1976 Topps #266 - Alan Foster

• Alan Foster pitched for five teams from 1967-1976. Foster was a 2nd round draft pick of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1965. He pitched in the Dodger organization from 1965-1968. A highlight of his minor league career is shown on the back of this card --two no-hitters against Seattle in 1967. Foster had a short stint with the Dodgers in 1967 and went 0-1 with a 2.16 ERA in four games (two starts). After going 8-5 with a 2.60 for Spokane in 1968 Foster was brought up to the Dodgers and went 1-1 with a 1.72 ERA in three games.

• In 1969 Foster was used as a 5th starter and long man. He was 4-9 with a 4.38 ERA in 24 games (15 starts). Alan became a regular starter in 1970 and went 10-13 with an ERA of 4.26 in 33 starts. After the 1970 season he and Ray Lamb were traded to the Cleveland Indians for Duke Sims.

• Foster went 8-12 with a 4.16 ERA in 1971 for the Indians. After the 1971 season he was traded to the California Angels. Alan bounced between the Angels and AAA Salt Lake City in '72. He appeared in only eight games (0-1, 4.97 ERA) with the Angels.

• During spring training in 1973 Foster was purchased by the St. Louis Cardinals. He had his best season in '73. Alan was 13-9 with a 3.14 ERA in 35 games (29 starts). In 1974 Foster didn't do quite as well -- he was 7-10 with a 3.88 ERA in 31 games (25 starts). After the 1974 season Foster was traded with Sonny Siebert and Rich Folkers to the San Diego Padres for Ed Brinkman and Danny Breeden.

• Alan appears to have been hurt during the 1975 season. He pitched in only 17 games (4 starts) and didn't make any appearances after late June. He had a 3-1 record with a 2.42 ERA in 1975. In 1976 Foster was a swingman (26 games, 11 starts) and was 3-6 with a 3.22 ERA. Foster was released on August 13, 1976.

• Liked to face: Jimmy Wynn (.192 in 26 AB); Mike Lum (.167 in 30 AB); Cito Gaston (.185 in 27 AB)
• Hated to face: Pete Rose (.417 in 36 AB); Tony Perez (.344 in 42 AB); Hank Aaron (.366 in 41 AB)