1976 Hostess #124 - Willie McCovey

• Willie McCovey was still a dangerous power hitter when this card was printed
• McCovey wanted to play out his option in 1976 so the Padres cut his salary by 20% to $100,000.
• The San Francisco Giants wanted Willie back before the 1976 season. The Giants had traded McCovey to the Padres in 1973 mainly for economic reasons.
• McCovey had his poorest season in 1976. He played in 71 games for the Padres, starting 51 of those games at first base. Willie batted .203 with 7 HR and 36 RBI for the Padres.
• Willie was sold to the Oakland A's on August 30.
• McCovey wasn't sure if he would report to the A's at first, but he reported on September 1.
• The A's used Willie as a DH and a pinch hitter in September, but Willie struggled and batted .208 (5 for 24) with no home runs or RBI.
• After his poor 1976 season there wasn't very much interest in McCovey in the free agent  market. Willie ended up signing with the Giants for $50,000 and had a great year in 1977, winning Comeback Player of the Year honors and cementing his place as an eventual Hall of Famer.
• Before peak, peak, or after peak? after peak

1976 Topps Traded #44T - Doug Rader

• Doug Rader was traded by the Houston Astros after he had a poor season in 1975 (.223 with 12 HR in 129 games). Rader was the NL Gold Glove winner at third base for five straight years (1970-1974)
• Rader played one full season with the San Diego Padres in 1976 (.251 with 18 HR). 
• Doug split the 1977 season between the Padres and the Toronto Blue Jays. Rader was sold to the Blue Jays in early June. The Padres had hired Alvin Dark as their manager and the two didn't get along.
•  Rader was released during spring training in 1978.
• If you have a nomination for 1976 Topps Card of the Year, please leave a comment on the linked entry. After the traded series is profiled we'll do it. :)

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1976 Topps #658 - Jerry Johnson

• Jerry Johnson was originally signed by the New York mets as a third baseman in 1963. Johnson was a below average fielder at third base and he didn't hit enough to stay at the position, so he tried pitching a bit in 1963. Jerry became a pitcher for good in 1965. Johnson stayed in the Mets' system through the 1967 season. After the 1967 season Johnson was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the minor league draft.
• Johnson started the 1968 season 7-1 with a 1.95 ERA in 10 starts in AAA San Diego. Jerry was brought up to the Phillies in July 1968 and was 4-4 with a 3.24 ERA in 16 games (11 starts).
• Johnson was a 5th starter and occasional reliever in 1969. Jerry went 6-13 with a 4.28 ERA in 33 games (21 starts) in 1969. After the season Jerry was part of the big trade that was supposed to send Curt Flood to the Phillies and Dick Allen to the St. Louis Cardinals (Flood refused to report to Philadelphia). The Cardinals substituted Willie Montanez and a minor leaguer for Flood and  the trade went through.
• Jerry spent a few weeks in St. Louis in 1970 and was 2-0 with a 3.18 ERA in 7 games. On May 19 Johnson was traded to the San Francisco Giants for Frank Linzy. Johnson was 3-4 with a 4.27 ERA in 33 games for the Giants in 1970.
• Johnson had his best season in 1971 and finished sixth in NL Cy Young Award voting. Jerry became the  Giants' main man out of the bullpen and was 12-9 with 18 saves and had a 2.97 ERA in 67 games. Jerry allowed 2 runs in 1.1 innings in his only appearance in the 1971 NLCS. On September 14 Jerry was fined for his part in a brawl with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
• Jerry wasn't as effective in 1972, going 8-6 with 8 saves and a 4.42 ERA in 48 games. 
• Johnson was waived during spring training in 1973 and was claimed by the Cleveland Indians. Jerry had a 5-6 record with 5 saves and had a 6.18 ERA in 39 games in 1973. After the 1973 season Johnson was traded to the Houston Astros for Cecil Upshaw.
• Jerry spent two months in AAA in 1974. Johnson ended up going 2-1 with a 4.80 ERA in 34 games with Houston in 1974 and was released after the season.
• Johnson signed with the San Diego Padres in 1975. Jerry was assigned to AAA Hawaii. He spent the first three months of the 1975 season in Hawaii and was brought up in July. Johnson was 3-1 with a 5.17 ERA in 21 games (4 starts) with the Padres in 1975.
• Jerry found himself in Hawaii again to start the 1976 season and was brought up in early July. Johnson was 1-3 with a 5.31 ERA in 24 games for the Padres in 1976.
• Before the 1977 season Jerry was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays for Dave Roberts. Johnson went 2-4 with a 4.60 ERA in 43 games for Toronto in 1977. Jerry was cut during spring training in 1978 and retired.

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1976 Topps #639 - Fred Kendall

