (.474 in 19 AB); Dennis Martinez (.467 in 15 AB); Steve Renko (.429 in 14 AB)
  • Hated to face: Rich Gale (.000 in 20 AB); Frank Tanana (.042 in 24 AB); Jim Palmer (.075 in 40 AB)

Monday, April 12, 2010

1976 Topps #409 - Dave Lemanczyk

  • Dave Lemanczyk pitched in the majors from 1973-1980. Lemanczyk was a star baseball and basketball player at Syracuse University and was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 1972. The highlight of his minor league career was an 88 pitch no-hitter on August 8, 1973 against Asheville. Dave had a quick look in 1973 and allowed three runs in 2.1 innings in his only appearance.

  • Dave started the 1974 season with AAA Evansville and was called up by the Tigers in late May. He appeared in 22 games (3 starts) and was 2-1 with a 4.00 ERA. In 1975 Lemanczyk had a similar role and was 2-7 with a 4.46 ERA in 26 games (6 starts). Dave went 4-6 with a 5.09 ERA in 20 games (10 starts) in 1976. After the 1976 season Lemanczyk was picked by the Toronto Blue Jays in the expansion draft.

  • Lemanczyk became the #1 starter for the expansion Blue Jays in 1977 and went 13-16 with a 4.25 ERA in 34 starts. Dave had a big fall-off in 1978 and went 4-14 with a 6.26 ERA. He bounced back in 1979 and made the AL All Star team (he didn't get into the game). On April 24, 1979 Dave threw the Blue Jays' first one-hitter. Dave was 8-10 with a 3.71 ERA in 20 starts, but he only pitched once after August 5.

  • Dave's last season was 1980. He appeared in 10 games (8 starts) for the Blue Jays and was 2-5 with a 5.40 ERA. On June 3 Lemanzcyk was traded to the California Angels for Ken Schrom. He went 2-4 with a 4.32 ERA in 21 games (2 starts) for the Angels to finish the season. Dave was released after the 1980 season and retired.


  • Liked to face: Rico Carty (.100 in 20 AB); Bob Stinson (.111 in 18 AB); Graig Nettles (.118 in 24 AB)
  • Hated to face: Robin Yount (.526 in 38 AB); Butch Hobson (.458 in 24 AB); Rick Manning (.424 in 33 AB)

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

1976 Topps #385 - Mickey Lolich



  • Mickey Lolich holds numerous pitching records for the Detroit Tigers. Lolich signed with the Detroit Tigers in 1958. He pitched in the minors until he was called up to the Tigers in 1963. Lolich appeared in 33 games (18 of them starts) in 1963 and was 5-9 with a 3.55 ERA.

  • Lolich was mostly a starter for the rest of his time in Detroit. In 1964 he was 18-9 with two saves and a  3.26 ERA. Mickey was 15-9 with a 3.44 ERA in 1965. Part Pitcher, Part Human - June 1965 Baseball Digest. Lolich had a rough year (for him) in 1966. Both his hits per 9 innings and walks per 9 innings increased by one. Mickey ended up 14-14 with a 4.77 ERA. Mickey bounced back in 1967 and led the AL with six shutouts. He was 14-13 with a 3.04 ERA.
  • The 1968 season was "The Year of the Pitcher," but Mickey's regular season record didn't really differ much from his other seasons. He was 17-9 with a 3.19 ERA. Lolich really came through in the World Series -- he pitched three complete-game victories and was named the World Series MVP. He allowed a total of only five runs in those three games.
  • Mickey was named to his first All Star team in 1969 (he wasn't used in the game) and went 19-11 with a 3.14 ERA. In 1970 Lolich led the AL in losses -- he went 14-19 with a 3.80 ERA.
  • Lolich had his two best years in 1971 and 1972. In 1971 he led the AL in wins (25), games started (45), complete games (29) and strikeouts (308). Mickey was 25-14 with a 2.92 ERA, earned the save in the 1971 All Star Game, and finished second to Vida Blue in Cy Young Award balloting. Lolich was 22-14 with a 2.50 ERA in 1972, pitched two scoreless innings in the All Star Game, and finished third in AL Cy Young Award voting. Will the Cy Young Award Elude Lolich Again? - August 1972 Baseball Digest.
  • Mickey was 16-15 with a 3.82 ERA in 1973. He led the AL in losses in 1974, going 16-21 with a 4.15 ERA and a league-leading 38 home runs allowed. In 1975 Lolich was 12-18 with a 3.78 ERA. Mickey Lolich: An Unsung Strikeout Leader - September 1975 Baseball Digest.
  • After the 1975 season Mickey was traded with Billy Baldwin to the New York Mets for Rusty Staub and Bill Laxton. Lolich went 8-13 with the Mets in 1976 and he retired after the season.



