1976 Hostess #100 - Bill Madlock

• That is a nice looking lifetime batting average. The average would drop as the  years went by, but Bill Madlock still retired with a .305 average in a 15-year career
• Bill had a great start to his career. He finished a distant third in NL Rookie of the Year voting in 1974,  but he avoided the sophomore jinx by winning the first of four NL batting titles in 1975.
• Madlock had an eventful 1976 season. He made the headlines in early May when he took exception to  being hit by a pitch by San Francisco's Jim Barr. Barr had been warned by umpires earlier in the game after some inside pitches to Jose Cardenal. Madlock and Barr brawled and Madlock managed to land a right hook to Barr. Oddly, even after Barr had been warned, he was allowed to stay in the game while Madlock was ejected.
• Bill was in contention for a second straight batting title in 1976, but he was quoted in August as saying his chances weren't very good because there were too many good hitters in the league.
• On the last day of the season Ken Griffey was leading the batting race with a .338 average while Madlock had a .333 average. Griffey was not in the lineup for the final game. After Madlock went 4 for 4, Griffey was inserted into his game but struck out twice. Madlock won the title with a .339 average, three points ahead of Griffey's .336 average.
• Before peak, peak, or after peak? peak

1976 Hostess #80 - Rick Monday

• Rick Monday enjoyed a nice run as the Cubs' starting center fielder in the early to mid 1970s.
• Monday was traded to the Cubs after the 1971 season for Ken Holtzman. Both players were productive for their new teams. It was a great deal for Oakland as Holtzman solidified their rotation during the dynasty years.
• Rick had his best year as a Cub in 1976. He batted .272 with 32 HR and 77 RBI. He also led the club with 107 runs scored.
• Monday gained fame on April 25, 1976 when he took an American flag away from some people who had tried to burn it at Dodger Stadium. A clip of the incident:

• After the 1976 season Monday was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers as part of the deal that brought Bill Buckner and Ivan DeJesus to Chicago.

1976 Topps Card of the Year - Round 1, Group 1

• It's time to choose a card of the year. I chose 64 cards to be included in the voting. About 45 of them were chosen by readers and I chose the other ones to fill out the field.

• We'll do this eight cards at a time. Choose your four favorite cards from each group. The top half of each group will advance to the next round.

• Here are the cards:

#620 Al Oliver

#278 Bernie Carbo

#627 Bill Plummer

#525 Billy Williams

#23 Brian Downing

#230 Carl Yastrzemski

#262 Checklist

#277 Chicago Cubs

• The poll will be open for three days and then the next set of cards will appear for your vote.

1976 Topps #640 - Bill Madlock

• Bill Madlock was a great hitter during most of his career. Madlock was originally drafted by the Washington Senators in 1970. He played in the minors from 1970-1973 and earned a promotion by batting .338 with 22 HR and 119 runs scored at AAA Spokane. Bill batted .351 in 21 games for the Texas Rangers at the end of the 1973 season.
• After the 1973 season Bill was traded with Vic Harris to the Chicago Cubs for Fergie Jenkins. In 1974 Madlock batted .313 in 128 games and finished third (behind Bake McBride and Greg Gross) in NL Rookie of the Year voting.
• Madlock won his first NL batting title in 1975. He batted .354 and also was the co-winner of the 1975 All Star Game MVP award (he singled in two runs in the top of the 9th to put the NL ahead to stay). Bill Madlock Born to Hit - September 1975 Baseball Digest.
• Bill led the NL in batting average again in 1976 with a .339 batting average. Madlock went 4 for 4 on the final day of the season to pass Ken Griffey (who was being held out of the final game by Reds manager Sparky Anderson) and take the title. Pitchers apparently were trying to move him off of the plate, as he was hit by a pitch 11 times to lead the NL. How Tip From Foe Made Bill Madlock A Better Player - November 1976 Baseball Digest
• Before the 1977 season Bill was traded with Rob Sperring for Bobby Murcer, Steve Ontiveros, and a minor leaguer. Madlock had been involved in a salary dispute with the Cubs. Madlock's offense fell off a bit -- he  batted .302 and was the NL leader with 25 times grounded into a double play.
• In 1978 the Giants moved Madlock to second base. The move paid off for the Giants as they contended for the NL West title for most of the season. Bill batted .309 with 15 HR in 122 games in 1978.
• Madlock had a slow start for the Giants in 1979 (most of the Giants had bad fall-offs and/or injuries in '79). Bill was batting .261 in 69 games for the Giants when he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates (with Lenny Randle and Dave Roberts) for Al Holland, Ed Whitson, and Fred Breining. The Pirates moved Bill back to third base. Madlock's offense picked up and he helped the Pirates to the NL East title by batting .328 in 85 games. Bill batted .250 (3 for 12) in the NLCS and batted .375 (9 for 24) in the World Series.
• Madlock didn't do as well in 1980 -- he batted .277 in 137 games. "Mad Dog" was suspended for 15 games in July after he poked umpire Jerry Crawford with his glove. The Game I'll Never Forget - January 1980 Baseball Digest.
• Bill bounced  back in 1981 as he won his third batting title with a .341 average. Madlock was on the 1981 NL  All Star team and he went 0 for 1 in the game. After the 1981 season Madlock signed a six-year, $5.1 million contract that included a weight clause.
• Bill  batted .319 in 154 games in 1982. A Batting Leader Who Deserves More Recognition - March 1983 Baseball Digest. In 1983 Madlock batted .323 and won his fourth NL batting title. Bill made the 1983 NL All Star game and went 0 for 1 in the game.
• Madlock's offense fell off in 1984 and he batted .253 in 103 games. Short, Compact Swing Makes Bill Madlock Tough Hitter - August 1984 Baseball Digest. Bill performed in a similar fashion for the Pirates in 1985, batting .251 in 110 games. On August 31 Madlock was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates for R.J. Reynolds and Sid Bream. Bill batted .360 in 34 games and helped the Dodgers to the NL West title. Madlock went 8 for 24 (.333) in the 1985 NLCS. Madlock's name was mentioned as part of the Pittsburgh drug trials in 1985 (he was accused of dispensing amphetamines) but his name was cleared by Commissioner Peter Ueberroth.
• Madlock batted .280 in 111 games for the Dodgers in 1986. He spent some time on the disabled list with a strained thigh.
• Bill started the 1987 season with the Dodgers (.180 in 21 games). On May 29 Madlock was released by the Dodgers. Bill signed with the Detroit Tigers on June 4 and batted .279 in 87 games. Madlock  went 0 for 5 in the 1987 ALCS.
• Bill became a free agent after the 1987 season and played in Japan in 1988.
• After his playing career Madlock was involved in coaching in the minors and was a batting instructor for the Tigers for two seasons. He was also an on-field operations supervisor for the commissioner's office for a few years and  managed an independent baseball team. Here is a "where are they now" article from 2003. Bill is now a youth batting instructor.
• Liked to face: Ron Schuler (.563 in 16 AB); Pedro Borbon (.520 in 25 AB); Randy Lerch (.486 in 35 AB)
• Hated to face: Craig Lefferts (.071 in 14 AB); Greg Minton (.087 in 23 AB); Goose Gossage (.118 in 17 AB)

