1976 Topps #432 - Tom Veryzer

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