  • Lolich opened a doughnut shop in suburban Detroit in 1977. Mickey also appeared as a security guard in the horror film "The Incredible Melting Man." He came back to baseball in 1978 and signed with the San Diego Padres. Mickey pitched in 20 games (2 starts) in 1978 and was 2-1 with a 1.56 ERA. In 1979 Lolich pitched in 27 games (5 starts) and was 0-2 with a 4.74 ERA. Lolich retired for good after the 1979 season. Mickey Lolich: He Was A Reliable, Durable Pitcher - February 1994 Baseball Digest


  • After his career Mickey ran his doughnut shop for several years and then sold the business and retired. He now does charity work and some coaching for the Tigers' fantasy camp in Florida.


  • Liked to face: Don Mincher (.118 in 34 AB); John Romano (.125 in 40 AB); Lou Brock (.000 in 14 AB)

  • Hated to face: Hector Lopez (.467 in 30 AB); Dick Allen (.452 in 31 AB); Cesar Tovar (.419 in 86 AB)

Sunday, February 21, 2010

1976 Topps #361 - Detroit Tigers

  • 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)

Monday, January 11, 2010

1976 Topps #320 - Willie Horton





  • Willie Horton played for six teams from 1963-1980. He spent the bulk of his career with the Detroit Tigers. Willie was the youngest of 21 children. He was on a city-championship high school team (Detroit Northwestern) in 1959 and was signed by the Tigers in 1961. Willie played in the minors in 1962 and 1963 and was given a look-see in September 1963. He hit his first major league home run off of Robin Roberts (a pinch-hit HR in his second at bat). For the season Horton batted .326 in 43 at bats.
  • In 1964 Horton started with the Tigers and was sent to AAA Syracuse in mid May. He batted .288 with 28 HR for Syracuse and was recalled in September. Horton didn't see much action with the Tigers in 1964 and batted .163 in 80 at bats. Horatio Horton June 1964 Baseball Digest.
  • Horton became the starting left fielder for the Tigers in 1965 and had a great season. He was the starting left fielder on the AL All Star team (he was 0 for 3 with a walk) and batted .273 with 29 HR and 104 RBI in 143 games. Willie finished 8th in MVP voting in 1965.
  • Willie's 1966 season was almost as good. He batted .262 with 27 HR and 100 RBI. In 1967 Horton batted .274 with 19 HR and 67 RBI. During the 1967 12th Street riot in Detroit Willie tried to calm the mob by standing on a car in his Tiger uniform and pleading for calm. Unfortunately it didn't work.
  • Horton's best season was probably 1968. In that piching-dominated year Willie was 4th in the AL in batting average (.285) and was 2nd in home runs (36). Horton was the starting left fielder in the All Star Game and was 0 for 2. Willie was 4th in MVP voting behind unanimous selection Denny McLain, teammate Bill Freehan, and Ken Harrelson. Horton batted .304 in 23 at bats in the World Series. Toward the end of the season Tiger manager Mayo Smith employed a creative lineup in order to keep Horton's bat in the lineup. Willie played left field, Mickey Stanley (normally an outfielder) played shortstop, and Jim Northrup played center field. If the Tigers were ahead late in a game, Roy Oyler (the epitome of a good-field/no-hit shortstop) went in at SS, Stanley moved to CF, and Northrup (or Kaline) moved to LF. The Effervescent Tiger - August 1968 Baseball Digest.
