1976 Kellogg's #34 - Gary Carter

• What did he do to deserve a 1976 Kellogg's card?
• Finished a close second to John Montefusco in NL Rookie of the Year voting in 1975
• Batted .270 with 17 HR and 68 RBI in 144 games in 1975
• Was Montreal's representative in the 1975 All Star Game -- played left field in the 9th inning
• 1976 Highlights:
• Batted .219 in 91 games
• Gary turned 22 in the beginning of the 1976 season -- the nickname "Kid" was still a good fit at the time
• Gary just found out that he has four small tumors on his brain. He is going in for further tests this week. My prayers and best wishes are with Mr. Carter and his family during this tough time.
• Edit 16 February 2012: Gary passed away today at the age of 57.

1976 Topps Traded #579T - Clay Kirby

• Clay Kirby pitched for the Montreal Expos for only one season.
• Kirby was 1-8 with a 5.72 ERA in 22 games (15 starts) for the Expos in 1976.
• Clay was waived by the Expos after the 1976 season and picked up by the San Diego Padres (Clay's original club) for $1.
• Kirby was 1-7 with a 7.95 ERA in AAA Hawaii in 1977 and retired at the age of 29.

1976 Topps #642 - Dennis Blair

• Dennis Blair pitched for the Montreal Expos from 1974-1976 and also pitched for the San Diego Padres for a short time in 1980.
• Blair was drafted by the Expos in 1972. Dennis moved up the ladder in the Expos' organization and came up to the majors in May 1974 after starting the season 5-0 with a 1.83 ERA for AAA Memphis.
• Dennis had a good rookie year for the Expos in 1974, going 11-7 with a 3.27 ERA in 22 starts. Blair won his major league debut on May 26.
• Blair was 8-15 with an ERA of 3.80 in 1975.
• In 1976 Dennis was in AAA for most of the season. Blair was brought back to the Expos in September and 0-2 with a 4.02 ERA in four starts.
• Blair spent the 1977 season in AAA. He started with Montreal's Denver club and was traded to the Baltimore Orioles. He finished the season in AAA Rochester.
• In 1978 Blair was in AA and in AAA in the Baltimore organization. Dennis started the 1979 season with Rochester and then moved on to San Diego's AAA Hawaii Islanders after being traded in June.
• Dennis was in Hawaii again for most of the 1980 season. He was brought up to the Padres for a brief time in June and July and was 0-1 with a 6.43 ERA in five games. Blair retired after the 1980 season.

.

1976 Topps #594 - Rookie Catchers and Outfielders (Merchant, Ott, Stillman, White)

• Andy Merchant
• Drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 1972
• Debuted in the majors at the end of the 1975 season
• Played in one game (September 28) after the Red Sox clinched the AL East and went 2 for 4.
• Appeared as a pinch hitter for the Red Sox twice in June 1976 and struck out both times. That was it for his major league career
• Played in AAA in the Red Sox organization from 1974-1979
• After his retirement from baseball he worked at Alabama Power as a line-clearing specialist from 1980-2000
• Andy's SABR biography
• Ed Ott
• Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1970
• Played in the minors from 1970-1975
• Had short stints with the Pirates in 1974 (0 for 5 in seven games) and in 1975 (1 for 5 in five games)
• Played in 27 games in 1976 and batted .308 in 39 at bats
• Split the catching duties with Duffy Dyer in 1977 --- batted .264 with 7 HR in 104 games
• Slammed Mets 2B Felix Milan to the ground during an altercation on August 18, 1977. Milan was hurt and the injury basically ended his career.
• Batted .269 with 9 HR in 112 games in 1978
• Was the regular catcher for the Pirates in 1979 and  batted .273 with 7 HR and 51 RBI in 117 games
• Played in three games in the 1979 NLCS and went 3 for 13 (.231)
• Batted .333 (4 for 12) in three games in the 1979 World Series
• Batted .260 with 8 HR and 41 RBI in 1980
• Traded with Mickey Mahler to the California Angels for Jason Thompson after the 1980 season
• Played in 75 games for the Angels in 1981 and batted .217
• Did not play in 1982
• Played in AAA in 1983 and retired after the season.
• Coached with the Houston Astros from 1989-1993
• Currently  manages the Sussex Skyhawks in the Canadian-American Association of Professional Baseball
• Ed Ott reminisces
• Royle Stillman
• Drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1969
• Played in the Dodgers' organization from 1969-1971 and then was traded to the Baltimore Orioles as part of the Frank Robinson deal
• Played in AA in 1972 and then played all or parts of four seasons (1973-1976) for AAA Rochester
• Played in 13 games for the Orioles in 1975 and went 6 for 14 (.429)
• Played in 20 games in 1976 and went 2 for 22 (.091)
• Became a free agent after the 1976 season and signed with the Chicago White Sox
• Stayed with the White Sox for the entire 1977 season and batted .210 in 119 at bats
• Cut by the White Sox at the end of spring training in 1978
• Played for AAA Ogden and AAA Salt Lake City in the A's and Mariners organizations from 1978-1980
• Held out in 1974. Stillman was one of Rochester's better players but was thought of as enigmatic by some teammates and people around the club
• Jerry White
• Drafted by the Montreal Expos in 1970 at the age of 17
• Played in the minors from 1970-1974
• Was called up in September 1974 and went 4 for 10 in nine games
• Started the 1975 season in Montreal but was sent down to AAA in  late May
• Came back to the Expos in September and ended up batting .299 in 39 games
• Stayed in Montreal for the entire 1976 season and batted .245 in 114 games
• Batted .190 in 16 games for Montreal in 1977 (was in AAA for most of the season)
• Started the 1978 season in Montreal and was mostly used as a pinch runner (2 for 10 in 18 games)
• Traded to the Chicago Cubs on June 23 for Woodie Fryman
• Batted .272 in 59 games for the Cubs in 1978
• Traded back to Montreal after the 1978 season with Rodney Scott for Sam Mejias
• Batted .297 in 88 games for the Expos in 1979
• Played in 110 games and batted .262 with 7 HR in 1980
• Slumped to .218 in 59 games in 1981
• Went 3 for 18 (.167) in the 1981 NLDS
• Batted .313 (5 for 16) in the 1981 NLCS
• Batted .243 in 69 games in 1982
• Played in 40 games in 1983 and went 5 for 34 (.147). Also spent some time in AAA in 1983
• Became a free agent after the 1983 season but was unsigned.
• Played in Japan in 1984 and 1985
• Signed by the St. Louis Cardinals before the 1986 season
• Batted .125 (3 for 24) in 25 games in 1986 and was released on June 12
• Has worked for the Minnesota Twins in various capacities since 1987 (except for two years in the mid-1990s when he worked for the Detroit Tigers)
• Jerry has been the first base coach for the Twins since 1999.