• Fred Kendall was a catcher in the major leagues from 1969-1980. Kendall was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in 1967. After he played in the Reds' system for two years Kendall was selected by the San Diego Padres in the expansion draft.
• Kendall played in the minors for most of the 1969 and 1970 seasons. He had brief looks in 1969 (.154 in 10 games) and in 1970 (.000 in 9 games).
• Fred started the 1971 season in the minors and was brought up after three weeks. Kendall backed up starter Bob Barton in 1971 and batted .220 in 49 games.
• Kendall started behind the plate for a little more than half of the time in 1972. Fred batted .216 in 91 games in 1972.
• Fred had his best season in 1973, batting .282 with 10 HR and 59 RBI in 145 games.
• In 1974 Kendall batted .231 with 8 HR and 45 RBI. 
• In 1975 the Padres picked up Randy Hundley and they hoped he would be able to help out behind the plate. Hundley batted .206 and didn't have a lot left in the tank. Kendall batted .199 in 103 games.
• Kendall batted .246 in 146 games in 1976. After the 1976 season Fred was traded (with Johnny Grubb and Hector Torres) to the Cleveland Indians for George Hendrick.
• Fred split time with Ray Fosse behind the plate in 1977 and batted .249 in 103 games. After the 1977 season Kendall was traded with Dennis Eckersley to the Boston Red Sox for Rick Wise and three other players.
• Kendall was buried on the Boston bench as Carlton Fisk started 151 games behind the plate. Fred batted .195 in 20 games in 1978.
• Fred signed with the Padres as a free agent after the 1978 season. Kendall batted .167 in 46 games in 1979. Kendall was batting .292 in 19 games in 1980 when he was released on  August 11.
• After his major league career Fred coached and managed in the minors. He has also been a bullpen coach in the majors.
• Fred is the father of catcher Jason Kendall
• 
  

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1976 Topps #611 - Rich Folkers

• Rich Folkers was drafted by the New York Mets in the first round in 1967. Rich pitched in the minors in 1967 and in 1968 and then did a tour of duty in Vietnam in 1969. Folkers started four games for AAA Tidewater in 1970 and then came up to the Mets in June. Rich pitched in 16 games for the Mets in 1970 and was 0-1 with a 6.44 ERA.
• Folkers was in Tidewater for the entire season in 1971. After the 1971 season Rich was sent to the St. Louis Cardinals in a multi-player deal.
• Rich split the 1972 season between the minors and St. Louis. Folkers went 1-0 with a 3.38 ERA in nine late season games with the Cardinals in 1972.
• Rich started the 1973 season in the minors and came back to St. Louis in late April. Folkers was 4-4 with three saves and had a 3.61 ERA in 34 games (9 starts) for the Cardinals in 1973.
• Folkers was a reliever for the entire 1974 season. Rich appeared in 55 games and was 6-2 with two saves and had a 3.00 ERA.
• Rich was traded to the San Diego Padres after the 1974 season in a multi-player deal. Folkers appeared in 45 games, 15 of them starts, in 1975 and was 6-11 with a 4.15 ERA.
• Folkers pitched in 33 games (3 starts) and was 2-3 with a 5.28 ERA in 1976.
• Rich was placed on waivers during spring training in 1977. The Milwaukee Brewers selected Folkers and assigned him to AAA Spokane. Rich came up to Milwaukee briefly in May and June and pitched in three games (0-1, 4.26 ERA). 
• After the 1977 season Folkers was traded with Jim Slaton to the Detroit Tigers for Ben Oglivie. Rich didn't make the Detroit ballclub in 1978 and was released during spring training.
• Folkers coached at Eckerd college in the late 1980s and early 1990s and lives in St. Petersburg, FL.
• Liked to face: Richie Hebner (.063 in 16 AB); Cesar Geronimo (.111 in 18 AB); Joe Morgan (.118 in 17 AB)
• Hated to face: Willie Montanez (.667 in 18 AB); Johnny Bench (.467 with 3 HR in 15 AB); Manny Sanguillen (.444 in 18 AB)

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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 #578 - Ted Kubiak

• Ted Kubiak played in the majors from 1967-1976. Ted was signed by the Kansas City A's in 1961. Kubiak played in the minors from 1961-1966. He made the A's ballclub in 1967 and batted .157 in 53 games as a utility infielder.
• Kubiak was a backup 2B and SS for the next two seasons with the A's. Ted batted .250 in 48 games in 1968 and .249 in 92 games in 1969. Ted was traded with George Lauzerique to the Milwaukee Brewers after the 1969 season for Ray Oyler and Diego Segui.
• Ted split time between 2B and SS in 1970. He played in 158 games and batted .252. In 1971 Kubiak started in Milwaukee and batted .227 in 89 games. On July 29 Kubiak and a minor leaguer were traded to the St. Louis Cardinals for Jose Cardenal, Bob Reynolds, and Dick Schofield. Ted batted .250 in 32 games with the Cardinals in 1971. 
• After the 1971 season Kubiak was traded to the Texas Rangers for Joe Grzenda. Ted batted .224 in 46 games for the Rangers and was traded to the A's in a multi-player deal on July 20. Kubiak batted .181 in 54 games for the A's in 1972. Ted went 2 for 4 in the 1972 ALCS and 1 for 3 in the World Series.
• Kubiak played in 106 games in 1973 and batted .220 in 182 AB. Ted went 0 for 2 in the 1973 ALCS and 0 for 3 in the World Series.
• Ted batted .209 in 99 games in 1974. He wasn't used by the A's in the postseason. Kubiak played in 20 games (.250 in 28 AB) for the A's in 1975 and was traded to the San Diego Padres for Sonny Siebert on May 16. Ted batted .224 in 87 games for the Padres in 1975.
• Kubiak's last season was 1976. He batted .236 in 96 games and retired after the season.
• Kubiak has been managing in the minor leagues off and on since 1989. He was the minor league defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Indians from 2004-2008. Here is a Baseball Prospectus interview with Ted about defense. Kubiak managed the Lake County Captains to the Midwest League title in 2010. Here is Ted's Facebook community page.
• Liked to face: Wally Bunker (.556 in 9 AB); Joe Coleman (.400 in 25 AB); Wilbur Wood (.375 in 32 AB)
• Hated to face: Vida Blue/Sparky Lyle (.000 in 10 AB); Dick Drago (.105 in 35 AB)