  • Willie batted .262 with 28 HR and 91 RBI in 1969. In 1970 Horton was an AL All Star again (he was 2 for 2 and was intentionally walked once). He was on his way to a great season but didn't play after July 24 due to an injury. In 97 games Horton batted .305 with 17 HR and 69 RBI. On June 9, 1970 Willie homered three times against the Milwaukee Brewers.
  • Horton was out for a month from late August to late September 1971. He batted .289 with 22 HR and 72 RBI. In 1972 Horton had his poorest season. He batted .231 with 11 HR and 31 RBI in 108 games. He was 1 for 10 in the 1972 ALCS.
  • Willie made his last AL All Star team in '73 (he struck out in a pinch hitting appearance) and batted .316 with 17 HR and 53 RBI. Willie Horton: The Thinking Man's Hitter December 1983 Baseball Digest. In 1974 Horton played in only 72 games and didn't play after July 7. He batted .298 with 15 HR and 47 RBI. On April 14, 1974 he hit a popup that struck and killed a pigeon at Fenway Park.
  • After Kaline's retirement at the end of the 1974 season Horton became the full-time DH. For the remainder of his career he would only play 22 more games in the outfield. Willie was named the AL's Outstanding Designated Hitter in 1975. He batted .275 with 25 HR and 92 RBI in 1975. Horton dropped to .262 with 14 HR and 56 RBI in 1976.
  • Willie played one game for the Tigers in 1977 before being traded to the Texas Rangers for Steve Foucault. Horton batted .289 with 15 HR and 75 RBI in '77. After the 1977 season he was traded with David Clyde to the Cleveland Indians for Tom Buskey and John Lowenstein. After batting .249 with 5 HR and 22 RBI in 50 games Willie was released by the Indians on July 3. On July 13 he was signed by the Oakland A's and he batted .314 with 3 HR and 19 RBI in 32 games. Willie was then traded to the Toronto Blue Jays with Phil Huffman for Rico Carty. In 33 games Horton batted .205 with 3 HR and 19 RBI.
  • After the 1978 season Horton became a free agent and signed with the Seattle Mariners. He was named AL Comeback Player of the Year and AL Designated Hitter of the Year after batting .279 with 29 HR and 106 RBI. In 1980 Horton slumped to a .221 average with 8 HR and 36 RBI in 97 games. He was on the shelf for two one-month periods. The Game I'll Never Forget August 1980 Baseball Digest.
  • After the 1980 season Willie was traded to the Rangers as part of a large multi-player trade. He didn't make the club in 1981 and was released in spring training. Willie hooked on with the Pittsburgh Pirates and played for their AAA Portland club in 1981 and 1982 but didn't get back to the majors. In 1983 Horton played in the Mexican League.
  • After his playing career Horton coached for the New York Yankees and the Chicago White Sox. In 2000 a statue of Willie was placed in Comerica Park and his #23 was retired (the only Detroit non-HOFer with that honor). Since 2003 he has been a Special Assistant to Dave Dombrowski (President/CEO/GM for the Tigers).
  • Liked to face: Jesse Jefferson (.458 in 24 AB); Bill Lee (.452 in 42 AB); Clyde Wright (.419 with 9 HR in 43 AB)
  • Hated to face: Lindy McDaniel (.083 in 24 AB); Camilo Pascual (.111 in 27 AB); Al Downing (.125 in 40 AB)