1976 Topps #617 - Darold Knowles

• Darold Knowles had a 16-year career as a left-handed reliever. Knowles was signed by the Baltimore Orioles in 1961. Darold was a starting pitcher in the minors and won 16 games in AA in 1963. After pitching in the minors from 1961-1964 Knowles started the 1965 season with Baltimore. Darold got hammered in a couple of relief outings and was sent back to AAA. Knowles came back up in September and in all had an 0-1 record with a 9.20 ERA in five games in 1965.
• After the 1965 season Knowles was traded with Jackie Brandt to the Philadelphia Phillies for Jack Baldschun. Darold had a good year with the Phillies in 1966 (6-5, 13 saves, 3.05 ERA in 69 games) but was traded to the Washington Senators after the season for Don Lock.
• Knowles pitched for the Senators from 1967 until May 1971. He had several effective seasons and was an AL All Star in 1969. Knowles faced two batters in the third inning after Blue Moon Odom allowed five runs and retired  both of them. 
• Darold's records while with Washington:
• 1967 - 6-8, 14 saves, 2.70 ERA
• 1968 - 1-1, 2 saves, 2.18 ERA (did not pitch after July 12)
• 1969 - 9-2, 13 saves, 2.24 ERA
• 1970 - 2-14, 27 saves, 2.04 ERA
• 1971 - 2-2, 2 saves, 3.52 ERA
• On May 8, 1971 Knowles was traded to the Oakland A's in a multi-player deal. Darold became an important part of the Oakland bullpen during the dynasty years. Knowles went 5-2 with 7 saves and had a 3.59 ERA for Oakland in 1971. Darold appeared in one game in the 1971 ALCS and pitched 1/3 of an inning.
• In 1972 Knowles pitched in 54 games and was 5-1 with 11 saves and had a 1.37 ERA. He was not used during the 1972 post season due to a finger injury.
• Darold was 6-8 with 9 saves and had an ERA of 3.09 in 1973. Knowles was not used in the 1973 ALCS but as the back of this card says, he was used in all seven games in the 1973 World Series. Darold had two saves and didn't allow a run in 6.1 innings.
• Knowles and his teammates weren't very pleased with the quality of their 1973 World Series rings. Darold took the A's to arbitration after the '73 season and won his case.
• Knowles wasn't quite as effective in 1974. He had a 3-3 record with 3 saves and had a 4.22 ERA. Darold was not used during the 1974 post season. After the 1974 season Knowles was traded with Bob Locker and  Manny Trillo to the Chicago Cubs for Billy Williams.
• Darold was with the Cubs for two seasons. He didn't have a real good year in 1975 (6-9, 15 saves, 5.81 ERA), but he bounced back in 1976 (5-7, 9 saves, 2.89 ERA). After the 1976 season Knowles was traded to the Texas Rangers for Gene Clines and cash.
• Knowles spent one season (1977) with Texas and was 5-2 with four saves and had a 3.22 ERA. After the 1977 season Knowles was purchased by the Montreal Expos.
• Darold was with the Expos for one season. Knowles went 3-3 with six saves and had a 3.30 ERA for the Expos in 1978. After the 1978 season Darold became a free agent and signed with the St. Louis Cardinals.
• Knowles had a 2-5 record with six saves and had a 4.07 ERA in 1979. Darold pitched in only two games in 1980 (0-1, 10.80 ERA) and was released on May 9. Knowles retired after his release from the Cardinals.
• After his playing career Darold was a pitching coach in the minors and in the majors (Philadelphia Phillies from 1988-1989 and St. Louis Cardinals in 1983). He is now the pitching coach for the Dunedin Blue Jays.
• Liked to face: Ted Simmons (.000 in 11 AB); Danny Cater (.074 in 27 AB); Carl Yastrzemski (.077 in 26 AB)
• Hated to face: Pete Rose (.588 in 17 AB); Thurman Munson (.444 in 18 AB); Brooks Robinson (.417 in 24 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 #546 - Dave Rosello

