1976 Hostess #8 - Al Fitzmorris

• Al Fitzmorris was an important member of the KC Royals' rotation for a few years in the mid 1970s
• Fitzmorris had a good year in 1974 (13-6, 2.79 ERA)
• He also had a good year in 1976 -- Al was 15-11 with a 3.06 ERA
• After the 1976 season Al was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the expansion draft
• Fitzmorris had the rare distinction of being drafted in two different expansion drafts. The Royals plucked Al from the Chicago White Sox in 1968.
• A few hours after he was taken by the Blue Jays, Fitzmorris was traded to the Cleveland Indians for Andy Ashby and Doug Howard
• Al got into Cleveland manager Frank Robinson's doghouse and the dispute helped lead to Robinson's dismissal. Fitzmorris took himself out of a game and said he had a sore arm. Frank wanted to fine him, but club management turned down the request for a fine.
• Al had a poor season in 1977 and was released by the Indians after pitching in seven games in 1978. The California Angels picked him up, but Fitzmorris left as a free agent after the season.
• Fitzmorris signed with the San Diego Padres in 1979 but didn't make the club.
• Before peak, peak, or after peak? peak

1976 Hostess #71 - Steve Busby

• Steve Busby finished 3rd in AL Rookie of the Year voting in 1973
• Steve was an AL All Star in 1974 and in 1975
• Busby pitched a no-hitter on 27 April 1973 and pitched another one on 19 June 1974
• Steve hurt his arm in 1976 and was unable to pitch as effectively as he did before the injury.
• Busby retired in 1981 after attempting to catch on with the St. Louis Cardinals
• Before peak, peak, or after peak? after peak

1976 Topps #648 - Al Cowens

• Al Cowens was a major league outfielder from 1974-1986. Cowens had a great arm, as this card illustrates, and usually had double-figure outfield assist totals. Al was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 1969. Cowens played in the minors from 1969-1973 before  making the major league ballclub in 1974. Al batted .242 with 1 HR in 110 games in 1974.
• In 1975 Cowens batted .277 with 4 HR in 120 games. Al had a similar year in 1976, batting .265 with 3 HR in 152 games. Cowens went 4 for 21 (.190) in the 1976 ALCS.
• Cowens had his best season in 1977. He finished second to Rod Carew in AL MVP voting and won a Gold Glove award. Al batted .312 with 23 HR and 112 RBI and also had 32 doubles and 14 triples. Cowens went 5 for 19 (.263) in the ALCS.
• Al didn't hit for as  much power in 1978. He batted .274 with 5 HR and 63 RBI during the regular season and went 2 for 15 (.133) in the ALCS.
• Cowens batted .295 with 9 HR in 136 games in 1979. He missed 21 games after having his jaw broken by an Ed Farmer pitch on May 8. Teammate Frank White had his hand broken by another Farmer pitch in the same game. These incidents would have repercussions a year later. After the 1979 season Cowens was traded (along with Todd Cruz and Craig Eaton) to the California Angels for Willie Aikens and Rance Mulliniks.
• Al didn't have a good start with the Angels (.227 in 34 games) and was traded to the Detroit Tigers on May 27 for Jason Thompson. On June 20 Cowens faced Farmer again. As Farmer watched a teammate field a grounder, Cowens ran to the  mound and attacked Farmer from behind instead of running to first base. Cowens was suspended for seven games. A warrant was issued for Al's arrest in Illinois and he had to miss the remainder of the series. The two shook hands as they brought out the lineup cards on September 1 and Farmer dropped the charges, but for the remainder of his career Al saw "Coward Cowens" banners whenever his teams visited Comiskey Park. Al ended up batting .268 with 6 HR and 59 RBI in 1980.
• Al played in 85 games in the 1981 strike season and batted .261 but homered only once. 
• Cowens was purchased by the Seattle Mariners during spring training in 1982. Al had a bounceback season in 1982, batting .270 with 20 HR and 78 RBI.
• Al missed a month of the 1983 season with an injury and batted only .205 with 7 HR in 110 games. 
• Cowens had better years in 1984 (.277 with 15 HR and 78 RBI) and in 1985 (.265 with 14 HR and 69 RBI).
• Al started slowly in 1986. He was batting .183 in 28 games when the Mariners released him on June 12. Cowens then played in Japan for a short time, but it didn't work out.
• Cowens played for Bradenton in the Senior Professonal Baseball League in 1989 and batted .390 in 22 games. After his playing career Al was a scout for the Royals.
• Cowens died of a heart attack on March 11, 2002 at the age of 50. Al's son Purvis started the Al Cowens Heart Healthy Foundation in 2010.
• Liked to face: John Hiller (.529 in 17 AB); Mike Parrott/Steve Stone (.444 in 18 AB)
• Hated to face: Jay Howell (.000 in 10 AB); Dave Frost (.056 in 18 AB); Jim Kern (.111 in 18 AB)

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1976 Topps #616 - Buck Martinez

• Buck Martinez is probably more famous as a broadcaster, but he also had a 17 year career (1969-1986) as a backup catcher for three teams. Buck was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1967. He was taken by the  Houston Astros in the Rule 5 draft in 1968, and then was traded to the Kansas City Royals in a four-player deal.
• Buck shared time with Ellie Rodriguez at catcher in 1969 and batted .228 in 72 games. Martinez played in six games in August and September in 1970 and went 1 for 9. 
• Buck was in the minors for most of the 1971 season and batted .152 in 22 games for the Royals. Martinez was in the minors for the entire 1972 season and for most of the 1973 season. Buck batted .250 in 14 games for the Royals in 1973.
• Buck was a backup catcher in 1974 (.215 in 43 games) and in 1975 (.226 in 80 games). In 1976 Martinez shared time behind the plate with Bob Stinson and batted .228 in 95 games. Buck went 5 for 15 (.333) during the 1976 ALCS.
• Buck's last season with the Royals was in 1977. He batted .225 in 29 games and on December 8 was traded with Mark Littell to the St. Louis Cardinals for Al Hrabosky. Later that same day Buck was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for George Frazier.
• Martinez and Charlie Moore split the catching duties from 1978-1980. Buck batted .219 in 89 games in 1978, .270 in 69 games in 1979, and  .224 in 76 games in 1980. 
• Martinez didn't play for the first five weeks of the 1981 season. Buck was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays on May 10, 1981 for Gil Kubski. From 1981-1986 Martinez backed up Ernie Whitt at catcher. Buck had his best power years in 1982 and 1983--he hit ten homers in each of those seasons. 
• Buck fractured his leg while participating in a strange double play in July 1985. Martinez tagged out a runner trying to score on a throw from right field and fractured his leg on the play. Buck made an errant throw to third base. The left fielder backed up the play and  threw back to the plate. Buck was sprawled out in front of the plate but managed to tag out the runner trying to score.
• Buck retired after the 1986 season and became a broadcaster for the Blue Jays. Martinez later did some broadcasting for ESPN until November 2000. Buck was hired to be the Toronto manager for the 2001 season. He managed the club until May 2002. Toronto was 80-82 in 2001 (.494) but was playing at a .377 clip when Buck was let go as manager.
• Martinez returned to the broadcasting booth after being fired as manager. He has broadcast for TBS and for the Blue Jays. Buck also managed Team USA in the 2006 World Baseball Classic.