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

1976 Topps #292 - Leon Roberts






  • Leon Roberts played for six teams from 1974-1984. Roberts was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 1972. He played in the minors from 1972-1974 and batted .304 in '72, .294 in '73, and .285 in '74 with some power. At the end of the 1974 season Roberts was brought up and batted .270 in 17 games.
  • In 1975 Roberts became the starting right fielder for the Tigers. He batted .257 with 10 HR in 129 games. Leon was traded to the Houston Astros after the 1975 season. Roberts was a backup outfielder for the Astros in 1976. He batted .289 in 87 games in '76. Leon started the 1977 season very poorly (he was batting .095 on June 3) and spent most of the season in the minors. Altogether Leon batted .074 in 19 games. He was traded to the Seattle Mariners for Jimmie Sexton before the 1978 season.
  • Roberts had some productive seasons with the Mariners. In 1978 he batted .301 with 22 HR and 92 RBI as the starting right fielder. Leon batted .271 with 15 HR and 54 RBI in 1979. His production tapered off in 1980 (.251, 10 HR, 33 RBI) and after the season Roberts was traded to the Texas Rangers.
  • In 1981 Roberts mostly played right field and it was his last year as a regular. He batted .279 with 4 HR and 31 RBI in 72 games. Leon played in 31 games for the Rangers in 1982 (.233, 1 HR, 6 RBI) before he was sold to the Toronto Blue Jays on July 15. He played in 40 games for the Blue Jays (.229, 1 HR, 5 RBI) and was traded to the Kansas City Royals for Cecil Fielder after the season.
  • Leon was a backup outfielder and designated hitter in 1983. He batted .258 with 8 HR and 24 RBI in 84 games. In 1984 Roberts batted .222 in 45 AB and was released after the season. He played for Detroit's AAA Evansville club in 1985 but wasn't called up to the majors.
  • Roberts managed for several years in the Detroit farm system after his playing career. He also did some coaching for other clubs (in 2001 he was the hitting coordinator for the Cincinnati Reds organization). Here is a 2001 interview with Roberts.
  • Liked to face: Lary Sorensen (.467 in 15 AB); Fergie Jenkins (.393 in 28 AB); Dennis Eckersley (.346 in 26 AB)
  • Hated to face: Steve Stone (.129 in 31 AB); Ed Figueroa (.136 in 22 AB); Francisco Barrios (.063 in 16 AB)




Saturday, November 14, 2009

1976 Topps #267 - Aurelio Rodriguez




  • Aurelio Rodriguez played third base in the major leagues from 1967-1983. He was known for having a very strong arm. Rodriguez was purchesed from Jalisco (Mexican League) by the California Angels in 1966 and never played in the minor leagues. In 1967 he played in 29 games and batted .238 in 130 at bats. Rodriguez was never known for his bat, but was a good-fielding third baseman.
  • Rodriguez played in 76 games in 1968 and then was made the starting third baseman in 1969, playing in 159 games. In 1970 he was traded to the Washington Senators after playing in 17 games for the Angels. Rodriguez had his most productive power-hitting year for the Senators in 1970, hitting 19 home runs. Despite the productive year, he was included in a trade to the Detroit Tigers (along with Joe Coleman, Ed Brinkman, and Jim Hannan) that brought Denny McLain and three other players to the Senators. The Tigers got the better of that trade.
  • Rodriquez was the starting third baseman for the Tigers for most of the decade. He usually had batting averages below .24o and wasn't much of a power guy. Aurelio won the AL Gold Glove at third base in 1976, which was the first time someone besides Brooks Robinson won it since 1959. In 1977 he missed about six weeks with an injury.
  • In 1979 Aurelio's playing time started to diminish. After the 1979 season he was sold to the San Diego Padres for $200,000. He played in 89 games and batted .200 in 175 at bats for the Padres in 1980 before he was sold to the New York Yankees in August. Rodriguez started at third base for the Yankees for the rest of the 1980 season (Graig Nettles must have been hurt or something).
  • Aurelio didn't play a whole lot for the Yankees in 1981. He appeared in 27 games and batted only 52 times during the season. He did bat .417 in four games in the 1981 World Series. Rodriguez was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays for a minor leaguer after the 1981 season. He never played for the Blue Jays -- he was traded to the Chicago White Sox for Wayne Nordhagen during spring training in 1982.
  • Rodriguez started in 87 games at 3B for the White Sox in 1982. He appeared in 118 games but only batted 277 times. After the 1982 season Aurelio became a free agent and signed with the Baltimore Orioles. He played in 45 games and batted .119 in 67 at bats before he was released in mid-August. The White Sox picked Rodriguez up for some help during the stretch run and he was used mostly as a defensive replacement for the rest of the season. Aurelio was granted free agency after the '83 season, didn't sign with anyone, and retired.
  • After his major league career Aurelio played in the Mexican League until 1987 and then coached in the Cleveland Indians organization. He managed off-and-on in the Mexican League from 1985-2000.
  • Rodriguez was hit by a car and killed on September 23, 2000. Thousands of people, including the President of Mexico, attended his funeral.
  • Liked to face: Jim Palmer (.321 in 81 AB); Mike Cuellar (.297 in 74 AB); Pat Dobson (.339 in 56 AB)
  • Hated to face: Wilbur Wood (.133 in 83 AB); Jim Hunter (.132 in 76 AB); Vida Blue (.167 in 60 AB)