• Dave Rosello was a utility infielder in parts of nine seasons from 1972-1981. Dave was signed by the Chicago Cubs in 1968. Rosello played in the  minors from 1968-1972 before being called up at the end of the 1972 season. Dave batted .250 in 12 at bats for the Cubs in '72.
• Rosello was in the minors again in 1973 and was recalled in early August. Dave batted .263 in 38 AB for the Cubs in 1973. 
• Dave split time between AAA Wichita and the Cubs in 1974. Rosello batted .359 in 22 games at Wichita but batted only .203 in 62 games for the Cubs.
• The 1975 season was another split year spent mostly in Wichita. Rosello batted .259 in 58 AB for the Cubs in September.
• Dave was with the Cubs for the entire season in 1976 and 1977. In 1976 Rosello batted .242 in 227 AB and in 1977 he batted .220 in 82 AB. After the 1977 season Dave was traded to the Cleveland Indians for two  minor leaguers.
• Rosello was with AAA Portland for the entire 1978 season. Dave was with the Indians for the entire season in 1979, 1980, and 1981 and put up pretty consistent numbers (.243 in 107 AB in 1979, .248 in 117 AB in 1980, .238 in 84 AB in 1981).
• Dave didn't make the Indians ballclub in 1982 and was cut in spring training. He played for Cleveland's AAA Charleston club but didn't make it back to the majors.

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1976 Topps #506 - George Mitterwald

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• George Mitterwald was a catcher in the major leagues from 1966-1977. Mitterwald was signed by the Minnesota Twins in 1965. He played in the minors from 1965-1968 and he got short looks by the Twins in 1966 (1 for 5 in three games) and in 1968 (.206 in 11 games).
• George became John Roseboro's backup catcher in 1969. He batted .257 in 69 games as the Twins won the AL West. Mitterwald batted .143 in the 1969 ALCS.
• Mitterwald became the starting catcher for the Twins in 1970. He batted .222 with 15 HR in 117 games during the regular season and went 4 for 8 in two games in the 1970 ALCS. George batted .250 with 13 HR in 125 games in 1971.
• George split time behind the plate with Glen Borgmann and Phil Roof in 1972 and batted .184 in 64 games. Mitterwald got his starting job back in 1973 and had his best year, batting .259 with career  highs in home runs (16) and RBI (64). After the 1973 season George was traded to the Chicago Cubs for Randy Hundley.
• From 1974-1976 Mitterwald and Steve Swisher shared the catching load for the Cubs. In 1974 George batted .251 in 78 games and in 1975 he batted .220 in 84 games. On April 17, 1974 George hit three home runs in one game (he doubled in his other at bat). Mitterwald batted .215 in 101 games in 1976. 
• In 1977 George was the starting catcher and batted .238 with nine homers in 110 games. 
• Mitterwald became a free agent after the 1977 season and signed with the Seattle Mariners. He didn't make the Seattle ballclub and played for Seattle's AAA  San Jose club in 1978. George retired after batting .162 in 21 games for San Jose.
• Mitterwald managed the Duluth-Superior Dukes minor league ballclub in 1997 and managed Ila Borders, who was the first woman pro pitcher. The Dukes won the Northern League Championship in 1997.
• Liked to face: Joe Horlen (.538 in 13 AB); Tommy John (.442 in 43 AB); Fritz Peterson (.440 in 25 AB)
• Hated to face: Bill Parsons (.000 in 14 AB); Sam McDowell (.043 with 12 SO in 23 AB); Dave McNally (.100 in 20 AB)