1976 Topps #590 - Rookie Outfielders (Cruz, Lemon, Valentine, Whitfield)

• Henry Cruz
• Signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1971
• Played in the  minors from 1972-1974. 
• Batted .266 in 94 at bats for the Dodgers in the first three months of the 1975 season.
• Sent back to AAA Albuquerque in late June and batted .310 in 71 games.
• Played with Los Angeles for most of the 1976 season but didn't get many at bats. Henry batted .182 in 88 at bats for the Dodgers.
• Sent back to Albuquerque in August and batted .305 in 24 games.
• Batted .353 with 12 triples and 18 HR in 133 games at Albuquerque in 1977.
• Cruz couldn't break into the Los Angeles outfield and was waived in September 1977. Henry was selected by the Chicago White Sox.
• Batted .286 in 21 at bats for the White Sox to finish the 1977 season.
• Started the 1978 season with Chicago and stayed with the  White Sox through the end of July.
• Batted .221 in 77 at bats for the White Sox in 1978.
• Sent down to AAA Iowa in August 1978 and never got back to the majors.
• Continued to play in AAA for Iowa and Evansville through the 1981 season.
• Played in the Mexican League from 1982-1985
• Now coaches baseball in Puerto Rico
• Henry's SABR biography
• Chet Lemon
• Played in the  majors from 1975-1990
• Drafted by the Oakland A's in the first round in 1972
• Traded with Dave Hamilton to the Chicago White Sox for Stan Bahnsen and Skip Pitlock
• Went 9 for 35 (.259) in nine games for the White Sox at the end of the 1975 season.
• 1976: Batted .246 in 132 games as he became the starting CF at the age of 21.
• 1977: Batted .273 with 19 HR.
• 1978: Batted .300 with 13 HR in 105 games. Late-inning defensive replacement in 1978 All Star Game. Missed most of August with injuries
• 1979: Batted .318 with a league-leading 44 doubles and 17 HR. Went 0 for 2 with a run scored, a walk, and a hit by pitch in the All Star Game.
• 1980: Batted .292 with 11 HR
• 1981: Batted .302 with 9 HR in the strike-shortened season. Chet Lemon: The Struggle for 'A Spot in the Sun' - June 1981 Baseball Digest
•  Traded to the Detroit Tigers for Steve Kemp after the 1981 season
• 1982: Batted .266 with 19 HR
• 1983: Batted .255 with 24 HR. Led the AL in times hit by a pitch for the fourth time in five years.
• 1984: Batted .287 with 20 HR and 76 RBI. Went 1 for 2 with an RBI as the starting CF in the All Star Game. Was hitless in 13 AB in the ALCS and went 5 for 17 (.294) in the World Series.  How Sweet It Is for a Secure Chet Lemon - September 1984 Baseball Digest
• 1985: Batted .265 with 18 HR
• 1986: Batted .251 with 12 HR
• 1987: Batted .277 with 20 HR. Went 5 for 18 (.278) in the ALCS.
• 1988: Batted .264 with 17 HR as the starting RF (was the starting CF for every previous year)
• 1989: Batted .237 with 7 HR. Chet Lemon: The Game I'll Never Forget - April 1989 Baseball Digest
• 1990: Was a fourth OF for most of the year. Batted .258 in 322 AB. Retired after the 1990 season
• Chet Lemon Recalls His Big League Career - January 2005 Baseball Digest
• Organized a youth baseball organization in Florida after his major league playing career.
• Liked to face: Matt Young (.571 in 21 AB); Ken Schrom (.481 in 27 AB); Allan Anderson (.452 in 31 AB)
• Hated to face: Bob Welch (.000 in 13 AB); Juan Nieves (.048 in 21 AB); Greg Swindell (.080 in 25 AB)
• Ellis Valentine
• Drafted by the Montreal Expos in 1972
• Appeared in 12 games at the end of the 1975 season (.364 batting average)
• Played all three OF positions in 1976 and batted .279 in 94 games
• Made the NL All Star team in 1977 (0 for 1 with a BB) and batted .293 with 25 HR in 127 games
• Won a Gold Glove in 1978. His arm was considered by many to be the best in the game. Batted .289 with 25 HR
• Batted .276 with 21 HR in 1979.
• Was hit in the jaw by a pitch on May 30, 1980 and missed 40 games with a broken cheekbone. Valentine's injury probably cost the Expos the NL East title in 1980.
• Batted .315 with 13 HR in 86 games in 1980.
• Was batting only .211 in 22 games in 1981 for the Expos before he was traded to the New York Mets on May 29 for Dan Norman and Jeff Reardon.
• Batted .207 in 48 games for the Mets to finish the 1981 season.
• Batted .288 with 8 HR in 111 games in 1982.
• Became a free agent and signed with the California Angels after the 1982 season.
• Batted .240 in 86 games in 1983.
• Did not play baseball in 1984 and was released after the 1984 season.
• Signed with the Texas Rangers on July 10, 1985.
• Spent some time in AAA and then played in 11 games (.211 average) for the Rangers in 1985.
• Released after the 1985 season and never played again.
• Ellis is now involved with "Baseball Against Drugs" (BAD)
• Liked to face: Mark Lemongello (.571 in 14 AB); Jon Matlack (.471 in 17 AB); Steve Carlton (.404 in 47 AB)
• Hated to face: Charlie Hough/Rick Sutcliffe (.091 in 11 AB); Ed Halicki (.133 in 30 AB)
• Terry Whitfield
• Drafted by the New York Yankees in the first round in 1971
• Had a few stints with the Yankees from 1974-1976 but was unable to crack the Yankee lineup
• 1974: 2 for 5 in two games
• 1975: .272 in 81 at bats
• 1976: appeared in one game without batting
• Traded to the San Francisco Giants during spring training in 1977 for Marty Perez
• Was a fourth OF for the Giants in 1977 and batted .285 in 114 games
• Started at LF in 1978 and batted .289 with 10 HR in 149 games
• Batted .287 in 133 games in 1979.
• Played in 118 games in 1980 and batted .296
• Sold to the Seibu Lions (Japanese Pacific League) in 1981 and played in Japan from 1981-1983.
• Signed with the LA Dodgers in 1984.
• Batted .244 in 87 games in 1984
• Played in 79 games and batted .260 in 1985.
• Went 1 for 14 (.071) in 17 games in 1986 and was released on May 24.
• Played for various unaffiliated teams in Class A from 1986-1988
• Liked to face: Mike Krukow (.591 in 22 AB); Doug Bair (.500 in 12 AB); Joe Niekro (.414 in 29 AB)
• Hated to face: Bob Shirley (.071 in 14 AB); Dwight Gooden (.077 with 9 strikeouts in 13 AB); Pedro Borbon (.077 in 13 AB)