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1976 Topps #557 - Dan Spillner

• Dan Spillner was drafted by the San Diego Padres in 1970. Spillner was in the minors from 1970-1974 and came up to San Diego in May 1974. Dan went 9-11 with a 4.05 ERA in 25 starts for the Padres in his rookie season.
• Spillner was 5-13 with a 4.27 ERA for the Padres in 1975. He started 25 games and relieved in 12 others. Dan struggled in 1976 (2-11, 5.06 ERA) as a swingman (14 starts, 18 relief appearances). Spillner had back surgery and missed the last two  months of the 1976 season. 
• Dan started three games for AAA Hawaii to begin the 1977 season. He came back to San Diego in May and was used as a reliever by the Padres. Spillner appeared in 76 games and went 7-6 with six saves with a 3.73 ERA.
• Spillner started the 1978 season with the Padres (1-0, 4.56 ERA in 14 games). Dan was traded to the Cleveland Indians for Dennis Kinney on June 14. Spillner pitched in 36 games and went 3-1 with a 3.67 ERA for the Indians to finish the 1978 season.
• Dan was a swingman in 1979 (13 starts, 36 relief appearances) and went 9-5 with a 4.62 ERA. Spillner was put in the Indians' starting rotation in 1980 and went 16-11 with a 5.28 ERA in 30 starts. 
• Spillner returned to a swingman role in 1981. He made five starts and appeared in 27 games in relief. Dan went 4-4 with seven saves and had a 3.14 ERA in 1981.
• Dan's best year was in 1982. He made 65 relief appearances, had 21 saves, and was 12-10 with a 2.49 ERA.
• Spillner wasn't nearly as effective in 1983. His record dropped to 2-9 and his ERA rose to 5.07 in 60 games.  Dan started off poorly in 1984 (0-5, 5.65 in 14 games - 8 starts) and was traded to the  Chicago White Sox for Jim Slwy on June 26. Spillner appeared in 22 games for the White Sox and was 1-0 with a 4.10 ERA.
• Dan pitched better in 1985. He went 4-3 with a 3.44 ERA in 52 games (3 starts). Spillner became a free agent after the 1985 season but didn't receive any offers. Dan later said that he had a couple of years left in him but owner collusion in the free agent market ended his career early.
• Spillner was awarded a $486,000 settlement in 1995 from the collusion case.
• A "where are they now" article from 2003. Dan was working in construction in Washintgon and was working with baseball players at the semi-pro level when this article was written. 
• Liked to face: Harold Baines (.000 in 11 AB); Oscar Gamble (.067 in 15 AB); Buddy Bell (.125 in 24 AB)
• Hated to face: Bob Stinson (.636 in 11 AB); Rennie Stennett (.579 in 19 AB); Rod Carew (.531 in 32 AB)

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1976 Topps #520 - Willie McCovey

• Willie McCovey just doesn't look right in a San Diego uniform. McCovey was signed by the New York Giants in 1955. He played in the minors from 1955-1960 and had great offensive seasons wherever he played. When Willie played for Dallas in the Texas League in 1957 he couldn't participate in games in Shreveport, LA because of segregation in that city.
• McCovey was batting .372 with 29 HR in 95 games in AAA Phoenix when he was called up to the Giants. Willie continued his torrid hitting pace in San Francisco as he batted .354 with 13 HR and 38 RBI in 52 games. Willie went 4 for 4 with two triples off of Robin Roberts in his major league debut on July 30. Even though he only played 1/3 of the season, McCovey was named NL Rookie of the Year.
• Willie overdid it on the banquet circuit after the 1959 season and reported to camp overweight. His normal playing weight was about 200 pounds and he weighed about 225-230. Willie was sent back to Phoenix for a couple of weeks after a late-night indiscretion. McCovey In Tacoma As Bat Goes Cold - July 17, 1960 Miami News. He batted .238 with 13 HR in 101 games in 1960.
• Willie McCovey Will Come Back! - April 1961 Baseball Digest. McCovey bounced back with a good 1961 season (.271, 18 HR, 50 RBI) but he was hampered by the fact that the Giants had Orlando Cepeda, who also played first base. The Giants sometimes used Willie in left field, but his defense was less than stellar there.
• McCovey was a bench player in 1962, splitting his time between first base and left field. In 91 games Willie batted .293 with 20 HR and 54 RBI. McCovey went 3 for 15 (.200) in the 1962 World Series and made the last out in game 7 with runners on second and third, two out, and the Giants trailing by one run. He hit a hard line drive but it was right at 2B Bobby Richardson.