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1976 Topps #599 - Rookie Pitchers (Dressler, Guidry, McClure, Zachry)

• Rob Dressler
• First round of the San Francisco Giants in 1972
• Spent a lot of time with the AAA Phoenix Giants, which is where I remember him
• Pitched in three games (two starts) in September 1975 and was 1-0 with a 1.10 ERA
• Was up and down between San Francisco and Phoenix in 1976
• Went 3-10 with a 4.43 ERA in 25 games (19 starts) for the Giants in 1977
• Spent the entire 1977 season in Phoenix
• Started 20 games for Phoenix in 1977 before being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals on July 24 for John Tamargo
• Spent some time in AAA Springfield before coming up to the Cardinals in September
• Pitched in three games (two starts) for the Cardinals in 1978 and was 0-1 with a 2.08 ERA
• Was loaned to Seattle and pitched for the Mariners' AAA Spokane club for two months.
• Sold to Seattle in early June
• Went 3-2 with a 4.93 ERA in 21 games (11 starts) for the Mariners in 1979
• Appeared in 30 games (14 starts) for the Mariners in 1980 and was 4-10 with a 3.98 ERA
• Released during spring training in 1981 and retired
• Ron Guidry
• "Louisiana Lightning" was one of the Yankees that I liked.
• Drafted by the New York Yankees in 1971 and pitched in the minors until 1976
• Had brief trials in 1975 (0-1, 3.45 ERA in 10 games) and in 1976 (0-0, 5.63 ERA in 7 games)
• 1977: 16-7 with a 2.82 ERA
• 1978: A dominant season in which he had a 25-3 record with a 1.74 ERA (led the AL in wins and in ERA)
• Won the 1978 AL Cy Young Award and finished second in MVP voting
• 1979: 18-8, 2.78 ERA (led the AL in ERA)
• 1980: 17-10, 3.56 ERA
• 1981: 11-5, 2.76 ERA
• 1982: 14-8, 3.81 ERA
• 1983: 21-9, 3.42 ERA, led the AL with 21 complete games
• 1984: 10-11, 4.59 ERA
• Struck out three batters on nine pitches (Carlton Fisk, Tom Paciorek, Greg Luzinski) on August 7, 1984
• 1985: Ron's last big year -- 22-6 with a 3.27 ERA (led the AL in wins)
• 1986: 9-12, 3.98 ERA
• 1987: 5-8, 3.67 ERA
• 1988: 2-3, 4.18 ERA in 10 starts
• Retired with a record of 170-91 (.651 winning percentage)
• All Star Game record:
• 1978 - 0.1 IP, 0 runs
• 1979 - 0.1 IP, 1 BB, 0 runs
• 1982 - did not pitch
• 1983 - did not pitch
• Gold Glove winner five times (1982-1986)
• Post season record:
• 1977 ALCS - 1-0, 3.97 ERA in 2 starts
• 1977 World Series - 1-0, 2.00 ERA in 1 start
• 1978 ALCS - 1-0, 1.13 ERA in 1 start
• 1978 World Series - 1-0, 1.00 ERA in 1 start
• 1980 ALCS - 0-1, 12.00 ERA in 1 start
• 1981 ALDS - 0-0, 5.40 ERA in 2 starts
• 1981 World Series - 1-1, 1.93 ERA in 2 starts
• Was the Yankees' pitching coach in 2006 and 2007
• Baseball Digest articles
• Ron Guidry: The Yankees' Super Southpaw - September 1978
• How Ron Guidry Perfected the Fine Art of Pitching - January 1980
• Ron Guidry: Louisiana Lightning Strikes Again - October 1985
• Remembering Ron Guidry: He Was Master of His Craft - November 1989
• Bob McClure
• Originally drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1973 but did not sign
• Drafted by the Kansas City Royals later in 1973 and signed
• Had brief stints with the Royals in 1975 (1-0, 0.00 ERA in 12 games) and in 1976 (0-0, 9.00 ERA in nine games)
• Traded to the Milwaukee Brewers with Jamie Quirk and Jim Wohlford for Darrell Porter and Jim Colborn
• Was a reliever for the Brewers from 1977-1981
• 1977: 2-1, 6 saves, 2.52 ERA in 68 games
• 1978: 2-6, 9 saves, 3.74 ERA in 44 games
• 1979: 5-2, 5 saves, 3.88 ERA in 36 games
• 1980: 5-8, 10 saves, 3.08 ERA in 52 games (5 starts)
• 1981: 0-0, 3.52 ERA in four games (missed most of the season with arm problems)
• Pitched in three games in the 1981 ALDS and allowed no runs in 3.1 innings
• Became a starting pitcher in 1982 and started most of the time through the 1984 season
• Went 12-7 with a 4.22 ERA in 34 games (26 starts) in 1982
• Won game 5 in a 1.2 inning relief stint in the 1982 NLCS
• Earned saves in games 4 and 5 and took the loss in games 2 and 7 in the 1982 World Series
• Went 9-9 with an ERA of 4.50 in 24 games (23 starts) in 1983
• Appeared in 39 games (18 starts) in 1984 and was 4-8 with a 4.38 ERA
• Became a full-time reliever again in 1985 and started only one game for the remainder of his career
• In 1985 he appeared in 38 games (1 start) and was 4-1 with a 4.32 ERA
• Started the 1986 season with the Brewers (2-1, 3.86 ERA in 13 games) and was traded to the  Montreal Expos on June 8 for a minor leaguer
• Was 2-5 with six saves and had a 3.02 ERA in 52 games for the Expos in 1986
• Appeared in 52 games and was 6-1 with five saves and had a 3.44 ERA in 1987
• Started the 1988 season with the Expos (1-3, 6.16 ERA in 19 games) and was released on July 2
• Signed with the New York Mets on July 13, 1988 and was 1-0 with a 4.09 ERA in 14 games.
• Released after the 1988 season and later signed with the California Angels
• 1989: 6-1, 3 saves, 1.55 ERA in 48 games
• 1990: 2-0, 6.43 ERA in 11 games
• Did not pitch  until August 18 of 1990 due to injury
• Started 1991 with the Angels (0-0, 9.31 ERA in 13 games) and was released on June 16
• Signed with the St. Louis Cardinals a week later and was 1-1 with a 3.13 ERA in 32 games
• Went 2-2 with a 3.17 ERA in 71 games in 1992
• Became a free agent after the 1992 season and signed with the Florida Marlins
• Went 1-1 with a 7.11 ERA in 14 games in 1993 and was released in mid-May
• Coached in the Colorado Rockies organization from 1999-2005
• Has been the pitching coach for the Royals since 2006
• Pat Zachry
• Drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in 1970.
• Came up to the Reds in 1976 and was the NL Rookie of the Year
• Went 14-7 with a 2.74 ERA in 38 games (28 starts) in 1976
• Started and won game 2 of the 1976 NLCS
• Started and won game 3 of the 1976 World Series
• Began the 1977 season with the Reds and went 3-7 with a 5.04 ERA in 12 starts
• Went to the New York Mets as part of the big Tom Seaver trade on June 15, 1977
• Started 19 games for the Mets in 1977 and had a 7-6 record with a 3.76 ERA
• Made the NL All Star team in 1978 but didn't pitch in the game
• Was injured in 1978 and didn't pitch after July 24.
• Went 10-6 with a 3.33 ERA in 21 starts in 1978
• Broke  his foot when he tried to kick a helmet in the dugout after giving up a hit (game #38) during Pete Rose's 44-game hitting streak and was out for the rest of the year
• Started seven games in 1979 (5-1, 3.59 ERA) but didn't pitch after June 8
• Was 6-10 with a 3.01 ERA in 28 games (26 starts) in 1980
• Led the NL with 14 losses in 1981 (7-14, 4.14 ERA in 24 starts)
• Was a swingman in 1982 and went 6-9 with a 4.05 ERA in 36 games (16 starts)
• Traded to the LA Dodgers after the 1982 season for Jorge Orta
• Became a reliever with the Dodgers in 1983 and was 6-1 with a 2.49 ERA in 40 games (1 start)
• Pitched in two games in the 1983 NLCS and allowed one run in four innings
• Appeared in 58 games in 1984 and was 5-6 with a 3.81 ERA
• Traded to the Philadelphia Phillies for Al Oliver before the 1985 season
• Had a 4.26 ERA in ten games before his release on June 8, 1985
• Pitched in the Senior Professional Baseball Association in 1989
• Taught high school in California after his playing career
• Now lives in Texas. Here is his TTM information