Ellis Valentine throws out a runner

1976 Topps #571 - Don DeMola

• 
  
  It seems like there have been a lot of cards lately of players who didn't play in the majors in 1976. Don DeMola pitched for the Montreal Expos in 1974 and 1975. DeMola was drafted by the New York Yankees in 1970.
• 
  
  Don pitched in the Yankees' system in 1970 and 1971 and then was released by the Yankees in 1972. As the card says, he didn't play in 1972.
• 
  
  DeMola was picked up by the Montreal Expos in 1973 and he pitched in the Expos' system in 1973. Don started the 1974 season with the Expos and was up and down during that season. DeMola was 1-0 with a 3.12 ERA in 25 games (1 start) for the Expos in '74.
• 
  
  Don pitched in 60 games for the Expos in 1975. DeMola went 4-7 with one save and had a 4.15 ERA in 1975.
• 
  
  DeMola was injured and missed the 1976 season (except for one appearance in AA). Don tried to pitch in the minors in 1977 and 1978 but wasn't effective and retired after the 1978 season at the age of 25.
• 
  
  Don is now in the fur business on Long Island and also installs entertainment systems and does some baseball instruction. Here is his website.

1976 Topps #544 - Pepe Frias

• Pepe Frias was a utility infielder in the major leagues from 1973-1981. Frias was originally signed by the San Francisco Giants in 1967. Pepe was the youngest of 15 children. The family lived off of the $500 from Pepe's signing for two years.
• Frias played for two minor league clubs in 1967 but was released after the season. Pepe tried out with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1968 but was cut in spring  training. Frias went back to the Giants organization in 1969 but was released again after the season.
• Pepe decided to give it one more go with the Montreal Expos organization. Frias climbed the ladder until he made it to the major league club in 1973. Pepe batted .231 in 225 AB and played in 100 games in '73.
• Frias batted .214 in 112 AB (75 games) in 1974 and .125 in 64 AB (51 games) in 1975. In 1976 Pepe batted .248 in 113 AB (76 games).
• Frias did a little better at the plate in 1977 (.257 in 70 AB). In 1978 Pepe batted only 15 times (.267) even though he played in 73 games. Most of his appearance were as a late-inning defensive replacement at second base. 
• During spring training in 1979 Frias was traded to the Atlanta Braves for Dave Campbell. Frias was given the starting shortstop job (former starter Darrel Chaney was in the last year of his career and would bat only .162 that year) and batted .259 in 140 games. Pepe hit the only home run of his career on  May 2 off of John Candelaria.
• After the 1979 season Frias was traded with Adrian Devine to the Texas Rangers for Doyle Alexander, Larvell Blanks, and $50,000. Pepe batted .242 in 116 games before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers on September 13 for Dennis Lewallyn and cash. The Dodgers needed some help at shortstop after Bill Russell fractured a finger. Frias played in 14 games for the Dodgers and went 2 for 9 (.222) to finish the 1980 season.
• Pepe played in 25 games for the Dodgers in 1981 and batted .250 in 36 at bats. Frias was released by the Dodgers on August 31. 
• Frias played for the Expos for their AAA Wichita club in 1982 but he batted .139 in 15 games and retired. Pepe played for the Fort Myers Sun Sox in 1989 in the Senior Professional Baseball Association. 
• Here is a 2001 article about Pepe's career and what he thinks should be done to help players from the Dominican Republic. The $2700/month pension Frias receives support his family of five and also helps six of his brothers.

