1976 Topps #256 - Rowland Office

• Rowland Office was an outfielder in 11 seasons from 1972-1983, mostly for the Atlanta Braves. Office was drafted by the Braves in 1970. He batted .302 in single-A ball in 1971, but batted only .269 in AA in '72 and .236 at AAA Richmond in '73. The Braves brought Rowland up at the end of the 1972 season and he went 2 for 5 in two games. At 19 years old, he was the youngest player in the majors in 1972.

• In 1974 Office played in 131 games but started only 51 of those games. He was mainly a defensive replacement in the other 80 games. Rowland batted .246 in 248 at bats. Office got more playing time in 1975 (126 games, 89 starts) and had his best year. Rowland batted .290 in 355 at bats. He had a similar year in 1976 (.281 in 359 AB). He had a lifetime .315 on base percentage, so he wasn't up there to take a walk. Office was usually in double figures in doubles and wasn't much of a home run hitter (career high was nine).

• Office had very similar seasons from 1977-1979. He batted .241 in 1977, .250 in 1978, and .249 in 1979. His playing time decreased in 1979 (124 games but only 277 at bats). Rowland became a free agent after the 1979 season and signed with the Montreal Expos (3 years, $600,000).

• In 1980 Rowland was a fourth outfielder for the Expos. He played in 116 games and batted .267 in 292 at bats. The Expos came up with Tim Raines and Tim Wallach in 1981, so there wasn't much room for Rowland Office. He played in only 26 games and batted .175 in 40 at bats. In 1982 Office didn't figure in the Expos plans and they ate his contract and released him on May 8 after he went 1 for 3 in three games. The Philadelphia Phillies signed him and assigned him to AAA Oklahoma City, where he batted .183 in 26 games before retiring. He was placed on the suspended list but reinstated after the season.

• During spring training in 1983 he was picked up by the New York Yankees. Rowland was hitless in two at bats for the Yankees and was sent to AAA Columbus, where he batted .297. After the season he was released and hung 'em up.

• Liked to face: Ray Burris (.450 in 40 AB); John Montefusco (.425 in 40 AB); Joaquin Andujar (.393 in 28 AB).

• Hated to face: Don Sutton (.174 in 69 AB); Tom Seaver (.171 in 41 AB); J.R. Richard (.210 with 17 strikeouts in 62 AB)