1976 Topps #598 - Rookie Outfielders (Cruz, Quirk, Turner, Wallis)

• Hector Cruz
• Brother of Jose Cruz and uncle of Jose Cruz Jr
• Signed by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1970
• I remember him as Heity Cruz
• Went 0 for 11 in 11 games with the Cardinals in 1973
• Sporting News Minor League Player of the Year in 1975
• Batted .146 in 23 games for the Cardinals in 1975
• Finished third in NL Rookie of the Year voting (behind co-winners Pat Zachry and Butch Metzger) in 1976
• Played in 151 games at 3B for the Cardinals in 1976 and batted .228 with 13 HR and 71 RBI
• Led NL third basemen with 26 errors and had a .934 fielding percentage in 1976
• Played mostly outfield in 1977 and batted .236 in 118 games
• Traded with Dave Rader to the Chicago Cubs after the 1977 season for Steve Swisher, Jerry Morales, and cash
• Started the 1978 season with the Cubs (.237 in 30 games) and traded to the San Francisco Giants for Lynn McGlothen on June 15
• Played OF and 3B for the Giants and batted .227 in 90 games in 1978
• Started the 1979 season with the Giants (.120 in 16 games) and was traded to the Cincinnati Reds in late June for Pedro Borbon
• Batted .242 in 74 games as a fourth OF for the Reds in 1979
• Batted .213 in 75 AB for the Reds in 1980
• Traded to the Cubs for Mike Vail after the 1980 season
• Batted .229 in 53 games in 1981
• Was up and down between Chicago and AAA Iowa in 1982
• Batted .211 in 19 AB for the Cubs in 1982
• Released on August 4, 1982
• Played in Japan in 1983
• Works for the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier in Chicago
• Jamie Quirk
• First round draft pick of the Kansas City Royals in 1972
• Played everywhere but second base and pitcher during his career
• Had a brief stint with Kansas City in 1975 and batted .256 in 14 games
• Batted .246 in 64 games in 1976
• Went 1 for 8 (.125) in four games in the 1976 ALCS
• Traded to the Milwaukee Brewers after the 1976 season as part of the deal the brought Darrell Porter to the Royals
• Spent one season in Milwaukee and batted .217 in 93 games
• Played for  Milwaukee's AAA Spokane club for most of the 1978 season
• Traded back to Kansas City at the end of the 1978 season and batted .207 in 17 games
• Was a seldom-used utilityman for the Royals from 1979-1982.
• Didn't make the postseason roster for the Royals in 1980 or 1981
• Signed with the St. Louis Cardinals as a free agent before the 1983 season
• Batted .209 in 48 games for the Cardinals in 1983
• Cut from the Cardinals during spring training in 1984
• Signed with the Chicago White Sox on May 23
• Spent some time with AAA Denver
• Played in three games (0 for 2) with the White Sox before being sold to the Cleveland Indians on September 24
• Batted once (1 for 1) with the Indians before being released after the 1984 season
• Signed with the Royals for a third stint before the 1985 season
• Played in only 19 games as a catcher and first baseman but still made the postseason roster
• Went 0 for 1 in one game in the 1985 ALCS. Did not play in the 1985 World Series
• Spent the next three seasons (1986-1988) as a utiltyman for the Royals
• Signed with the New York Yankees as a free agent after the 1988 season
• Played for three different teams (Yankees, A's, and Baltimore Orioles) during the 1989 season
• Spent the 1990-1992 seasons as a utiltyman for the A's
• Signed with the Cincinnati Reds before the 1993 season but retired during spring training
• Coached in the minors and  majors after his playing career
• Was the bullpen coach for the Houston Astros in 2010
• Jerry Turner
• Drafted by the San Diego Padres in 1972
• Batted .329 in 142 games with AAA Hawaii in 1975
• Brief appearances with the Padres in 1974 (.292 in 17 games) and in 1975 (.273 in 11 games)
• Shared time with Johnny Grubb in left field in 1976 and batted .267 in 281 AB
• Played all three OF positions in 1977 and batted .246 in 289 AB
• Was a fourth OF again in 1978 and batted .280 in 225 AB
• Started in LF in 1979 and batted .248 in 448 AB
• Batted .288 in 153 AB in 1980
• Didn't play  much for the Padres in 1981 -- batted .226 in 31 AB
• Sold to the Chicago White Sox on September 9, 1981
• Went 2 for 12 (.167) in 10 games for the White Sox in 1981
• Signed with the Detroit Tigers as a free agent after the 1981 season
• Batted .248 in 85 games as a backup OF and designated hitter
• Released after the 1982 season and signed with the San Diego Padres
• Was up and down between AAA and San Diego in 1983
• Batted .130 in 23 AB for the Padres in 1983
• Released in July 1983
• Signed with the Philadelphia Phillies and played in the minors but wasn't brought up to the majors
• Retired after the 1983 season
• Joe Wallis
• Drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 1973
• Came up at the end of the 1975 season and batted .286 in 16 games
• Broke up Tom Seaver's no-hit bid with two out in the 9th inning on September 24, 1975
• Played all three OF positions in 1976 and batted .254 in 121 games
• Batted .250 in 80 AB in 1977
• Started the 1978 season with the Cubs (.309 in 55 AB)
• Traded twice in the same day (June 15) in 1978
• First traded from the Cubs to the Cleveland Indians for Mike Vail
• Traded from the Indians to the Oakland A's for Gary Alexander
• Played in 85 games for the A's in 1978 and batted .237.
• Batted .141 in 23 games in 1979
• Released during spring training in 1980