.

1976 Topps #495 - Nate Colbert

.

• The 1976 season was Nate Colbert's last one in the majors. back problems forced him to retire at the age of 30. Colbert was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals and he played in their system in 1964 and 1965. Nate was drafted by the Houston Astros in the rule 5 draft after the 1965 season. He didn't play much for the Astros in 1966--he went 0 for 7 with four strikeouts and three runs scored in 19 games. Nate had to be kept on the major league roster because of the "bonus baby" rule.
• In 1967 Colbert was in AA and AAA and hit 28 homers. He was in AAA for most of the 1968 season before being brought up. Nate played in 20 games for the Astros in 1968 and batted .151 in 53 at bats. After the 1968 season Colbert was selected by the San Diego Padres in the expansion draft.
• Nate blossomed when he came to San Diego and was their main power and RBI guy from 1969-1973. In 1969 he batted .255 with 24 HR and 66 RBI. Colbert batted .259 with 38 HR and 86 RBI in 1970.
• Colbert made his first NL All Star team in 1971 (he struck out as a pinch hitter) and batted .264 with 27 HR and 84 RBI. The Padres Find A Leader in Nate Colbert - December 1971 Baseball Digest.
• Nate's  biggest year was 1972. Colbert had a record day in a doubleheader on August 1 -- he hit five home runs and knocked in 13 runs in the two games. Nate had actually attended the game(s) when Stan Musial had set the RBI record for a doubleheader with 11. The Game I'll Never Forget - October 1987 Baseball Digest. Colbert batted .250 with 38 HR and 111 RBI and finished 8th in MVP voting. Nate made his second straight NL All Star team in 1972. He appeared as a pinch hitter in the 10th inning, walked, and eventually scored on a single by Joe Morgan. Nate Colbert - The Padres' One-Man Gang - November 1972 Baseball Digest.
• Colbert's last big year was 1973. He was an NL All Star and was 0 for 1 as a pinch hitter. Nate batted .270 with 22 HR and 80 RBI.
• Nate's production slipped badly in 1974. He batted .207 with 14 HR and 54 RBI. After the 1974 season the Padres acquired Willie McCovey and Colbert asked to be traded .Nate was involved in a three-way trade that sent him to the Detroit Tigers.
• Colbert really struggled in his last two seasons in the majors. Nate was batting .147 in 156 at bats when the Tigers sold him to the Montreal Expos on June 15. Colbert didn't do much better in Montreal, batting .173 in 81 at bats. In 1976 Colbert started with the Expos and was batting .200 in 40 at bats when the Expos released him on June 2. The Oakland A's signed Nate on June 9 and sent him to AAA Tucson. Colbert was recalled by the A's in September and he went 0 for 5 in two games. Nate retired after the 1976 season.
• Here is a link to the book Tales from the Padres' Dugout by Bob Chandler that has some Nate Colbert stories.
• Liked to face: Dick Selma (.625 in 16 AB); Tommy John (.444 in 27 AB); Ken Forsch (.400 in 30 AB); Don Sutton (batted only .219 but hit 7 HR in 73 AB)
• Hated to face: Jim Lonborg (.053 in 19 AB); Ernie McInally (.059 in 17 AB); Ken Brett (.118 in 17 AB)

1976 Topps #467 - Woodie Fryman

• Woodie Fryman had a long career, pitching from 1966-1983. Fryman was signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1965. Woodie was in the minors for only one year (1965). Fryman made the Pirates ballclub in 1966 as a 26-year-old rookie and was 12-9 with a 3.81 ERA in 28 starts. Woodie had shaved three years off of his age before signing with the Pirates. He told them he was born in 1943 when he was actually born in 1940. The scout who signed Fryman didn't think they would be interested in a 26-year-old prospect.
• Woodie missed some time in 1967 (one three-week period and a couple of two-week periods). He was 3-8 with a 4.05 ERA in 28 games (18 starts). After the 1967 season Fryman was included in a trade to the Philadelphia Phillies that sent Jim Bunning to the Pirates.
• Fryman made the NL All Star team for the first time in 1968 (he didn't get in the game). He was 12-14 with a 2.78 ERA in 32 starts. In 1969 Fryman's ERA jumped to 4.41 and he went 12-15 in 35 starts.
• Woodie missed the entire month of August in 1970 and was 8-6 with a 4.09 ERA in 29 games (20 starts). Fryman was a swingman in 1971, pitching in a total of 37 games and making 17 starts. He went 10-7 with a 3.38 ERA in '71.
• Fryman started the 1972 season with the Phillies, who were wretched that year. Woodie was 4-10 in 17 starts when he was placed on waivers on August 2 and claimed by the Detroit Tigers. The pickup worked out well for the Tigers as Fryman went 10-3 with a 2.06 ERA in 14 starts down the stretch. The Tigers won the AL East (Fryman beat Luis Tiant in the deciding game) but the magic ran out in the postseason. Woodie started twice in the ALCS and lost both games.
• Woodie had one of his toughest seasons in 1973. He went 6-13 with a 5.36 ERA in 29 starts. He did better in 1974 as he was 6-9 with a 4.32 ERA for the last place Tigers. After the 1974 season Fryman was traded to the Montreal Expos for Terry Humphrey and Tom Walker.
• Fryman had two good years for the struggling Expos. In 1975 Woodie was 9-12 with three saves and a 3.32 ERA in 38 games (20 starts). Fryman went to the All Star Game in 1976 but didn't get into the game. He went 13-13 with two saves and a 3.37 ERA in 34 games (32 starts). After the 1976 season Woodie and Dale Murray were traded to the Cincinnati Reds for Tony Perez and Will McEnaney.
• Woodie retired in the middle of the 1977 season and didn't pitch after July 5. He ended up 5-5 with a 5.38 ERA in 17 games (12 starts). After the 1977 season Woodie changed his mind about retirement. Fryman and Bill Caudill were traded to the Chicago Cubs for Bill Bonham.
• Fryman didn't stay with the Cubs for very long. He was 2-4 in nine starts on June 9 when he was traded back to the Expos for Jerry White. Woodie went 5-7 with a 3.61 ERA for the Expos to finish the 1978 season.
• In 1979 Woodie was moved to the bullpen. He pitched exclusively in relief for the rest of his career. Fryman went 3-6 with 10 saves and a 2.79 ERA in 44 games in 1979.
• Woodie had another good year in 1980 (7-4, 17 saves, 2.25 ERA in 61 games). He also pitched well in 1981 (5-3, 7 saves, 1.88 ERA in 35 games). Fryman made one appearance in the NLDS and one appearance in the NLCS but got hammered both times.
• Fryman's last full season was 1982. He was 9-4 with 12 saves but his ERA went up to 3.75. Woodie appeared in six games in 1983 (one game in April and five games in July) and was 0-3 with a 21.00 ERA. Woodie was released at the age of 43 after the 1983 season.
• Fryman ran a tobacco farm during his pitching career and ran the farm full-time after his retirement from baseball.
• Here is a "where are they now" article from 2008.
• Liked to face: Terry Puhl (.000 in 19 AB); Dick Dietz (.091 in 22 AB); Maury Wills (.109 in 46 AB)
• Hated to face: Amos Otis (.625 in 16 AB); Jose Pagan (.545 in 22 AB); Roberto Clemente (.472 in 36 AB)