1976 Topps #482 - Tim Hosley

• Tim Hosley caught in parts of ten seasons in the majors from 1971-1981. Hosley was signed by the Detroit Tigers in 1966. He  made several stops in the Tigers' system from 1967-1970 and didn't put up remarkable stats in any of those seasons. Tim came up to the Tigers at the end of the 1970 season and batted .167 in 12 at bats.
• Hosley was in the minors for most of the 1971 season. He had two shorts stints with the Tigers -- one in July and another in September. Tim batted .188 in 16 at bats for the Tigers in '71. Hosley was in the minors for the entire 1972 season and then was traded to the Oakland A's just before the 1973 season for Don Shaw.
• Tim was with the A's during May and  June of 1973 and was in the minors for the rest of the season. He batted .214 in 14 at bats for the A's in '73. Hosley's 1974 season was similar to his 1973 season. He played in 11 games for the A's, none of them starts, and batted .286 (2 for 7). He was a Pacific Coast League All Star in '74. After the 1974 season Tim was taken by the Chicago Cubs in the rule 5 draft.
• In 1975 Hosley was the third catcher behind Steve Swisher and George Mitterwald. Tim batted .255 in 62 games for the Cubs in '75. Hosley made one unsuccessful pinch hitting appearance for the Cubs in 1976 before being waived in mid April. Tim was claimed by the Oakland A's and played for them through June before being assigned to AAA Tucson. Hosley batted .164 in 54 at bats for the A's in '76.
• Hosley was in AAA San Jose for the beginning of the 1977 season and was recalled in July after batting .321. Tim batted .192 in 78 at bats for the A's during the remainder of the 1977 season. Tim was in the minors again in 1978 and didn't appear for the A's until September. He batted .304 in 23 at bats, mostly as a pinch hitter.
• Tim was in the minors for the entire 1979 and 1980 seasons. He had a good year for AAA Ogden in 1980 when he batted .301 with 26 HR and 102 RBI. Hosley was with the A's in 1981 and batted .095 in 22 at bats before being released on August 27. His last appearance was on June 10. Tim played in two games for Oakland's AAA Tacoma club in 1982 and that was it for his career.
• Hosley played one season (1989) for the Fort Myers Sun Sox in the Senior Professional Baseball Association. His TTM address (as of 2006) is here. 

1976 Topps #430 - Jose Cardenal

• Jose Cardenal played in the majors from 1963-1980. He was signed by the San Francisco Giants in 1960. Jose played in the minors from 1961-1964 and had a lifetime .298 minor league batting average. Cardenal had  brief looks in 1963 (1 for 5) and 1964 (3 for 15). After the 1964 season Jose was traded to the California Angels for Jack Hiatt.
• Cardenal became the Angels' starting center fielder in 1965. He batted .250 with 11 home runs and  37 stolen bases in 134 games. Jose batted .276 with 16 home runs in 1966. Cardenal  missed the last month of the season in 1967 and batted .236 in 108 games. After the 1967 season Jose was traded to the Cleveland Indians for Chuck Hinton.
• Jose was Cleveland's starting center fielder in 1968 and batted .257 with 40 stolen bases in 157 games. In 1969 Cardenal batted .257 in 146 games. Jose was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals for Vada Pinson after the 1969 season.
• Cardenal batted .293 in 148 games for the Cardinals in 1970. He was  batting .243 in 89 games in 1971 when he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers on July 29. Jose batted .258 in 53 games for the Brewers. After the 1971 season the Brewers traded Jose to the Chicago Cubs for Jim Colborn, Brock Davis, and Earl Stephenson.
• Cardenal spent the next six seasons with the Cubs. Jose was the starting right fielder for three seasons and the starting left fielder for two more years before being used as a utility player in 1977. In 1972 he batted .291 with 17 HR and 96 runs scored. Cardenal batted .303 in 1973 and .293 in 1974. Jose Cardenal: The Cubs' Numero Uno - November 1973 Baseball Digest. After moving to left field in 1975 Jose batted a career-high .317. He batted .299 in 1976 and had a great day on May 2 when he went 6 for 7 and singled in the go-ahead run in the top of the 14th in the first game of a double header.
• Jose missed some time with an injury in 1977. He played in 100 games and batted .239 in 226 at bats. After the 1977 season Cardenal was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies for Manny Seoane.
• Cardenal's playing time diminshed in the last three seasons of his career. In 1978 he played in 87 games and batted .249. He batted .167 (1 for 6) in the NLCS. Jose was used mostly as a pinch hitter in 1979 and 1980. He batted .208 in 48 at bats for the Phillies in 1979 and was sold to the New York Mets on August 2. Jose batted .297 in 37 at bats for the Mets to finish the 1979 season.
• Jose batted .167 in 42 at bats for the Mets in 1980. He was released on August 13 and signed by the Kansas City Royals on August 21. Cardenal batted .340 in 53 at bats for the Royals at the end of the 1980 season. He wasn't used in the ALCS but batted .200 (2 for 10) in the World Series. Cardenal's last major league hit was a single in the 9th inning of game 6 of the World Series. His single brought the tying run (Willie Wilson) to the plate -- Wilson struck out to end the series.
• After his playing career Cardenal was a coach with several ballclubs, including the 1998 World Champion New York Yankees. He worked as a special assistant to GM Jim Bowden in Washington and helped a reluctant Alfonso Soriano learn how to play the outfield. Q & A on Outfield Defense - June 2009 Baseball Digest.
• Jose has been known to play some tricks while on the ballfield. He once tried to hide the ball in the ivy at Wrigley Field in order to hold the batter to a ground rule double. Another time he was on first base when an argument broke out. He went back to the dugout for a drink during the argument and when he went back to the field he went to second base instead. It took a little bit of time for the umpires to notice. Cardenal was noted for some creative excuses on why he couldn't play such as "the crickets were too loud and kept me up all night."

• Liked to face: Bucky Brandon (.455 in 24 AB); Steve Rogers (.441 in 34 AB); Tom Griffin (.414 in 29 AB)
• Hated to face: Ron Kline (.000 in 12 AB); J.R. Richard (.094 in 32 AB); Gary Bell (.097 in 31 AB)

1976 Topps #403 - Geoff Zahn

• Geoff Zahn pitched in the majors from 1973-1985. Geoff was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1968. He was drafted by three other teams in 1966 and 1967, but he elected to remain at the University of Michigan. Zahn finally signed with the Dodgers in '68. Zahn pitched in the Dodgers' system from 1968-1973. He finally made it to the Dodgers in late 1973 at the age of 27. Zahn pitched in six games (1 start) and was 1-0 with a 1.35 ERA.