1976 Topps #593 - Rookie Pitchers (Anderson, Crosby, Littell, Metzger)

• Larry Anderson
• This is the Larry Anderson that didn't have a very long career
• Drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in 1971
• Came up to the Brewers at the end of the 1974 season and pitched 2.1 scoreless innings in two games
• Pitched in the minors in 1975 and came back up to Milwaukee in September
• Was 1-0 with a 5.04 ERA in eight games (one start)
• Larry's one start was a shutout pitched against the Detroit Tigers on September 28.
• Spent the entire 1976 season in the minors
• Drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the expansion draft after the 1976 season.
• Traded to the Chicago White Sox for Phil Roof before the 1977 season
• Spent most of the 1977 season in the minors
• Pitched in six games for the White Sox in 1977 and was 1-3 with a 9.35 ERA.
• Pitched for several minor league teams from 1978-1980 but never got back to the majors.
• Ken Crosby
• Drafted by the New York Yankees in 1969
• Pitched in the Yankee organization from 1969-1973 without getting a shot at the majors
• Traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in September 1973
• Pitched in the St. Louis organization in 1974 and in the first part of 1975
• Traded to the Chicago Cubs in late July for Eddie Solomon
• Pitched for the Cubs at the end of the 1975 season and went 1-0 with a 3.24 ERA in nine games
• Pitched in seven games (1 start) for the Cubs in April and May 1976. Had an 0-0 record with a 12.00 ERA in 12 innings.
• Finished the 1976 season in AAA and retired after the season.

• Mark Littell
• Drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 1971
• Came up to the Royals in 1973 as a starter
• Pitched in eight games (seven starts) and was 1-3 with a 5.68 ERA
• Spent 1974 and most of 1975 in the  minors
• Came back up in August 1975 and went 1-2 with a 3.70 ERA in seven games (three starts)
• Became a reliever in 1976 and had a good year for the Royals
• Went 8-4 with 16 saves and had a 2.08 ERA in 60 games (one start)
• Littell gave up the game-winning (and series-winning) home run in the bottom of the 9th to Chris Chambliss in game 5 of the 1976 ALCS
• Went 8-4 with 12 saves and had a 3.61 ERA in 48 games (five starts) in 1977.
• Pitched three innings in two games in the 1977 ALCS and had a 3.00 ERA
• Traded to the St. Louis Cardinals after the 1977 season for Al Hrabosky
• Pitched in a career-high 72 games (2 starts) in 1978 and went 4-8 with 11 saves and had a 2.79 ERA.
• Went 9-4 with 13 saves and had a 2.19 ERA in 63 games in 1979.
• Suffered an injury on May 28, 1980 and missed the rest of the season
• Had bone spurs in his elbow
• Went 0-2 with 2 saves and had a 9.28 ERA in 14 games
• Pitched in his first game of 1981 on May 22
• Was 1-3 with 2 saves and had a 4.39 ERA in 28 games
• Pitched in 16 games in 1982 and went 0-1 with a 5.23 ERA
• Mark's last major league game was on June 24, 1982
• Marketed a protective cup called a "Nutty Buddy" in 2006
• Allowed himself to be hit by a 90 MPH fastball to demonstrate the product
• Butch Metzger.
• Drafted by the San Francisco Giants in 1970
• Came up to the majors in September 1974 and went 1-0 with a 3.55 ERA in ten games
• Traded with Tito Fuentes to the San Diego Padres after the 1974 season for Derrel Thomas
• Was in the minors for most of the 1975 season
• Pitched in four games for the Padres in September 1975 (1-0, 7.71 ERA in four games)
• Was the NL Rookie of the Year in 1976
• Pitched in 77 games and was 11-4 with 16 saves and had a 2.92 ERA
• Started the 1977 season with the Padres (0-0, 5.56 ERA in 17 games)
• Traded to the St. Louis Cardinals on May 16 for John D'Acquisto and Pat Scanlon on May 17
• Went 4-2 with 7 saves and had a 3.11 ERA in 58 games for the Cardinals in 1977.
• Selected off of waivers by the New York Mets on April 5, 1978
• Went 1-3 with a 6.51 ERA in 25 games for the Mets in 1978
• Purchased by the Philadelphia Phillies on July 4, 1978 and spent the rest of the season in AAA.
• Was released by the Phillies during spring training in 1979 and did  not pitch that year.
• Pitched for the Atlanta Braves' AAA Richmond club in 1980 but did not get back to the majors.

I couldn't end this entry without showing Mark Littell's video for his product:

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.

1976 Topps #541 - Steve Mingori

• Steve Mingori pitched in the majors from 1970-1979, mostly for the Kansas City Royals. Steve was mostly a relief pitcher -- he started only two games in his career. Mingori was signed by the Cincinnati Reds in 1965. Steve pitched in the minors from 1965-1969 without making the Reds ballclub. After the 1969 season Steve was traded to the Cleveland Indians for Jay Ward.
• Mingori started the 1970 season in the minors and was brought up to the Indians in August. Steve pitched in 21 games and was 1-0 with a 2.66 ERA. Mingori was with the Indians for the entire 1971 season. He pitched in 24 games and had a 1-2 record with four saves and a 1.43 ERA. 
• In 1972 Mingori was a closer (along with two other pitchers) and recorded ten saves. He also was 0-6 with a 3.95 ERA in 41 games. Steve spent some time in AAA in July of 1972.
• Steve started the 1973 season in the minors. He pitched in five games for the Indians in 1973 (0-0, 6.17 ERA) before being traded to his hometown Kansas City Royals on June 8 for Mike Jackson. Mingori then spent about a month with Kansas City's AAA Omaha club before being called up in mid-July. Steve pitched in 19 games for the Royals (including starting the last game of the season on September 30) and was 3-3 with one save and a 3.04 ERA.
• Mingori started the 1974 in Omaha. He was recalled in May and was in the majors to stay until his retirement in 1979. Steve was 2-3 with two saves and a 2.81 ERA in 36 games in 1974. In 1975 Mingori was 0-3 with two saves and a 2.50 ERA in 36 games.
• Steve was used as the left-handed closer (Mark Littell was the righty closer) in 1976. Mingori went 5-5 with ten saves and a 2.32 ERA in 55 games during the 1976 season. Steve pitched in three games in the ALCS and saved game 4. He had a 2.70 ERA in 3.1 innings during the series.
• Mingori had another good season out of the bullpen in 1977. He was 2-4 with four saves and a 3.09 ERA in 39 games. During the 1977 ALCS Steve pitched in three games and didn't allow a run in 1.1 innings.
• Steve was 1-4 with seven saves and a 2.74 ERA in 45 games in 1978. He appeared in game 1 of the ALCS and allowed three runs in 3.2 innings.
• Mingori had a rough year in 1979. He went 3-3 with one save and a 5.79 ERA in 30 games. He pitched in his final game on September 2, 1979 and was released after the season.
• Steve had back trouble that caused him problems after his career. He coached for the Toronto Blue Jays for a time in the early 1990s.
• Steve died of natural causes on July 10, 2008.
• Liked to face: Jack Brohamer (.000 in 11 AB); Ken Henderson (.077 in 13 AB); Chris Chambliss (.125 in 24 AB)
• Hated to face: Rod Carew (.500 in 24 AB); Bucky Dent (.476 in 21 AB); Mickey Stanley (.467 in 15 AB)