1976 Topps #441 - Gary Carter

• Gary Carter was a Hall of Fame catcher for several teams, most notably the Montreal Expos and the New York Mets. In this card Gary is wearing #57, but he would later be given the number 8 which he wore for the rest of his career. He was a national champion in Punt, Pass, and Kick in 1961. Carter was drafted by the Expos in 1972. Gary played in the minors from 1972-1974. He had a brief stint in Montreal at the end of the 1974 season and batted .407 in 27 at bats.
• Carter had a very good rookie season in 1975 and finised second to John Montefusco in NL Rookie of the Year voting. Gary batted .270 with 17 HR and 68 RBI. He represented the Expos in the All Star Game and played left field as a late inning defensive replacement.
• Gary had a difficult second season in 1976. He had a broken finger that limited his effectiveness. He batted .219 in 97 games as he split time between the outfield and catcher.
• Carter put it all together in 1977 and batted .284 with 30 HR and 84 RBI in 154 games. In each season from 1977 through 1988 (except the 1981 strike year) Carter played in 130 or more games. Gary batted .255 with 20 HR and 72 RBI in 1978.
• In 1979 Gary made the NL All Star team (he was 1 for 2 with an RBI). He would be an All-Star each year from 1979 to 1988. Carter batted .283 with 22 HR and 75 RBI in 1979. He batted .264 with 29 HR and 101 RBI in 1980. He won his first Gold Glove and was second in NL MVP voting in 1980.
• Carter had sort of an off-year in the only season (1981) that the Expos made the playoffs during his time there. Gary batted .251 with 16 HR and 68 RBI in '81. Carter hit two home runs in the 1981 All Star Game and was named the game's MVP. He won his second Gold Glove and his first Silver Slugger in '81. Gary had a great run in the playoffs. He batted .421 with 2 HR in five games in the NLDS and batted .438 in five games in the NLCS. Gary Carter: The No. 1 Catcher in the Majors - May 1981 Baseball Digest.
• Gary won his third (and last) Gold Glove in 1982. He batted .293 with 29 HR and 97 RBI and won another Silver Slugger award. Carter batted .270 with 17 HR and 79 RBI in 1983.
• Carter's last season in Montreal was in 1984. Gary homered in the 1984 All Star Game and got his second All Star MVP Award. He won the Silver Slugger, led the NL with 106 RBI, and batted .294 with 27 home runs. After the 1984 season Gary was traded to the New York Mets for Hubie Brooks, Mike Fitzgerald, Herm Winningham and Floyd Youmans.
• Gary batted .281 with 32 HR and 100 RBI and won another Silver Slugger for his new ballclub in 1985. In 1986 he won his last Silver Slugger and was third behind Mike Schmidt and Glenn Davis. Carter batted .255 with 24 HR and 105 RBI during the regular season. He batted only .148 in the NLCS but batted .276 with 2 HR in the World Series as the Mets beat the Boston Red Sox in seven games. Gary Carter Has Paid His Dues; He May Be Pennant-Bound at Last - September 1986 Baseball Digest. The Game I'll Never Forget - July 1991 Baseball Digest.
• In 1987 Gary was 33 years old and his production started to wane a little. He batted .235 with 20 HR and 83 RBI in 1987. In 1988, his last season as a regular catcher, Gary batted .242 with 11 HR and 46 RBI. Carter played in all seven games of the 1988 NLDS and batted .242.
• Carter missed about 10 weeks of the 1989 season with an injury. He played in only 50 games and batted .183 with 2 HR. The Mets released Carter after the 1989 season. Gary Carter: He's Not Conceding to Age, Yet! - April 1989 Baseball Digest.
• Gary signed with the San Francisco Giants. He was a backup catcher for the Giants and batted .254 with 9 HR in 92 games. Carter became a free agent after the 1990 season and signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He backed up at catcher again in 1991 and batted .245 with 6 HR in 101 games. The Dodgers waived Carter after the 1991 season and he signed with the Expos. Gary batted .218 in 95 games with the Expos in 1992 and retired after the season. Gary Carter Finished his Noteworthy Career on His Own Terms - March 1993 Baseball Digest.
• After his playing career Carter was an analyst on Florida Marlins broadcasts from 1993-1996. He managed in the Mets organization from 2005-2008, managed an independent league ballclub in 2009, and is now the head coach at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Carter was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2003. Gary Carter and Eddie  Murray Elected to Cooperstown - April 2003 Baseball Digest.
• Here is the website of the Gary Carter Foundation.
  Edit 16 February 2012: Gary passed away today at the age of 57 of brain cancer.
• Liked to face: Steve Carlton (.309 with 11 HR in 110 AB); Jim Rooker (.438 with 5 HR in 16 AB); Craig Swan (.397 in 58 AB)
• Hated to face: Dennis Martinez (.071 in 28 AB); Tom Griffin (.080 in 25 AB); Rick Sutcliffe (.125 in 40 AB)