• Zahn pitched in 21 games (10 starts) in 1974 and was 3-5 with a 2.03 ERA. He wasn't used in the postseason. Geoff pitched in two games for the Dodgers in 1975 (0-1, 9.00 ERA) and was traded with Eddie Solomon to the Chicago Cubs for Burt Hooton. Geoff was 2-7 with a 4.45 ERA in 16 games (10 starts) for the Cubs in 1975.

• Geoff spent most of the 1976 season pitching for AAA Wichita. He was 0-1 with a 10.80 ERA in three games (two starts) for the Cubs and was released after the 1976 season. Zahn joined the Minnesota Twins during spring training in 1977 and made the team. Geoff had picked up a hard slider and was successful with it. He started a streak of six seasons in a row of getting 10 or more victories. In 1977 Zahn was 12-14 with a 4.68 ERA.

• Zahn was a solid starter in 1978 (14-14, 3.03 ERA) and in 1979 (13-7, 3.57 ERA). Geoff missed five weeks of the 1979 season with an injury. His ERA went up to 4.41 and he was 12-18 for the Twins in 1980. Zahn became a free agent after the 1980 season and signed with the California Angels.

• Geoff was 10-11 with a 4.41 ERA in 1981. He had his biggest season in 1982. Zahn went 18-8 and had a 3.73 ERA. He started and lost game 3 of the 1982 ALCS, giving up three runs in 3.2 innings.

• Zahn had his 10+ victory streak broken in 1983 -- he was 9-11 with a 3.33 ERA in 28 starts. In 1984 Geoff went 13-10 with a 3.12 ERA and led the AL with five shutouts.

• Geoff had an injury in 1985 and missed about three months. He started 7 games and was 2-2 with a 4.38 ERA. Zahn was released after the 1985 season.

• Zahn was selected as the coach of Michigan University in 1995, replacing Bill Freehan. He coached the team through the 2001 season. After his time at Michigan Zahn did color commentary for college baseball telecasts. Geoff Zahn's official website. He is now a Christian and motivational speaker. Here is an article Geoff wrote about arm injuries. Here is an article he wrote about a pre-season throwing program he used. The University of Michigan's Pitcher of the Year award is named after Geoff.

• Liked to face: Ken Griffey (.130 in 23 AB); Harold Baines (.136 in 22 AB); Bump Wills (.138 in 29 AB)
• Hated to face: Bert Campaneris (.545 in 22 AB); Bob Kearny/Mario Guerrero (.476 in 21 AB); Hal McRae (.400 with 5 HR in 70 AB)

1976 Topps #378 - Steve Stone

• Steve Stone pitched in the majors from 1971-1981. He gained fame for his long broadcasting career with the Chicago Cubs. Stone was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in 1969. Steve pitched in the minors in 1969 and 1970. He made the San Francisco club in 1971 and spent most of the season there except for a six week stint in AAA Phoenix from mid-July to early September. Stone was 5-9 with a 4.15 ERA in 24 games (19 of them starts) in 1971.

• Stone pitched pretty well in 1972 but missed some time due to injury. He pitched in only one game from mid-June to early August. Steve was 6-8 with a 2.98 ERA in 27 games (16 starts) in '72. After the 1972 season Stone was traded with Ken Henderson to the Chicago White Sox for Tom Bradley.

• Stone was 6-11 with a 4.24 ERA in 36 games (22 starts) for the White Sox in 1973. After the 1973 season he was traded to the Cubs with Ken Frailing, Steve Swisher and Jim Kremmel for Ron Santo.

• Steve spent three seasons with the Cubs. Stone pitched in 36 games (22 starts) in 1974 and 8-6 with a 4.14 ERA. Steve's best year with the Cubs was in 1975 when he was 12-8 with a 3.95 ERA in 32 starts. In 1976 Stone had a torn rotator cuff. He started one game in late April and then didn't pitch again until July, refusing surgery in favor of cryotherapy. Steve was 3-6 with a 4.08 ERA in 15 starts. After the 1976 season Stone became a free agent and signed with the White Sox.

• Stone was 15-12 with a 4.51 ERA in 31 starts for the White Sox in 1977. Steve has the distinction of giving up Duane Kuiper's only major league home run on August 29, 1977. In 1978 he was 12-12 with a 4.37 ERA in 30 starts. Steve was a free agent again after the 1978 season and signed with the Baltimore Orioles.

• Steve started 32 games for the Orioles in 1979 and was 11-7 with a 3.77 ERA. He wasn't used in the ALCS, but did pitch two innings in game 4 of the World Series, allowing two runs.

• Stone had his career year in 1980. He won the AL Cy Young Award and started the 1980 All Star Game (he pitched three scoreless innings). The Game I'll Never Forget - March 1983 Baseball Digest. Steve was 25-7 with a 3.23 ERA in 37 starts. After the season Stone opened the mail to find that he had been mailed Steve Carlton's Cy Young plaque by mistake. How Steve Stone Turned into A Big Winner - November 1980 Baseball Digest.