1976 Topps #535 - Dave Nelson

• Dave Nelson played in the majors from 1968-1977. Nelson was signed by the Cleveland Indians in 1964. Dave spent four seasons (1964-1967) in the minors before making the Cleveland ballclub in 1968.
• Nelson backed up at 2B and SS in 1968 and batted .233 with 23 stolen bases in 88 games. Dave backed up at 2B and in the outfield in 1969 and batted .203 in 52 games. 
• After the 1969 season Nelson was traded (with Ron Law and Horatio Pina) to the Washington Senators for Dennis Higgins and Barry Moore.
• Dave started the 1970 season with the Senators but was sent to the minors in early June. Nelson came back to the Senators when the rosters expanded in September. Dave batted .159 in 47 games for the Senators in 1970.
• Nelson started the 1971 season in the minors and was brought up in  mid-June. Dave batted .280 in 85 games as a backup 3B and 2B.
• Dave became the starting third baseman for the Texas Rangers (nee Washington Senators) in 1972. He batted .226 in 145 games with little power. Nelson did show his speed on the bases -- he stole 51 bases and led the AL with 17 times caught stealing.
• Nelson moved over to start at 2B in 1973. He made the AL All Star team (he played late in the game as a defensive replacement) and it was his best season. Dave batted .286 with 24 doubles and 7 HR in 142 games and also stole 43 bases.
• Dave started at 2B for the Rangers in 1974 but his offense dropped off. Nelson batted .236 with 25 stolen bases in 121 games in 1974. 
• Nelson had a rough 1975 season. He and Yankee manager Bill Virdon exchanged words after Nelson was hit by a pitch during a spring training game and it escalated into a benches-clearing brawl. Dave was injured and missed almost four months of the 1975 season. Nelson batted .213 in 28 games in 1975.
• After the 1975 season Dave was traded to the Kansas City Royals for Nelson Briles. Dave shared time with Cookie Rojas and young Frank White at second base and played occasionally at DH. Nelson batted .235 with 15 stolen bases in 78 games during the regular season. Dave made one pinch hitting appearance in the ALCS (he grounded out against Sparky Lyle in game 3).
• Nelson was a bench player in 1977 and batted .188 in 27 games. Dave was released at the end of spring training in 1978.
• Dave coached at Texas Christian University in 1980 and then coached with the Chicago White Sox from 1981-1984. Nelson then worked for the Oakland A's as a director of minor league instruction (1986-1987) and for the Montreal Expos as a minor league baserunning instructor (1990-1991). He also coached with the Cleveland Indians (1992-1997) and with the Milwaukee Brewers (2001-2006). 
• Nelson did some radio announcing with the Chicago Cubs in 1988 and 1989 and with the Indians in 1998 and 1999. Dave is now an analyst for the Milwaukee Brewers on FSN Wisconsin. He also is the Brewers' director of alumni relations and sits on the board of directors for Open Arms Home for Children (provides homes for children affected by South Africa's AIDS pandemic).
• Liked to face: Eddie Fisher (.545 in 11 AB); Tom Bradley (.471 in 17 AB); Milt Wilcox (.438 in 16 AB)
• Hated to face: Ray Lamb (.000 in 10 AB); Joe Decker (.095 in 21 AB); Dick Woodson (.120 in 25 AB). 

1976 Topps #510 - Amos Otis

• Amos Otis played in the majors from 1967-1984, mostly for the Kansas City Royals. Otis was originally drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 1965. After playing one season in Boston's system Amos was drafted by the New York Mets after the 1966 season. Otis was in the minors for most of the 1967 season and was called up at the end of the season. Amos batted .220 in 15 games for the Mets in 1967.
• Otis was in the minors in 1968. He started the 1969 season with the Mets but didn't get along with manager Gil Hodges, who wanted Otis to play third base. Amos ended up going to the minors for a few months and batted .151 in 48 games. After the 1969 season Otis was traded with Bob Johnson to the Kansas City Royals for third base prospect Joe Foy.
• Otis became the full-time center fielder for the Royals in 1970 and made the AL All Star team (he was 0 for 3 in the game). Amos batted .284 and led the league with 36 doubles in 1970. He stole 33 bases and was caught only twice.
• Amos was an All Star again in 1971 (0 for 1 in the game) and won his first Gold Glove. Otis stole 52 bases to lead the American League and batted .301 with 15 HR and 79 RBI. Amos Otis Does It His Way - September 1971 Baseball Digest. Five Year Plan Works for Otis - June 18, 1971 St. Petersburg Times. In 1972 Amos was an All Star but didn't get in the game. He batted .293 with 11 HR and 54 RBI in 1972.
• Otis started in center field in the 1973 All Star Game and went 2 for 2 with an RBI and a stolen base. Amos finished third in AL MVP voting as he batted .300 with 26 HR and 93 RBI. He also won his second Gold Glove award in 1973. Amos Otis: I'm No Superstar - June 1973 Baseball Digest.
• Amos won his third (and last) Gold Glove in 1974 and batted .284 with 12 HR and 73 RBI. Otis had an off year in 1975 as he batted .247 with 9 HR and 46 RBI. Amos Otis The Royals' 'Mr. Cool' - July 1975 Baseball Digest.
• In 1976 Otis led the AL with 40 doubles and batted .279 with 18 HR and 86 RBI. He also made his fifth (and final) All Star team and struck out as a pinch hitter. Amos batted once in the ALCS and was 0 for 1.
• Amos was less productive in 1977. Otis hit 17 HR  but his doubles total dropped to 20 and he batted .251. He batted .125 in five games in the ALCS. Amos Otis Is a Real Hero to Flood-Stranded Fans - September 18, 1977 Nevada Daily Mail.
• Otis had a nice season in 1978. He was fourth in AL MVP voting and batted .298 with 22 HR and 96 RBI. Amos batted .429 and stole four bases in the ALCS.
• Otis had has last big season in 1979. He batted .295 with 18 HR and 90 RBI. Amos stole 30 bases and was caught five times. Amos Otis: Why Does He Always Get Second Billing? -  April 1979 Baseball Digest.
• In 1980 Otis was injured in spring training and didn't play until May 25. He played in 107 games and batted .251 with 10 HR and 53 RBI. Amos had a great postseason -- he batted .333 in three games in the ALCS and .478 with three home runs in the World Series.
• Amos batted .269 with nine HR and 57 RBI in 1981. He went 0 for 12 in the ALDS. In 1982 Amos batted .286 with 11 HR and 88 RBI. His last year with the Royals was in 1983. Otis batted .261 with 4 HR in 98 games. Amos Otis Fights the Ravages of Father Time - June 1983 Baseball Digest.
• After the 1983 season Otis became a free agent (Amos Otis Falls Victim to Royals' Youth Movement - September 15, 1983 Miami News. He signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates but he wasn't very successful. Amos batted .165 in 40 games and was released on August 5.
• Amos played in the Senior Professional Baseball Association in 1989 and batted .332 with 11 HR.
• Here is an interview with Amos Otis.
• Liked to face: Jackie Brown (.565 in 23 AB); Don Aase (.542 in 24 AB); Ross Grimsley (.500 in 26 AB)
• Hated to face: Lloyd Allen (.000 in 13 AB); Bob Stanley (.097 in 31 AB); Doc Medich (.119 in 67 AB)