1976 Topps #418 - Jose Morales

• Jose Morales played parts of 12 seasons with five teams from 1973-1984. He was especially valuable as a pinch hitter. Morales was signed by the San Francisco Giants in 1963. He played in the Giants’ system for five years and then was drafted by the Oakland A’s in the minor league draft. Jose played in the A’s system for five more years and finally got his chance in the majors in August 1973. Part of his problem was that he wasn’t much of a defensive catcher. Jose led four different minor leagues in errors. Morales played in 6 games (.286 in 14 at bats) and was sold to the Montreal Expos on September 18. Jose was 2 for 5 in five games with the Expos in 1973.

• In 1974 Morales started the season in AAA and was called up in July. He batted .269 in 26 at bats for the Expos in ’74. Jose batted .301 in 163 at bats as a pinch hitter and backup catcher / first baseman in 1975.

• Morales batted a career-high .316 in 158 at bats in 1976. He had a big drop-off in 1977, batting .203 in 74 at bats. Morales was purchased by the Minnesota Twins during spring training in 1978. Jose came back in 1978 and batted .314 in 242 at bats as a DH and utility player.

• In the next two seasons Jose was a DH, first baseman, and occasional catcher for the Twins. He batted .267 in 191 at bats in 1979 and .303 in 241 at bats in 1980. After the 1980 season Morales became a free agent and signed with the Baltimore Orioles.

• Jose didn’t get much playing time in 1981 and batted .244 in 86 at bats. He started the 1982 season with the Orioles (.000 in 3 at bats) and was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Leo Hernandez on April 28. Morales batted .300 in 30 at bats for the Dodgers in 1982. He batted .283 in 53 at bats in 1983 (mostly as a pinch hitter). Morales went 0 for 2 in the 1983 NLCS. In 1984 Jose batted .158 in 19 at bats. The Dodgers released him on June 7. Morales signed with the Expos two weeks later and played for AAA Indianapolis but retired after batting .188 in 80 at bats.

• After his playing career Jose worked as a batting instructor in the Baltimore, Cleveland, and Florida organizations.

• Jose Morales’ SABR biography

• Liked to face: Larry Gura (.591 in 22 AB); Dave LaRoche (.529 in 17 AB); Ron Guidry (.375 in 24 AB)

• Hated to face: Ron Reed (.100 in 10 AB); Rudy May (.143 in 14 AB); Andy Hassler (.111 in 9 AB)

1976 Topps #397 - Tim Foli

• Tim "Crazy Horse" Foli was an infielder (mostly shortstop) for five teams from 1970-1985. Foli was the first player selected in the 1968 draft. He was offered a scholarship at the University of Southern California but decided to play baseball instead. Tim played in the minors from 1968-1970 and earned a late-season call up in September of 1970. Foli batted .364 in five games for the Mets in 1970.

• Foli didn't get much playing time in 1971. He batted .226 in 97 games. Before the 1972 season Tim was traded with Ken Singleton and Mike Jorgensen to the Montreal Expos for Rusty Staub. Foli became the starting shortstop for the Expos and played there from 1972 until the beginning of the 1977 season. He didn't have much power or speed, and he didn't walk very often either. But Tim was difficult to strike out. He led the NL in at bats per strikeout three times during his career. During his time with Montreal Foli posted averages between .234 and .264. Tim missed a month of the 1973 season when Bob Watson slid into him and broke his jaw. On April 21, 1976 Foli hit a single, a double, and a triple before the game was suspended. The next day the game resumed and Tim hit a home run to complete the cycle.

• Tim got off to a rough start in 1977. He was batting .175 after 13 games when he was traded even-up to the San Francisco Giants for Chris Speier on April 27. Foli didn't do much better with the Giants (.221 in 104 games) and after the season he was sold to the Mets.

• Foli was out with an injury for one month during the 1978 season. Tim batted .257 in 113 games. Foli started the 1979 season with the Mets but he and a minor leaguer were traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Frank Taveras. Tim had his best season in 1979, batting .291 with 23 doubles and 65 RBI. He was one of the pieces that helped the Pirates to the NL East championship and eventually the World Championship. Foli drove in a run in each of the three games in the Pirates' sweep of the Cincinnati Reds in the NLCS, then batted .333 in the World Series.

• Foli continued as the regular shortstop for the Pirates in 1980 (.265) and 1981 (.247). After the 1981 season Tim was traded to the California Angels for Brian Harper. Tim was supposed to back up Rick Burleson at SS and fill in at the other infield positions, but he took over the regular SS job when Burleson tore his rotator cuff in mid-April. Foli batted .252 with a league-leading 26 sacrifices in 150 games in 1982. He didn't do much in the ALCS (.125 in 16 AB).