• All of those games took a toll on Steve and he developed tendonitis in his pitching arm.. He dropped to 4-7 with a 4.60 ERA in 15 games (12 starts) in 1981. Stone retired after the 1981 season.

• In 1983 Steve became a color commentator for Chicago Cubs broadcasts. He and Harry Caray did the Cubs TV games for 15 years. After Caray died in 1998 Chip Caray was brought in to do the play-by-play and Stone teamed up with him until 2000. Stone stepped down for health reasons but returned to the booth in 2003 and 2004. Steve resigned after the 2004 season after having problems with Cubs' players who thought he was being too critical of them.

• From 2005-2008 Steve did various broadcasting jobs for the White Sox and TBS. He is now the color commentator for White Sox TV broadcasts.

• Stone was featured (in more ways than one) in a July 1983 Playgirl article.

• In 1999 he co-wrote a book called Where's Harry? about his time with Harry Caray.

• Here is Steve's offical website.

• Liked to face: Bob Robertson (.000 in 14 AB); Dave Cash (.114 in 35 AB); Ruppert Jones (.118 in 34 AB)
• Hated to face: Jim Rice (.568 with 4 HR in 37 AB); Manny Sanguillen (.565 in 23 AB); Johnny Grubb (.409 in 44 AB)

1976 Topps #359 - Rick Reuschel

• Rick Reuschel was a starting pitcher for many years. He had two career peaks - the 1970s with the Chicago Cubs and another smaller peak in the mid-late 1980s with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the San Francisco Giants. Reuschel was drafted by the Cubs in 1970. He pitched in the minors from 1970 to 1972 and was judged to be ready for the majors after starting the 1972 season 9-2 with a 1.32 ERA in 12 starts for AAA Wichita. Rick pitched well for the Cubs in his rookie year. He was 10-8 with a 2.93 ERA in 21 games (18 starts) in '72.

• Reuschel was a workhorse for the Cubs in the 1970s. In 1973 he started 36 games and was 14-15 with a 3.00 ERA. Rick had a record of 13-12 with a 4.30 ERA in 38 starts in 1974. The 1975 season was a tough one for Reuschel. He was 11-17 with a 3.73 ERA. The 17 losses led the National League. Rick had a better year in 1976 (14-12, 3.46 ERA in 37 starts). During this time he and his brother Paul were teammates on the Cubs.

• Rick's best season was probably 1977. He won 20 games for the only time in his career, was an NL All Star (he pitched a scoreless 8th inning), and was 3rd in NL Cy Young Award balloting. Reuschel was 20-10 with a 2.79 ERA in 1977. Rick Reuschel of the Cubs Throws A 'Slurve' - November 1977 Baseball Digest.

• Reuschel was 14-15 with a 3.41 ERA in 1978. His last really big year for the Cubs was 1979. Reuschel was 18-12 with a 3.62 ERA in 36 starts. In 1980 Rick led the NL in starts with 38 and was  11-13 with a 3.40 ERA.

• Rick started the 1981 season with the Cubs. He was 4-7 with a 3.47 ERA in 13 starts for the Cubs. On June 12 Reuschel was traded to the New York Yankees for Doug Bird, Mike Griffin, and $400,000. He didn't pitch for the Yankees until the end of the strike in August. Rick was 4-4 with a 2.67 ERA in 11 starts for the Yankees in 1981. He started game 4 of the ALDS and lost 2-1 to Milwaukee's Pete Vuckovich. Rick wasn't used in the ALCS, but he got into two games in the World Series. Rick started game 4 but lasted only 3.2 innings. He didn't get a decision in that game. Rick also appeared in game 6 and allowed an unearned run.

• Reuschel had a torn rotator cuff in 1982 and missed the entire season. He started four games for the Yankees' AAA Columbus club in 1983 but was ineffective and the Yankees released him on June 9. A few weeks later Rick signed with the Cubs and pitched for their A-level Quad Cities team. Rick pitched well for Quad Cities and was brought back to the Cubs at the end of the 1983 season. Reuschel was 1-1 with a 3.92 ERA in 4 starts for the Cubs in '83.

• In 1984 Reuschel struggled with his effectiveness. The Cubs used him as a spot starter and occasional reliever. Rick was 5-5 with a 5.17 ERA in 19 games (14 starts). The Cubs didn't use Rick in the postseason (they left him off of the roster) and released him at the end of the season.

• Rick went to spring training as a non-roster invitee with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1985. He started the 1985 season with AAA Hawaii and was brought up to the Pirates after posting a 6-2 record with the Islanders. Reuschel had a nice season for the Pirates, going 14-8 with a 2.27 ERA in 26 starts. Rick also won a Gold Glove award. How Perseverance Paid Off for Rick Reuschel - May 1986 Baseball Digest. Pittsburgh's Golden Oldie - July 15, 1985 Sports Illustrated.

• In 1986 Rick was 9-16 with a 3.96 ERA in 34 starts for the Pirates. Reuschel started the 1987 season with the Pirates (8-6, 2.75 ERA in 25 starts) and made the NL All Star Team (he pitched the 7th and part of the 8th innings). Rick was traded to the Giants for Scott Medvin and Jeff Robinson on August 21. Rick was 5-3 with a 4.32 ERA in 8 starts for the Giants as they won the NL West title. Reuschel started and lost game 1 of the NLCS. He also started game 5 but wasn't involved in the decision. To top it all off, Rick won another Gold Glove award and was 3rd in NL Cy Young Award voting.