• Willie had his first really big year in 1963. He led the NL in home runs (44), batted .280, and had 102 RBI. McCovey made the NL All Star team and struck out in a pinch-hitting appearance.
• McCovey had a poor year in 1964. He batted .220 with 18 HR and 54 RBI in 130 games. In 1965 Cepeda was injured and missed most of the season. That opened up the way for McCovey to become the starting first baseman. Willie batted .276 with 39 HR and 92 RBI in 1965.
• During this time (1965-1971) McCovey was one of the most feared hitters in baseball. Willie was the starting first baseman for the NL in the 1966 All Star Game and went 0 for 3 with an intentional walk. He batted .295 with 36 HR and 96 RBI in 1966. In 1967 McCovey batted .276 with 31 HR and 91 RBI.
• In 1968 Willie led the NL in home runs (36), RBI (105), and slugging percentage (.545) while batting .293. He didn't do very well in the All Star game -- he struck out three times and grounded into a double play. Injury Benches McCovey for 10 Days - Reading Eagle, May 18, 1968.
• The 1969 season was Willie's best year. He batted .320 with 45 HR and 126 RBI. He led the NL in HR, RBI, and slugging percentage (.656) and was intentionally walked 45 times. McCovey was the 1969 NL Most Valuable Player and also was the MVP of the All Star Game (he homered twice in the game). Is Willie McCovey Heading for His Best Year? - June 1969 Baseball Digest. Why Willie McCovey Won MVP Award - March 1970 Baseball Digest.
• Willie had another big year in 1970. He batted .289 with 39 HR and 126 RBI and went 1 for 2 in the All Star Game. Eye Ailment Slowing Down Giant Star Willie McCovey - March 14, 1970 Ellensburg Daily Record.
• McCovey had a few injuries in 1971 and played in only 105 games. A Giant Nightmare Without McCovey - September 16, 1971 St. Petersburg Times. Willie batted .277 with 18 HR and  70 RBI for the NL West Champions. He made the NL All Star team for the last time and went 0 for 2. McCovey batted .429 with two home runs in the NLCS. Willie McCovey-Baseball's Most Feared Batter - June 1971 Baseball Digest.
• Willie missed a lot of time in 1972 due to a broken arm that he suffered in a collision at first base and had one of his worst seasons. He played in 81 games and batted .213 with 14 HR and 35 RBI. McCovey had a good comeback season in 1973 and batted .266 with 29 HR and 75 RBI. After the 1973 season Willie was traded with Bernie Williams to the San Diego Padres for Mike Caldwell (McCovey knew it was over - October 27, 1973 Ellensburg Daily Record).
• In 1974 McCovey batted .253 with 22 HR and 63 RBI and in 1975 he batted .252 with 23 HR and 68 RBI. Willie struggled in 1976 and batted .204 with 7 HR in 71 games for the Padres. On August 30 the Padres sold Willie to the Oakland A's (McCovey Disgruntled over Finley's Deal - The Free Lance Star - August 31, 1976). McCovey batted .208 in 11 games for the A's and was released after the 1976 season.
• The Giants signed Willie in January 1977. McCovey was the Comeback Player of the Year as he batted .280 with 28 HR and 86 RBI. On June 27 Willie hit two home runs in one inning. He had done this once before in 1973. Willie and Andre Dawson are the only two players to have accomplished this feat.
• On June 30, 1978 McCovey hit his 500th home run off of Jamie Easterly of the Atlanta Braves. McCovey had a salary dispute with Giants' owner Bob Lurie and considered retirement early in the 1978 season. Willie batted .228 with 12 HR and 68 RBI in 1978. In 1979 McCovey batted .249 with 15 HR and 57 RBI. McCovey became a "four decade player" in 1980. He batted .204 with 1 HR and retired in July. He and Ted Williams are the only two players to have homered in four different decades.
• Willie McCovey Picks His Personal All Star Team - April 1981 Baseball Digest.
• Willie was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1986.
• In 1996 McCovey was given probation and fined for incomplete reporting of his 1988-1990 taxes. Snider, McCovey plead guilty to tax evasion - July 21, 1995 Deseret News. 2 Yrs Probation for McCovey in 69G Tax Dodge - June 8, 1996 New York Daily News
• Willie opened a restaurant (McCovey's Restaurant) in Walnut Creek, CA in 2003.
• Willie is now a senior adviser with the Giants.
• Giants Legend Willie McCovey Talks Panda, the Dodgers, and His Cove - March 14, 2010.
• Liked to face: Don Drysdale (.336 with 12 HR in 128 AB); Bob Moose (.545 with 7 HR in 33 AB); Robin Roberts (.452 in 31 AB)
• Hated to face: Gaylord Perry (.000 in 10 AB); Dick Ellsworth (.050 in 20 AB); Warren Spahn (.136 with 14 strikeouts in 59 AB)

1976 Topps #497 - Joe McIntosh

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• Joe McIntosh pitched for the San Diego Padres in 1974 and 1975. He was drafted by the Padres in 1973 and pitched well (8-6, 2.44 ERA in 14 starts) for class A- Walla Walla. 
• McIntosh made the jump all the way to the majors in 1974 and pitched in five games before being assigned to AAA Hawaii. Joe went 9-11 with a 5.74 ERA for Hawaii and came back to the Padres in September. Joe ended up 0-4 with a 3.62 ERA in ten games (five starts) for the Padres.
• Joe was a regular starter for the Padres in 1975. He went 8-15 with a 3.69 ERA in 37 games (28 starts). After the 1975 season McIntosh was trade with Larry Hardy to the Houston Astros for Doug Rader.
• Joe tore his rotator cuff in 1976 and never pitched in the majors again. He tried a comeback in 1979 but was forced to stop after a couple of minor league games. 
• McIntosh is now a tax lawyer dealing in contract law. Here is an 2005 article written by Linda Kittel, a Washington State University English professor, about a day when Joe came to class as a guest speaker. Joe and his daughter Molly are pictured below. 