• Tim's playing time diminished in 1983. Foli played in 88 games, batting .252, but he got in only one game after August 7. He was suspended for not being in uniform after a rain delay on September 11. After the season Tim was traded to the New York  Yankees for Curt Kaufman and cash.

• Foli spent the 1984 season with the Yankees as a utility infielder. He batted .252 in 61 games. Tim must have liked that average -- he batted .252 each year from 1982-1984. After the 1984 season Foli was traded with Steve Kemp to the Pirates for Dale Berra, Jay Buhner, and Alfonso Pulido. Tim batted .189 in 19 games for the Pirates in 1985 and was released on June 17. That was it for Foli's career.

• Tim became a coach after his playing career. He was the third base coach and infield coach for the Texas Rangers in 1986 and 1987. Tim managed Puerto Rico's Caguas team in the Caribbean World Series in the winter of 1987 but was fired after two games by general manager Feilx Milan for being disrespectful. Foli was the first base coach for the Milwaukee Brewers from 1992-1995. He was a coach with the Kansas City Royals in 1996, then managed and coached teams in the Mets' system from 1998-2000.

• Foli had a three-year stint as a coach with the Cincinnati Reds from late 2000 to 2003. Tim got in a fight with fellow coach Ron Oester during that time. Tim took the 2004 season off then he became the manager of the Washington Nationals' AAA New Orleans Zephyrs. Foli was able to manage his son Dan (a minor league pitcher) for a little while in 2006. He continued to manage the Nats' AAA team (in both New Orleans and Syracuse) through the 2009 season. Tim is now a quality control coach for the Nationals.

• Liked to face: Jon Matlack (.328 in 61 AB); Steve Carlton (.295 in 122 AB); Frank Viola (.545 in 22 AB)
• Hated to face: Mike Garman (.000 in 11 AB); Tommy John (.081 in 37 AB); Doug Rau (.103 in 29 AB)

1976 Topps #374 - Dan Warthen

• Dan Warthen was a high school All-American football player (quarterback and tight end) and was also a star high school baseball player. Warthen turned down scholarship offers from USC, UCLA, Michigan, Northwestern, and Nebraska in order to play baseball. Dan was drafted by the  Montreal Expos in 1971.

• Warthen pitched in the minors from 1971-1975 and was brought up to the majors in May 1975. Dan was a swingman, making 18 starts and appearing in relief 22 times. He had a record of 8-6 with 3 saves and a 3.11 ERA. Dan later said that he messed up his arm in 1975 when he pitched nine innings on a Friday night and then appeared in relief two days later on a Sunday afternoon.

• In 1976 Dan's stats took a turn for the worse. He was 2-10 in 23 games (16 starts) and had a 5.30 ERA. Warthen had a short stint with AAA Denver in 1976 and was 4-0 with a 3.18 ERA. Warthen was with Montreal for the first part of the 1977 season but was ineffective (2-3, 7.97 ERA). On June 15 Warthen and Barry Foote were traded to the Philadelphia Phillies for Tim Blackwell and Wayne Twitchell. He made one appearance for the Phillies and then was sent to the minors. Dan made two appearances for the Phillies late in the 1977 season and ended up 2-4 with a 7.24 ERA. 

• Warthen was in AAA for most of the 1978 season. On September 2 he was traded to the Houston Astros for Dan Larson. He started one game and relieved in for others for the Astros and was 0-1 with a 4.22 ERA. Dan didn't make the Astros ballclub in 1979 and was released during spring training. He pitched in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization from 1979-1982 but never made it back to the majors. Dan was a player-coach in 1981 and 1982.

• After his playing career Warthen was a coach in the minor leagues for several seasons. Dan was the pitching coach for Seattle (1992), San Diego (1996-1997), and Detroit (1999-2002). He was a minor league pitching coach from 2003-2005 and then was the bullpen coach for the LA Dodgers in 2006 and 2007. Dan is now the pitching coach for the New York Mets. Here is a 2009 New York Times article about Warthen.

1976 Topps #338 - Bob Bailey

• Bob Bailey played in the major leagues from 1962-1978. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1961. He didn't do much as an 18-year-old minor leaguer in 1961, but in 1962 Bob batted .299 with 28 home runs. Bailey was brought up to the Pirates at the end of the 1962 season and batted .167 in 42 at bats. He apparently got a $175,000 bonus to sign with the Pirates.

• Bailey was the starting third baseman for the Pirates in 1963. He batted .228 with 12 HR and 45 RBI in 154 games. Bob wasn't exactly known for his fielding -- he made 32 errors and had a .933 fielding percentage. In 1964 Bailey played in 105 games at third and 36 games in the outfield. He batted .281 with 11 HR and 51 RBI.

• Bob was the regular third baseman again in 1965. His fielding wasn't all that great (.939 fielding percentage), and this would be his last season as the regular at third base for the Pirates. Bailey batted .256 with 11 HR and 49 RBI in 159 games.

• Bailey split time between third base and the outfield in 1966. He batted .279 with 13 HR and 46 RBI for the Pirates in '66. After the 1966 season Bailey and Gene Michael were traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Maury Wills.

• In 1967 Bailey started about half of the time at third base and subbed in the outfield and at first base the rest of the time. He slumped to a .227 average and homered only four times in 116 games. Bob repeated his .227 average in 1968 and hit 8 HR in 105 games. After the 1968 season Bailey was purchased by the expansion Montreal Expos.