• Rick led the NL with 36 starts in 1988 and was 19-11 with a 3.12 ERA. Rick Reuschel: He Lets Batter Get Himself Out - December 1988 Baseball Digest. He started the 1989 All Star game and gave up home runs to the first two AL hitters (Bo Jackson and Wade Boggs). Dave Stewart let Rick off the hook by allowing two runs in the bottom of the first, so Rick wasn't involved in the decision. Reuschel went 17-8 with a 2.94 ERA for the NL Champion Giants. He lost game 2 of the NLCS and won game 5. In the World Series Rick started and lost game 2 as the Giants were swept by the Oakland A's.

• Reuschel was injured for much of the 1991 season. He didn't pitch from May 27-September 17. Rick was 3-6 with a 3.93 ERA in 13 starts. Reuschel was 0-2 with a 4.22 ERA in 4 games (1 start) in 1991 when he was released by the Giants on June 19.

• After his retirement Rick and Paul have operated their family farm in Quincy, IL.
• Here is a nice blog entry about Reuschel.

• Liked to face: Bill Doran (.130 in 46 AB); Ron Cey (.139 in 79 AB); Eric Davis (.048 in 21 AB)
• Hated to face: Mike Schmidt (.403 with 7 HR in 129 AB); Tim Raines (.441 in 68 AB); Richie Hebner (.422 in 83 AB)

1976 Topps #323 - Rob Sperring

• Rob Sperring was a utility infielder and played parts of four seasons from 1974-1977. He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 1971.

• Sperring made it to the Cubs in early August 1974. He played in 42 games and batted .206 in 107 at bats. In 1975 Rob played in 65 games and batted .208 in 144 at bats. Sperring started the 1976 season in the minors and came back to the Cubs in late July. He played in 43 games and batted .258 in 93 at bats.

• On February 11, 1977 season Sperring was traded with Bill Madlock to the San Francisco Giants for Bobby Murcer, Steve Ontiveros, and a minor leaguer. He never played with the Giants -- on March 26 he was traded with Willie Crawford to the Houston Astros for Rob Andrews and cash. Rob played most of the 1977 season with the Astros and batted .186 in 129 at bats. Sperring spent the 1978 and 1979 seasons with AAA Charleston but never made it back to the majors.

• Rob has two sons: Trey played baseball for Rice University and now plays for the University of Oklahoma; Jayme played baseball for Rice and in the Baltimore Orioles' system (2000-2003).
  
  

1976 Topps #299 - Champ Summers

• John "Champ" Summers saw action in Vietnam and didn't make it to the majors until he was 28 years old. His father was a Navy prizefighter and Champ was one of the first players to get a tattoo. Summers was signed by the Oakland A's after being discovered playing in a softball league after his service in Vietnam.

• Champ played in the minors from 1971-1973. In 1974 he was with the A's in May and June. Summers batted .125 in 24 at bats before being sent back to AAA Tucson. He started the 1975 season in Tucson but was traded to the Chicago Cubs for Jim Todd and cash after 17 games. The Cubs brought him back up to the majors and he batted .231 in 91 at bats as a pinch hitter and spare outfielder.

• Summers played in 83 games in 1976, only 26 of them in the field. He batted .206 in 142 AB. After the 1976 season he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds for Dave Schneck. Champ found at bats to be a rare occurrence with the Big Red Machine. In 1977 he batted .171 in 76 at bats. He spent most of the 1978 season with AAA Indianapolis where he batted .368. He was the Minor League Player of the Year. Summers batted 35 times with the Reds in '78 and hit .257.

• In 1979 Champ started with the Reds (.200 in 60 at bats) and then was traded to the Detroit Tigers for Sheldon Burnside. There he was reunited with manager Sparky Anderson and had his best seasons. Summers batted .313 with 20 HR in 90 games to finish the 1979 season. In 1980 Summers was able to spend a lot of time as DH. He batted .297 with 17 HR and 60 RBI in 120 games. Champ batted .255 in 165 at bats in 1981. After the 1981 season Summers was traded to the San Francisco Giants for Enos Cabell and cash.

• Champ was 36 years old when he got to the Giants and on the tail end of his career. In 1982 he batted .248 in 125 at bats. His production really dropped off in 1983 (.136 in 22 at bats) and Summers traded to the San Diego Padres for Joe Pittman and a minor leaguer after the season.

• Summers batted .185 in 54 at bats in 1984, mostly as a pinch hitter. He was hitless in two at bats in the NLCS and struck out in his only at bat in the World Series. Champ was granted free agency after the 1984 season, didn't sign with anyone, and retired.

• In 1989 Summers played in the Senior Professional Baseball League. He managed the Independent League Gateway Grizzlies in 2001.

• Summers now operated "Champ Summers' Summer Camp for Champs," a motivational sports retreat for youths.

• Liked to face: Mike Torrez (.346 in 26 AB); Dennis Leonard (.438 in 16 AB); Dennis Eckersley (.357 in 14 AB)
• Hated to face: Dennis Martinez (.158 in 19 AB); Don Sutton (.167 in 18 AB); Rick Langford (.133 in 15 AB)
  

1976 Topps #277 - Chicago Cubs

• I wonder why the Cubs (and sometimes the White Sox) got the "floating heads" team cards. I like them since it's easier to figure out who was who.