1976 Topps #472 - Bob Davis

• Bob Davis was a catcher in the majors from 1973-1981. Davis was drafted by the San Diego Padres in 1970. After playing in the minors for a few years Davis played in five games to open the 1973 season. He went 1 for 11 and was sent back to AA Alexandria. Bob batted .283 with 12 HR for Alexandria in '73.
• Davis was in AAA Hawaii in 1974. He started the 1975 season with Hawaii and was batting .329 when he was called up to the Padres in mid-July. Bob batted .234 in 43 games for the Padres in 1975. Davis backed up Fred Kendall in 1976 and batted .205 in 51 games.
• Davis was a backup again in 1977 and batted .181 in 94 at bats. Davis shuttled between Hawaii and San Diego and batted .200 in 40 at bats in 1978. An interesting story with Davis in it: Padres owner Ray Kroc fired manager Alvin Dark during the 1978 spring training. Roger Craig was named as the interim manager. Davis hit a game-winning home run in Craig's first game. During the post game press conference Craig was being introduced as the interim manager when Kroc interrupted and said, "Take away the interim tag. Craig is our manager. After all, anybody who can turn a .180 hitter into a home run hitter has to be a great manager." (from Tales from the San Diego Padres by Bob Chandler) After the 1978 season Bob was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the rule 5 draft.
• One of San Diego broadcaster Jerry Coleman's quotes: "Bob Davis has his hair differently this year, short with curls like Randy Jones wears. I think you call it a Frisbee."
• Bob was a backup catcher in 1979 and batted .124 in 89 at bats. He got more playing time in 1980 but was unable to do much with the bat, batting .216 in 218 at bats. After the 1980 season Davis was released by the Blue Jays.
• Davis caught on with the California Angels in late April of 1981 and spent most of the season with AAA Salt Lake City. Bob got into one game for the Angels on September 9, 1981 and went 0 for 2. Davis was released after the 1981 season and he retired at the age of 29.
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1976 Topps #447 - Gene Locklear

• Gene Locklear played parts of six seasons in the majors from 1973-1977. He had a .308 lifetime minor league batting average but never really made it in the majors. Gene is a full-blooded member of the Lumbee people in North Carolina.
• Locklear was signed by the Cincinnati Reds in 1969. He played in the minors from 1969-1972 and made the Reds' roster in 1973. Gene was batting .192 in 26 at bats when he was traded with Mike Johnson and cash to the San Diego Padres for Fred Norman on June 12. Locklear batted .240 in 154 at bats for the Padres in 1973.
• In 1974 Gene batted .341 for AAA Hawaii. He played in 39 games for the Padres and batted .270 in 74 at bats. Locklear had his best major league season in 1975. He again split time between Hawaii and San Diego and batted .321 in 237 at bats for the Padres.
• Locklear started the 1976 season with the Padres. He batted .224 in 67 at bats and was traded to the New York Yankees for Rick Sawyer on July 10. Gene was in the minors for most of the 1976 season and batted .219 in 32 at bats for the Yankees in August and September.
• Gene batted .290 in 121 games for AAA Syracuse in 1977. He went 3 for 5 in the one game he played for the Yankees in '77. Locklear went to Japan and played for the Nippon Ham Fighters in 1978.
• After his playing career Gene became a commercial artist. Here is his website.

1976 Topps #422 - Johnny Grubb

• Johnny Grubb played major league baseball from 1972-1987. Grubb was drafted by several teams but didn't sign because he was loyal to his junior college coaching staff. After being named to the College World Series all tournament team in 1970 (he played for Florida State University and they were the runners-up) Johnny was drafted by the San Diego Padres in 1971. He played in the minors in 1971 and 1972 and batted .333 in 21 at bats for the Padres as a September call-up in 1972.

• San Diego manager Don Zimmer gave Grubb a chance to play regularly in 1973. Johnny batted .311 in 389 at bats and finished 6th in NL Rookie of the Year voting. In 1974 Grubb was the starting center fielder and batted .286 in 140 games. Johnny represented the Padres in the All Star Game in 1974 and popped out to the shortstop in his only at bat.

• Grubb set a team record (since broken) with 36 doubles in 1975. He batted .269 in 144 games. In 1976 Johnny went on the disabled list for 32 days. It was the first of nine career trips to the DL for Grubb. He batted .284 with a .391 on base percentage in 109 games. After the 1976 season Grubb was traded (along with Fred Kendall and Hector Torres) to the Cleveland Indians for George Hendrick.

• Johnny missed most of the 1977 season with injuries. He batted .301 in 34 games. In 1978 Johnny batted .265 in 113 games for the Indians. On August 31 Grubb was traded to the Texas Rangers for Bobby Cuellar and a minor leaguer. He batted .394 in 21 games for the Rangers to finish the 1978 season.

• In 1979 Grubb missed most of August with an injury. In 102 games he batted .273 and had a 21-game hitting streak. Grubb batted .277 in 110 games in 1980. He was used more as a pinch hitter and backup outfielder that year.

• Johnny had a rib removed in 1981 to relieve a circulatory problem in his arm. He had his worst season (except for his final season) as a major leaguer in 1981, batting .231 in 67 games. Grubb batted .279 in 103 games in 1982. During spring training in 1983 Johnny was traded to the Detroit Tigers for Dave Tobik.

• Johnny spent the rest of his career as a DH and backup outfielder. In 1983 he batted .254 in 57 games. Grubb finally made it to the playoffs with the 1984 Tigers. He batted .267 with a .395 on base percentage in 86 games during the 1984 season. Grubb batted .250 (1 for 4) in the ALCS and .333 (1 for 3) as a pinch hitter in the World Series.