1976 Topps #492 - Marty Pattin

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• Marty Pattin pitched in the  majors from 1968-1980. Marty earned a bachelor's and master's degree from Eastern Illinois University before being drafted by the California Angels in 1965. Marty once struck out 22 batters in a game while pitching for Eastern Illinois University.
• Pattin pitched in the minors from 1965 until early in the 1968 season. He was brought up to the Angels in mid-May of 1968 and had a 4-4 record with three saves and a 2.79 ERA in 52 games (4 starts). After the 1968 season Pattin was taken by the Seattle Pilots in the expansion draft.
• Pattin was 7-12 with a 5.62 ERA in 34 games (27 starts) for the Pilots in 1969. The Pilots became the Milwaukee Brewers in 1970 and Marty had a good year (14-12, 3.39 ERA in 29 starts).
• Pattin made the AL All Star team in 1971 (he didn't pitch in the game) and was 14-14 with a 3.13 ERA in 36 starts. After the 1971 season Pattin was traded with Tommy Harper, Lew Krausse, and a minor leaguer to the Boston Red Sox for Ken Brett, Billy Conigliaro, Joe Lahoud, Jim Lonborg, Don Pavletich, and George Scott.
• Marty was 17-13 with a 3.24 ERA for the Red Sox in 1972. Pattin took a no-hitter into the 9th inning on July 11 before it was broken up by a Reggie Jackson single with one out. He was 15-15 with a 4.31 ERA in 1973. According to Bill Lee, Pattin had a habit of throwing up after the first inning of just about every game he pitched. After the 1973 season Pattin was traded to the Kansas City Royals for Dick Drago.
• The Royals used Pattin as a reliever and occasional starter during his time there. In 1974 Marty was 3-7 with a 3.99 ERA in 25 games (11 starts).
• Pattin was named AL Pitcher of the Month twice in 1975 -- June (as a starter) and September (as a reliever). Marty pitched in 44 games (15 starts) and was 10-10 with five saves and a 3.25 ERA.
• In 1976 Pattin was 8-14 with five saves and a 2.49 ERA in 44 games (15 starts). He made two appearances in the ALCS and had a 27.00 ERA in 1/3 of an inning.
• Marty was 10-3 with a 3.58 ERA in 31 games (10 starts) in 1977. He appeared in game 4 of the ALCS and allowed two runs (one unearned) in six innings.
• In 1978 Marty was 3-3 with four saves and a 3.32 ERA in 32 games (5 starts). He allowed two hits and two runs in 2/3 of an inning in game 2 of the ALCS.
• Pattin was 5-2 with three saves and an ERA of 4.58 in 31 games (7 starts) in 1979. In 1980 Marty was 4-0 with four saves and a 3.64 ERA in 37 games. He wasn't used in the ALCS and pitched one scoreless inning in game 6 of the 1980 World Series. Pattin retired after the 1980 season.
• Marty was the head baseball coach at the University of Kansas from 1982-1987. He now makes appearances for the Royals.
• Liked to face: Rick Auerbach (.000 in 12 AB); Roy Smalley (.040 in 25 AB); Larry Hisle (.097 in 31 AB)
• Hated to face: Tony Solaita (.500 in 14 AB); Tony Oliva (.490 in 51 AB); Ed Herrmann (.407 with 4 HR in 27 AB)

1976 Topps #466 - Bob Stinson

• Bob Stinson was a major league catcher from 1969-1980. Bob had the nickname "Scrap Iron," but Phil Garner also had the nickname and was remembered more. Stinson was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1966. Bob played a lot in the minors from 1966-1971. He hit pretty well in the minors (.283 lifetime average in six seasons) but it took a while for Stinson to stick in the majors.
• Stinson had a couple of late season looks with the Dodgers. He went 3 for 8 in four games in 1969 and 0 for 3 in four games in 1970. After the 1970 season Bob was traded with Ted Sizemore to the St. Louis Cardinals for Dick Allen.
• Bob was in the minors for the first few months of the 1971 season but was brought up after batting .324 in 87 games. Stinson didn't get much playing time with the Cardinals since they had Ted Simmons as the starting catcher. Bob batted .211 in 19 at bats for the Cardinals in 1971. After the 1971 season Stinson was traded to the Houston Astros for Marty Martinez.
• Stinson was a #3 catcher for the Astros in 1972 and batted .171 in 35 at bats. During spring training in 1973 Bob was purchased by the Montreal Expos.
• Stinson spent two seasons with the Expos as a backup catcher. In 1973 he batted .261 in 111 at bats and in 1974 he batted .172 in 87 at bats. By 1975 the Expos had Gary Carter and Barry Foote. Stinson was traded to the Kansas City Royals for Rodney Scott during the 1975 spring training.
•  Bob got a little bit more playing time with the Royals in his two seasons with the club. He batted .265 in 147 at bats in 1975 and .263 in 209 at bats in 1976. Stinson went 0 for 1 in two games in the 1976 ALCS. After the 1976 season Bob was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the expansion draft.
• Stinson was Seattle's starting catcher in 1977 and 1978. Bob batted .269 in 297 at bats in 1977. He had his best year in 1978 when he batted .269 and hit 11 home runs in 364 at bats.
• Bob's playing time diminished in 1979. He split time with Larry Cox and batted .243 in 247 at bats. In 1980 Stinson batted .215 in 107 at bats. The Mariners gave Stinson his release on August 7, 1980.
• After his playing career Stinson worked for Boeing.
• Keith Olbermann has said that he has a 1975/1976 SSPC set that is autographed by everyone except for Stinson. Apparently Stinson refuses to autograph unlicenced products that didn't pay him.
• Liked to face: Rick Langford (.438 in 16 AB); Ed Figueroa (.385 in 26 AB); Dennis Leonard (.381 in 21 AB)
• Hated to face: Dave Frost/Sid Monge (.000 in 10 AB); Bill Bonham (.091 in 11 AB); Dave Lemanczyk (.111 in 18 AB)

1976 Topps #440 - John Mayberry

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  John Mayberry was drafted by the Houston Astros in the first round in 1967. John had trouble breaking into the Houston lineup. He had short stints with the Astros in 1968 (.000 in 9 AB) and in 1969 (.000 in 4 AB).