• The Cubs were a mediocre team in 1976. They were 75-87 (4th place in the NL East). Jim Marshall was replaced as manager by Herman Franks after the 1976 season. The Cubs had identical 75-87 records in Jim's two full seasons managing the club. Jim also managed the Oakland A's in 1979 (54-108, .333) and is currently a scout for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

• Attendance: 1,026,217 (7th in NL)
• Team Batting Average: .251 (6th in NL)
• Team Home Runs: 105 (4th in NL)
• Team ERA: 3.94 (11th in NL)
• Team Fielding Pct: .978 (5th in NL)
• NL All Stars: Steve Swisher (C)
• Team batting leader: Bill Madlock (.339)
• Team home run leader: Rick Monday (32)
• Team RBI leader: Bill Madlock (84)
• Team Wins leader: Ray Burris (15)
• Team Losses leader: Ray Burris/Bill Bonham (13)
• Team ERA leader: Bruce Sutter (2.70)
• Team Strikeout leader: Rick Reuschel (146)
• Team Saves leader: Bruce Sutter (10)
  

1976 Topps #251 - Rick Monday

• As the back of this card says, Rick Monday was the first player drafted (by the Kansas City A's) in the first Free Agent Draft in 1965. It didn't take him long to make it to the majors. After a good 1966 season in AA Mobile (.267, 23 HR, 89 BB), Monday was brought up to the majors for a September look-see. Rick batted .098 in 41 AB, but he was in the big leagues to stay.

• Monday became the A's starting center fielder in 1967. He batted .251 with 14 HR and 58 RBI. In 1968 Rick made the AL All Star team and batted .274 with eight HR and 49 RBI. During his career Monday had a propensity to strike out, but he also drew a lot of walks and usually had on-base percentages in the upper .300s. Here is an October 1968 Baseball Digest article about Rick - Always on Monday.

• Rick had similar seasons in 1969, 1970, and 1971. He apparently tried to hit more home runs in '71 -- he hit a then-career-high 18 homers, but his on-base percentage slipped to .335. After the 1971 season Rick was traded to the Chicago Cubs for Ken Holtzman.

• After he came to the Cubs Rick got more playing time. In his five years in Chicago he played between 136 and 148 games each year. After having a so-so year in 1972 (.249, 11 HR, 42 RBI, 68 runs scored), Monday had a string of four nice years for the Cubs. He scored at least 84 runs in each of those years and hit over 20 HR in three of those four seasons. Here is a Baseball Digest about Rick (August 1975 Baseball Digest - Rick Monday: New Leadership for the Cubs). His best year for the Cubs was probably 1976 when he batted .272, hit 32 HR, and scored 107 runs.

• After the 1976 season he was traded with Mike Garman to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Bill Buckner, Ivan DeJesus, and a minor leaguer. Rick's stats weren't all that great for the Dodgers, but he was credited with helping to stabilize the Dodgers' outfield (April 1977 Baseball Digest - Rick Monday: A Touch of Class for the Dodgers). In 1977 Rick batted .230 with 15 HR and 48 RBI. He started off well in 1978 (.333 with 11 HR at the end of May) and was named to the NL All Star team but he tailed off as the season wore on and ended up batting .254 with 19 HR and 57 RBI.

• In 1979 Rick was off to a good start but was injured and didn't play after May 7. He batted .303 in his limited time (12 games) in a season where a lot of things went wrong for the Dodgers.

• His chronic bad back forced Monday into a reserve role for the remainder of his career. In 1980 he batted .268 with 10 HR in 96 games. Used mostly as a pinch hitter in 1981, Rick had a career-high in batting average (.315) and homered 11 times in 210 at bats. He also hit a very famous home run that helped put the Dodgers into the World Series (discussed later).

• Rick continued to be used as a pinch hitter/backup outfielder in 1982 (.257 in 210 at bats) and in 1983 (.247 in 178 at bats). He started off batting .191 in 47 at bats and was released on June 20, 1984.

• After his playing career Monday became a sports anchor for KTTV in Los Angeles in 1985 and did some broadcasting for the Dodgers. Rick did television and radio play-by-play for the San Diego Padres from 1989-1992, then rejoined the Dodgers in 1993 as a radio broadcaster and pre-game show host. Monday has been at that job ever since.

Monday had two moments that made him famous:

• The first was when he rescued an American flag from being burned in center field at Dodger Stadium in 1976.

• The second was when he hit the game-winning home run in game 5 of the National League Championship Series in 1981. Actually, it was in the top of the 9th inning and the Dodger bullpen held the lead in the bottom of the inning). I remember watching the game in my sophomore English class--I think I was the only one in the room who wasn't rooting for the Dodgers. :(

• Liked to face: Tom Seaver (.349 with 11 HR in 86 AB); Bob Forsch (.351 in 57 AB); Dick Ruthven (.408 with 7 HR in 49 AB)
  
  
• Hated to face: Steve Rogers (.176 with 26 strikeouts in 74 AB); J. R. Richard (.125 with 20 strikeouts in 48 AB); Jim Perry (.186 in 43 AB)