• Grubb batted .245 in 78 games in 1985. He had one of his best years in 1986, batting .333 with 13 home runs in 81 games. Grubb batted .202 in 114 at bats in 1987 but batted .571 (4 for 7) in the 1987 ALCS. Johnny was released after the 1987 season. He tried to catch on with Atlanta's AAA Richmond club but didn't do well and retired.
• Grubb was the assistant coach for the Colorado Silver Bullets women's baseball team from 1994-1997. Johnny coached varsity baseball at Meadowbrook High School in his hometown of Richmond, VA for several years in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Remembering Former Outfielder Johnny Grubb - Baseball Digest December 2006.
• Liked to face: Paul Hartzell (.588 in 17 AB); Juan Marichal (.474 in 19 AB); Dennis Eckersley (.432 in 44 AB)
• Hated to face: Alan Foster/Pete Vuckovich (.000 in 11 AB); Milt Wilcox (.080 in 25 AB)

1976 Topps #398 - Dave Tomlin

• Dave Tomlin pitched in the majors from 1972-1986. Dave was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in 1967. He pitched in the minors for several years and usually posted ERAs below 3.00. Dave was called up to the Reds for the first time in September 1972. He pitched in three games and had a 9.00 ERA in 4 innings.

• In 1973 Dave was up and down between AAA Indianapolis and the Reds. He was 1-2 with 1 save and a 4.88 ERA in 16 games for the Reds. Tomlin pitched in one game in the 1973 NLCS and had a 16.20 ERA in 1.2 innings. After the 1973 season Tomlin and Bob Tolan were traded to the San Diego Padres for Clay Kirby.

• The Padres used Tomlin mostly as a middle reliever in 1974. Dave went 2-0 with 2 saves and a 4.34 ERA in 47 games in 1974. Dave got more work in 1975. He pitched in 67 games and was 4-2 with 1 save and a 3.25 ERA in 67 games. Tomlin had similar years in 1976 (0-1, 2.84 ERA in 49 games) and 1977 (4-4, 3 saves, 3.01 ERA in 76 games. After the 1977 season Dave was traded (along with $125,000) to the Texas Rangers for Gaylord Perry. Tomlin didn't pitch for the Rangers during the season -- he was purchased by the Cincinnati Reds during spring training in 1978.

• Tomlin went 9-1 with 4 saves and a 5.78 ERA in 57 games in 1978. Dave probably had his best year in 1979. He went 2-2 with a 2.62 ERA in 53 games in '79. He pitched in three games in the NLCS and didn't allow a run in three innings. In 1980 Dave went 3-0 with a 5.54 ERA in 27 games. He didn't pitch after August 9 and was released on September 2.

• Dave signed with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1981 and spent the season in AAA Syracuse. Dave didn't make the Toronto ballclub in 1982 and was released at the end of spring training. He signed with the Reds and was sent to AAA Indianapolis. Tomlin was purchased by the Montreal Expos in early September and he pitched in one game for the Expos, allowing one run in two innings.

• Tomlin was with Montreal's AAA Wichita club for most of the 1983 season and was purchased by the Pittsburgh Pirates on August 2. Dave appeared in five games for the Pirates in 1983 and had a 6.75 ERA in four innings. Tomlin was in AAA Hawaii for all of the 1984 season and most of 1985. He pitched one scoreless inning in a game for the Pirates at the end of the '85 season.

• Dave became a free agent after the 1985 season and signed with the Expos. He pitched in 7 games for the Expos in July and August 1986 (5.23 ERA in 10.1 innings) and spent the rest of the season in AAA Indianapolis. Tomlin spent the 1987 season in Indianapolis and then retired.

• After his playing career Dave became a pitching coach. He made various stops in the minors and was the pitching coach for the Boston Red Sox from 1998-2005. Dave became the manager of the Gulf Coast Red Sox in the Gulf Coast League in 2006 and is still there.

• Liked to face: Terry Puhl (.000 in 17 AB); Dave Cash (.000 in 12 AB); Darrell Evans (.126 in 22 AB)
• Hated to face: Rod Gilbreath (.600 in 15 AB); Joe Morgan (.526 in 19 AB); Dave Parker (.423 in 26 AB)

1976 Topps #366 - Bobby Valentine

• Bobby Valentine was a first round draft pick of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1968. He played in the minors in 1968 and 1969 and got a late season call up in '69. Bobby appeared in five games as a pinch runner in 1969.
• Valentine spent the 1970 season at AAA Spokane and showed that he was ready for the majors by batting .340 with 39 doubles, 16 triples, and 14 homers. Bobby was named the 1970 PCL Player of the Year. He started the 1971 season with the Dodgers but struggled at the beginning of the season. Bobby was batting .125 on May 1 when he was sent to Spokane. He regained his stroke in Spokane and came back to the Dodgers a couple of weeks later. Valentine had a "5th infielder" role with the Dodgers in 1971. He started several games at shortstop, then had a stint at third base, then played at second base for a while. Bobby batted .249 in 107 games for the Dodgers in 1971.
• In 1972 the Dodgers continued to use Valentine in a utility role. He played in 119 games and played every position except pitcher and catcher. Bobby batted .274 in 391 at bats. After the 1972 season Valentine was packaged in a big trade with the California Angels in which the Dodgers obtained Andy Messersmith.
• Valentine was the starting shortstop for the Angels for the first five weeks of the 1973 season. He was moved to center field in mid-May and played well (.302 in 32 games) until he caught his spike in the fence on May 17 when going for a fly ball. He had a multiple compound leg fracture and missed the rest of the 1973 season. Bobby was never the same player after the injury.
• Bobby came back in 1974 and batted .261 in 117 games. In 1975 he spent most of the season in AAA. He played a little with the Angels in August and early September and was batting .281 in 25 games when he was traded to the San Diego Padres on September 17. Bobby played in seven games with the Padres to finish the 1975 season. 
• Valentine was in the minors for most of the 1976 season. He played in 15 games for the Padres and batted .367. Bobby started the 1977 season with the Padres. He was batting .179 in 44 games when he was traded to the New York Mets with Paul Siebert for Dave Kingman on June 15. Bobby finished the 1977 season with the Mets and batted .133 in 42 games.
• Bobby was with the Mets for the entire 1978 season. He batted .269 in 69 games. Valentine was released by the Mets during spring training in 1979.
• Valentine was signed by the Seattle Mariners at the beginning of the 1979 season. He played in 62 games and batted .276 as a utilty man. Bobby retired after the season.
• After his playing career Bobby was a minor league fielding instructor for the San Diego Padres (1980-1981) and the New York Mets (1982). He was the Mets' third base coach in 1983 and 1984 and left to manage the Texas Rangers. Valentine managed the Rangers from 1985 to 1992 and was the AL Manager of the Year in 1986. He worked for the Cincinnati Reds in 1993 and then managed in the minors in 1994 and managed in Japan in 1995. Bobby became manager of the New York Mets in 1996 and managed the club until 2002. He was an ESPN analyst in 2003 and then returned to Japan to manage the Chiba Lotte Marines in 2004. Valentine was very successful in Japan and is still popular there. Bobby has returned to ESPN as a baseball analyst.
• Bobby does a lot of charity work and owns two restaurants. His wife is a daughter of former pitcher Ralph Branca.
• Bobby Valentine's Baseball Academy