• Mayberry split the 1970 and 1971 seasons between AAA and the Astros. In 1970 he batted .216 in 148 AB and in 1971 he batted .182 in 137 AB. After the 1971 season John was traded with a minor leaguer to the Kansas City Royals for Lance Clemons and Jim York.

• The trade was beneficial for Mayberry and the Royals. John became the starting first baseman for the Royals and finished 12th in AL MVP voting in 1972. He batted .298 with 25 HR and 100 RBI. In 1973 Mayberry batted .278 with 26 HR and 100 RBI and led the AL with 122 walks and a .417 on base percentage. John was the starting first baseman in the 1973 All Star Game and was 1 for 3 with a double. Big John Mayberry: An Emerging Slugger - September 1973 Baseball Digest

• Mayberry missed about three weeks in August of 1974 with an injury. He batted .234 with 22 HR and 69 RBI. John was an AL All Star again in 1974 and was 0 for 1 as a pinch hitter.

• John’s best season was probably 1975. He finished second to Fred Lynn in AL MVP voting. Mayberry batted .291 with 34 HR and 106 RBI and also led the AL with 119 walks.

• Just as the Royals started winning AL West titles John’s production started to drop. In 1976 he batted .232 with 13 HR and 95 RBI. Mayberry batted .222 with 1 HR in the 1976 ALCS. Mayberry batted .230 with 23 HR and 80 RBI for the Royals in 1977 and batted .167 with 1 HR in the 1977 NLCS. Apparently he partied pretty hard before game 4 of the ALCS and didn’t perform well. Royals manager Whitey Herzog demanded that John be moved from the team and just before the 1978 season John was purchased by the Toronto Blue Jays.

• Mayberry batted .250 with 22 HR and 70 RBI for the Blue Jays in 1978. In 1979 John batted .274 with 21 HR and 74 RBI. Mayberry had his best year as a Blue Jay in 1980. He batted .248 with 30 HR and 82 RBI.

• In the strike-shortened 1981 season John batted .248 with 17 HR and 43 RBI. Mayberry started the 1982 season with the Blue Jays and batted .273 with 2 home runs in 17 games. On May 5 John was traded with a minor leaguer to the New York Yankees for Dave Revering and Tom Dodd. Mayberry played in 69 games for the Yankees and batted .209 with 8 HR and 27 RBI. John didn’t make the Yankee ballclub in 1983 and was released in spring training.

• After his playing career Mayberry coached in the Blue Jays’ system for five years and then for the Royals for two more years. He also worked in the Royals’ Community Affairs Department. His son John Jr. played for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2009.

• Liked to face: Dennis Leonard (.458 in 24 AB); Moose Haas (.440 in 25 AB); Fergie Jenkins (.324 with 6 HR in 71 AB)

• Hated to face: Floyd Bannister/Bob McClure (.000 in 14 AB); Rick Waits (.067 in 30 AB); Rick Langford (.071 in 42 AB)

1976 Topps #415 - Vada Pinson

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  Vada Pinson was retired when this card was made. His last game was September 28, 1975. He was a good outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds in the early 1960s and came close to getting 3,000 hits for his career (he had 2757).

• 
  
  Vada Pinson was signed by the Cincinnati Redlegs in 1956. He played in the minors from 1956-1958. Vada batted .367 with 40 doubles, 20 triples, and 20 home runs for Class C Visalia in 1957 and .343 for AAA Seattle in 1958. He started the 1958 season with the Reds but was sent back down when he was batting .200 in mid-May. He was called up in September and batted .271 in 96 at bats for the Reds in 1958.

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  Pinson became Cincinnati's starting center fielder in 1959. He would hold that position until he was traded away after the 1968 season. Vada made the NL All Star team in 1959 (he appeared as a pinch runner in the second game) and led the NL with 131 runs scored and 47 doubles. Pinson batted .316 and also hit 20 home runs.

• 
  
  Vada led the NL in doubles (37) again in 1960 and batted .287 with 12 triples and 20 HR. He batted once and struck out in the first All Star Game and he walked in his only at bat in the second All Star Game.

• 
  
  Pinson's biggest year was in 1961. He finished third in MVP voting (behind teammate Frank Robinson and Orlando Cepeda of the Giants) and led the NL with 208 hits. Vada batted .343 with 16 HR and 87 RBI and won a Gold Glove award in the outfield. Pinson was only 2 for 22 in the 1961 World Series.

• 
  
  Vada had another nice year in 1962, batting .292 with 107 runs scored, 23 HR, and 100 RBI. He had a few "black ink" entries in 1963, leading the NL with 162 games played, 204 hits, and 14 triples. He batted .313 with 22 HR and 106 RBI in '63.

• 
  
  Vada's numbers were down in 1964. He batted .266 with 23 HR and 84 RBI and stole only 8 bases. In each of the previous five seasons Pinson had stolen at least 20 bases. In 1965 Pinson batted .305 with 22 HR, 94 RBI, and 21 stolen bases. Vada batted .288 in 1966 with 16 HR and 76 RBI. He led the NL with 13 triples in 1967 and batted .288 with 18 HR and 66 RBI.

• 
  
  Pinson's last year with the Reds was 1968. He batted .271 with 5 HR and 48 RBI in 130 games and missed three weeks in August with an injury. After the 1968 season Vada was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals for Bobby  Tolan and Wayne Granger.

• 
  
  Vada played right field for the Cardinals in 1969. He batted .255 with 10 HR and 70 RBI. Pinson was traded to the Cleveland Indians for Jose Cardenal after the 1969 season.

• 
  
  Pinson had a good comeback season for the Indians in 1970. He started in right field and batted .286 with 24 HR and 82 RBI. In 1971 Vada stole 25 bases but his other offensive stats were down. He batted .263 with 11 HR and 35 RBI in 146 games. After the 1971 season Vada was traded with Alan Foster and Frank Baker to the Caliornia Angels for Alex Johnson and Jerry Moses.