• Liked to face: Mickey Lolich (.450 in 20 AB); Ken Holtzman (.360 in 25 AB); Ron Bryant (.429 in 14 AB)
• Hated to face: Don Gullett (.125 in 24 AB); Jerry Reuss (.150 in 20 AB); Luke Walker (.000 in 9 AB)

1976 Topps #351 - Randy Hundley

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  Randy Hundley was a catcher in the major leagues from 1964-1977. Hundley was signed by the San Francisco Giants in 1960. He played in the minors from 1960-1963 and also spent most of 1964 in the minors. Randy was brought up at the end of the 1964 season and was 0 for 1 in two games.

• 
  
  Hundley was in the minors for most of the 1965 season except for a one-week stint with the Giants in late June. Randy was 1 for 15 in six games for the Giants in '65. After the 1965 season he and Bill Hands were traded to the Chicago Cubs for Don Landrum and Lindy McDaniel.

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  Randy was fourth in NL Rookie of the Year voting in 1966. He batted .236 with 19 home runs and 63 RBI in 149 games. He also stole home in a game against the Houston Astros on May 19. In 1967 Hundley won the Gold Glove award and batted .267 with 14 HR and 60 RBI in 152 games. He was one of the first catchers to use a hinged mitt, enabling him to catch with one hand and protect his throwing hand. $140,000 for One Single! - September 1967 Baseball Digest. Randy played in a career-high 160 games in 1968 and his offensive stats were down. He batted .226 with 7 HR and 65 RBI. This is still the record for most games caught in a season. In fact, Randy has three of the all-time top ten seasons in games caught by a catcher.

• 
  
  Hundley's best season was probably 1969. He made the NL All Star team and struck out in his only at bat. For the season Randy batted .255 with 18 HR and 64 RBI in 151 games. It looks like he wore down as the season progressed. He was batting .275 on August 31 and went 13 for 87 (.149) over the remainder of the season.

• 
  
  Randy missed almost three months of the 1970 season (April 21-July 16) with a knee injury (a collision with Carl Taylor of the Cardinals). In 73 games Hundley batted .244 with 7 HR and 36 RBI. He also had a knee injury in 1971 that caused him to miss most of the season. Hundley appeared as a pinch hitter once in April and played in eight games in May. That was it for his season (.333 in 21 at bats).

• 
  
  Hundley came back to reclaim his starting catcher position in 1972, but he wasn't the same after the knee injuries. He played in 114 games in 1972 and batted .218 with 5 HR and 30 RBI. In 1973 Randy batted .226 with 10 HR and 43 RBI in 124 games. After the 1973 season Hundley was traded to the Minnesota Twins for George Mitterwald.

• 
  
  Randy started the 1974 season as the starting catcher but became the backup to Glenn Borgmann as the season went on. He played sparingly after May and in 32 games batted .193 in 88 at bats. Hundley was released after the 1974 season. He tried out with the San Diego Padres in 1975 and was signed at the end of spring training.

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  Hundley was the #2 catcher behind Fred Kendall in San Diego in 1975. He played in 72 games and batted .284 in 180 at bats. At the end of spring training in 1976 the Cubs purchased Randy from the Padres. He didn't play much in 1976 (5 games in April and 8 games in May) and batted .167 in 18 at bats. In 1977 Randy played in two September games and went 0 for 4. He was released by the Cubs after the 1977 season and that was it for his playing career.

• 
  
  Randy managed for three seasons (1979-1981) in the Cubs' system and then came up with the idea of doing baseball fantasy camps. His camps have been very successful and they're still operating today. He also occasionally fills in for Ron Santo on Cubs' radio broadcasts.

• 
  
  Liked to face: Jack Billingham (.478 in 23 AB); Tony Cloninger (.393 in 28 AB); Woodie Fryman (.355 in 31 AB)
• 
  
  Hated to face: Bill Stoneman (.000 in 15 AB); Claud Osteen (.145 in 55 AB); Bob Gibson (.157 in 70 AB)

Randy Hundley is in this video about the 2009 Cubs Convention

1976 Topps #331 - San Diego Padres

Fans of the 1976 San Diego Padres didn't have a whole lot to cheer about. The Padres had a future HOFer on the way up (Dave Winfield) and a future HOFer having a really tough year (Willie McCovey). Randy Jones pitched well for them but he didn't have a lot of help in the rotation besides Brent Strom. The Padres had a lot of guys who were once good players but were on the way down (Tito Fuentes, Willie Davis, Randy Hundley, Bobby Tolan). They would have to make more moves before becoming a contender.

John McNamara managed the Padres from 1974 until May 1977. The 1976 season was the best of those seasons. Previously John had managed the Oakland A's for 13 games in 1969 and for the entire 1970 season (2nd in NL West). After his tenure with the Padres McNamara went on to manage the Cincinnati Reds for 3 1/2 years (1979 until mid-1982), the California Angels for two seasons (1983 and 1984), the Boston Red Sox for 3 1/2 years (1985 to mid-1988), the Cleveland Indians (1990 to mid-1991), and the Angels again (28 games in 1996). McNamara won the NL West with the 1979 Reds and went to the World Series with the 1986 Red Sox. His lifetime managerial record was 1,167 — 1,242 (.484).

Team Record: 73-89 (5th in NL West, 29 games behind Cincinnati)

Attendance: 1,458,478 (4th of 12 in NL)

Team Batting: .247 (8th in NL)

Team Home Runs: 64 (11th in NL)

Team ERA: 3.65 (9th in NL)

Team Fielding: .978 (5th in NL)

Cy Young Award: Randy Jones

All Stars: Randy Jones (starting pitcher)

1976 Topps #310 - Randy Jones

• Randy "Junkman" Jones pitched for the San Diego Padres and the New York Mets from 1973-1982. He was drafted by the Padres in 1972. Randy pitched in the minors in 1972 and part of 1973. After going 8-1 with a 2.01 ERA in 10 starts for AA Alexandria, Jones was brought up in mid-June of 1973. In 19 starts Randy was 7-6 with a 3.16 ERA in 1973.

• Jones had a rough go of it in 1974. He was 8-22 with an ERA of 4.45 in 34 starts. The 22 losses led the NL. He appeared six more times in relief and picked up two saves.

• Randy turned it around in a big way in 1975. He was the Comeback Player of the Year, was on the NL All Star team, was 2nd in Cy Young Award voting, and 10th in MVP voting. Jones was 20-12 with a league-leading 2.24 ERA in 36 starts. Randy pitched the 9th inning of the All Star game and didn't allow any runs. The NL was leading 6-3 at the time, but Randy just got a "hold" instead of a save. Randy Jones Pitches Early But the Ball Comes Late -- Baseball Digest December 1975

• In 1976 Jones had his best year. He was the NL Cy Young winner and was 10th in MVP voting again. Randy led the NL in wins (22), starts (40), complete games (25), and innings (315.1). He was 22-14 with a 2.74 ERA. Jones started the 1976 All Star Game and was the winning pitcher (0 runs in 3 innings). Randy Jones: The Sinkerball is His Ticket to Fame -- Baseball Digest August 1976

• Jones injured a nerve in his pitching arm in 1977 and wasn't quite the same pitcher after that. He was out for six weeks from mid-June to late July. The nerve injury bothered him periodically for the rest of his career. In 1977 Randy was 6-12 with a 4.58 ERA in 25 starts.

• Randy came back to have a pretty good year in 1978. He was 13-14 with a 2.88 ERA in 36 starts. The 1978 Padres were the only winning team he would ever pitch for. In 1979 Jones was 11-12 with a 3.63 ERA in 39 starts.

• Jones missed a month in 1980 (mid June to mid July) and struggled to a 5-13 record with a 3.94 ERA in 24 starts. After the 1980 season Jones was traded to the New York Mets for John Pacella and Jose Moreno. In 1981 Randy was hurt again and pitched only twice after June 10 (and in both of those September games he got hammered). He went 1-8 with a 4.85 ERA in 12 starts.

• In 1982 Randy's starts ran hot and cold. He failed to get out of the third inning in eight of his 20 starts, but pitched well in most of his other starts. Jones ended up 7-10 with a 4.60 ERA in 28 games (20 starts). After the 1982 season Jones was released by the Mets. He signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates but was released during spring training in 1983.

• After his career Jones worked in real estate and managed a chain of car washes in San Diego. He then moved into the food commissary business and opened up a barbecue at Qualcomm Stadium. He has his own brand of barbecue sauce (see his official site). Jones also conducts baseball clinics during the summer. His most famous pupil from the baseball camps is Barry Zito. Randy also hosts a radio show in southern California and has his own fishing show, Randy Jones' Strike Zone, on the Outdoor Channel.
• May 1998 Baseball Digest "Where are they now" article
• Here is a "Where are they now" Baseball Digest article from August 2001.
• Link to a Randy Jones interview done in 2010.

• Liked to face: Pete Rose (.183 in 93 AB); Darrell Chaney (.043 in 23 AB); Richie Hebner (.107 in 28 AB). I mention Mr. Rose because in the Baseball Digest article Jones mentions that Rose and Greg Luzinski used to yell at Jones to stop throwing that (expletive) and throw some fastballs. Jones rarely exceeded 80 mph on his pitches.

• Hated to face: Steve Henderson (.556 in 18 AB); John Stearns (.522 in 23 AB); Larry Parrish (.487 in 39 AB)