• 
  
  Vada spent two seasons with the Angels. In 1972 he batted .275 with 7 HR and 49 RBI as the starting left fielder. Pinson started in LF again in 1973 and batted .260 with 8 HR and 57 RBI. He was traded to the Kansas City Royals for Barry Raziano and cash after the '73 season.

• 
  
  Pinson finished up his career with the Royals. He started in right field most of the time in 1974 and batted .276 with 6 HR and 41 RBI. Vada was a pinch hitter, DH, and extra outfielder in 1975 and batted .223 with 4 HR and 22 RBI in 103 games. The Royals released Pinson after the 1975 season. He was invited to spring training by the Milwaukee Brewers in 1976 but was released before the 1976 season.

• 
  
  Pinson coached in the big leagues for several teams after he was finished playing. Vada died of a stroke in 1995.

• 
  
  Here is a link to a SABR biography.

• 
  
  Liked to face: Jack Baldschun (.621 in 29 AB); Mike  McCormick (.453 in 95 AB); Carlton Willey (.424 in 59 AB)
• 
  
  Hated to face: Bobby Shantz (.000 in 13 AB); Johnny Antonelli (.074 in 27 AB); Bill Hands (.140 in 50 AB)

1976 Topps #394 - Fran Healy

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  Fran Healy was a catcher in the major leagues from 1969-1978. Healy was signed by the Cleveland Indians in 1964 (according to Baseball Reference) or in 1965 (according to the back of this card). Fran played in Cleveland's minor league system from 1965-1968 without getting a call to the majors. The Kansas City Royals drafted Healy in the expansion draft and assigned him to AAA Omaha. Fran got a shot at the end of the 1969 season and it was pretty much all-or-nothing. In his ten at bats Healy struck out five times and got four base hits.

• 
  
  Healy was sent back to Omaha for the 1970 season and after the season was traded to the San Francisco Giants for Bob Garibaldi. Fran spent the 1971 season as the Giants' backup catcher and batted .280 in 93 at bats. He was not used by the Giants in the NLCS. Healy was the backup again in 1972 and batted .152 in 99 at bats. After the season Fran was traded to the Kansas City Royals for Greg Minton.

• 
  
  Fran got more playing time with the Royals. In 1973 he batted .276 in 279 at bats. Healy had his only season as a starting catcher in 1974. He played in 139 games and batted .252 with 9 HR. Fran caught both of Steve Busby's no-hitters--one in 1973 and one in 1974. Fran split time with Buck Martinez and Bob Stinson in 1975. Healy batted .255 in 56 games in '75.

• 
  
  Healy's playing time really diminshed in 1976. He played in only eight games in the first 5-6 weeks of the season (.125 in 24 at bats) and on May 16 Fran was traded to the New York Yankees for Larry Gura. He ended up in another situation where he wasn't going to play much since 1976 MVP Thurman Munson was the Yankee starting catcher. Fran batted .267 in 120 at bats for the Yankees in 1976 but wasn't used in the postseason.

• 
  
  Healy got very little playing time in 1977 --- Munson played in 149 games that season. Fran batted .224 in 27 games and again wasn't used in the postseason. In 1978 Healy struck out in his only at bat and was released by the Yankees on May 16.

• 
  
  After his playing career Healy had a long career as a broadcaster in New York. He started in 1979 as a Yankees radio broadcaster and continued with them through the 1983 season on both radio and televsion. From 1984-2005 Fran did broadcasts for the New York Mets. He now hosts "The Game 365" on MSG Network.

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  Liked to face: Terry Forster (.455 in 11 AB); Pat Dobson (.429 in 14 AB); Bill Lee (.400 in 25 AB)
• 
  
  Hated to face: Bert Blyleven (.071 in 14 AB); Nolan Ryan (.095 in 21 AB); Catfish Hunter (.125 in 24 AB)

1976 Topps #369 - Frank White

• Frank White was a second baseman for the Kansas City Royals from 1973-1990. It's cool to see 15 or so stat lines on the back of a card that all have the same team. White was signed by the Royals in 1970 and played in the minors from 1971-1973. Frank came up to the Royals in June of 1973 and batted .223 in 51 games as a backup second baseman and shortstop.

• At first the Royal fans weren't thrilled with Frank because he was going to replace the popular Cookie Rojas at second base. White didn't become the full time second baseman until 1976. In 1974 he had a utility role and batted .221 in 99 games. White batted .250 in 111 games in 1975, again in a utility role.

• White became the starting second baseman for the Royals in 1976. He batted only .229 in 152 games but he was very good on defense. Frank was 1 for 8 in the 1976 ALCS.

• In 1977 Frank won the first of six straight Gold Glove awards. He batted .245 in 152 games and batted .278 in the 1977 ALCS. White made the 1977 AL All Star team but didn't play in the game.

• White was an All Star again in 1978 (he went 0 for 1) and batted .275 in 143 games. Frank batted .231 in the 1978 ALCS.

• Frank was the starting second baseman in the 1979 All Star Game (he was 0 for 2) and won the Gold Glove again. He batted .266 with 28 stolen bases. The Royals finally made it to the World Series in 1980. White batted .264 in 154 games and won the Gold Glove. White batted .545 in the ALCS but only .080 in the World Series.

• In 1981 White was a Gold Glover again and batted .250 in 94 games. He was an All Star (he went 0 for 1 in the game) and batted .182 in the 1981 ALDS. Frank was an All Star again in 1982 (he struck out in his only at bat) and won the Gold Glove for the sixth straight year. White batted a career-high .298 in 145 games in 1982.

• White didn't make to the All Star Game or win the Gold Glove in the next three seasons. He batted .260 in 146 games in 1983 and .271 in 129 games in 1984. Frank batted .091 in the 1984 ALCS as the Royals were swept by the Detroit Tigers. In 1985 the Royals surprisingly won the World Championship. White batted .249 with 22 home runs in 149 games in the regular season, .200 in the ALCS, and .250 in the World Series. The Game I'll Never Forget - July 1987 Baseball Digest.

• Frank hit 22 homers for the second year in a row in 1986. He won the Silver Slugger award, returned to the All Star Game (he was 1 for 2 with a HR), and won the Gold Glove. White batted .272 in 151 games in '86. In 1987 White won his eighth and last Gold Glove and batted .245 with 17 homers in 154 games.

• White was the regular second baseman for two more seasons. In 1988 he batted .235 in 150 games and in 1989 he batted .256 in 135 games. Frank batted .216 in 82 games in 1990 and retired after the season.

• After his playing career White coached for the Royals and Red Sox, managed in the minors, and worked in the Royals front office. In 2004 Frank wrote an instructional manual called Good as Gold. White is now a part time Royals analyst and announcer on FSN Kansas City.

• Liked to face: Wilbur Wood (.591 in 22 AB); Mike Morgan (.500 in 30 AB); Shane Rawley (.484 in 31 AB)
• Hated to face: Stan Bahnsen (.000 in 13 AB); Dennis Eckersley (.082 in 49 AB); Moose Haas (.096 in 52 AB)