• The move to Montreal was a good one for Bailey. He credits Gene Mauch with helping him become a good player. In 1969 he batted .265 with 9 HR and 53 RBI in 111 games. He spent most of his time at first base in '69. Bob's best season was probably 1970. He batted .287 with 28 HR and 84 RBI in 131 games. He split his time between third base, the outfield, and first base.

• Bob spent the next three seasons as the starting third baseman for Montreal. He batted .251 with 14 HR and 83 RBI in 1971. In 1972 Bailey slipped to .233 with 16 homers and 57 RBI.

• Bailey's 1973 season was almost as good as 1971. He batted .273 with 26 HR and 86 RBI in his last season as the regular third baseman. Bob split his time between left field and third base in 1974. He batted .280 with 20 HR and 73 RBI. In 1975 Bailey was more of a bench player. He played in 106 games and batted .273 with 5 HR in 227 at bats. After the 1975 season Bailey was traded to the Cincinnati Reds for Clay Kirby.

• The 1976 Reds were loaded so Bailey didn't have much of an opportunity to play. He batted .298 in 124 at bats as a backup left fielder and third baseman. He wasn't used in the postseason in 1976. Bailey started the 1977 season with the Reds and batted .253 in 79 at bats. He was traded to the Boston Red Sox on September 19 for a minor leaguer and cash. Bob was hitless in two at bats for the Red Sox to finish the 1977 season.

• Bailey's last season was 1978. He batted .191 in 94 at bats, mostly as a designated hitter and pinch hitter. Bob retired after the 1978 season.

• Bob started managing in the minor leagues in 1979 and spent most of the 1980s managing at various levels. Bailey was the last-ever manager of the Hawaii Islanders in 1987. Bob also spent several seasons as a minor league hitting instructor. He now works for a company selling timeshares. Here is an article featuring Bailey looking back at his career.

• Liked to face: Mike Cuellar (.471 in 34 AB); Fred Norman (.450 in 40 AB); Curt Simmons (.367 in 30 AB)
• Hated to face: Dock Ellis (.000 in 20 AB); Mike McCormick (.043 in 23 AB); Gaylord Perry (.115 in 61 AB)

1976 Topps #312 - Don Carrithers

• Don Carrithers was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in 1967. He pitched in the minors from 1967-1970 (and parts of several seasons after that). The 20-year-old Carrithers debuted in the majors on August 1, 1970. He was 2-1 with a 7.36 ERA in 11 games (2 starts) for the Giants in 1970.

• Carrithers started the 1971 season in AAA Phoenix and was recalled in late June. Don was 4-3 with one save and a 4.03 ERA in 22 games (12 starts). In the 1971 NLCS Carrithers was roughed up in his only appearance. In the top of the 7th inning of game 2, Don allowed a double and two singles before being removed. Ron Bryant came in and allowed Don's runners to score. Don's linescore reads 0.0 IP with 3 hits and 3 earned runs.

• In 1972 Carrithers was 4-8 with a 5.80 ERA in 25 games (14 starts). Don was 1-2 with a 4.81 ERA in 25 games (3 starts) in 1973. There aren't any significant gaps in Don's use in 1972, but there are a couple of 2-3 week gaps in 1973. Don may have been battling injuries, or he may have just been the last guy on the staff for the Giants in those two years.

• During spring training in 1974 Carrithers was traded to the Montreal Expos for John Boccabella. The Expos sent Don to AAA Denver to start the season and recalled him in early July. Carrithers was 5-2 with a 3.00 ERA in 22 games (3 starts) for the Expos in '74.

• Don was in the minors during April and May of 1975. After his recall, Carrithers had what probably was his best season. He was 5-3 with a 3.30 ERA in 19 games (14 starts). Carrithers saw the most action of his major league career in 1976. He was 6-12 with a 4.43 ERA in 34 games (19 starts).

• Right before the beginning of the 1977 season Carrithers was purchased by the Minnesota Twins. Don was injured in a car accident and wasn't able to see much action. He pitched twice in April then didn't pitch again until late July. He pitched twice in July, once in August, and twice in September. In his seven appearances Carrithers was 0-1 with a 6.91 ERA. He was released during spring training in 1978 and signed with the Giants. Don was in Phoenix in 1978 and 1979 but didn't get back to the majors.

• After his playing career Carrithers worked as a salesman for a roofing business.

• Liked to face: Leron Lee (.000 in 10 AB); Dave Cash (.071 in 14 AB); Steve Garvey (.158 in 19 AB)
• Hated to face: Al Oliver (.588 in 17 AB); Tommy Helms (.500 in 20 AB); Cesar Geronimo (.421 in 19 AB)

1976 Topps #287 - Pete Mackanin

• Pete Mackanin had a nine-year career for four teams from 1973-1981. Pete was drafted by the Washington Senators in 1969, when he was 17 years old. He didn't exactly set the minors on fire from 1969-1972 (his highest average was .259 in 1971).

• In 1973 Pete batted .302 for AAA Spokane and the Texas Rangers called him up in July. He batted .100 in 90 at bats. Pete went back to Spokane in 1974 and batted .291 with 28 HR and 103 RBI. He got to play in two games for the Rangers (.167 in six AB). After the 1974 season Pete was traded with Don Stanhouse to the Montreal Expos for Willie Davis.

• Mackanin became Montreal's starting second baseman in 1975. He batted .225 with 12 HR and 44 RBI in 130 games. Pete started 90 games at 2B in 1976 and also filled in at the other infield positions. He batted .224 in 380 AB with 8 HR. Mackanin had a propensity to strike out -- he whiffed 99 times in '75 and 66 times in '76 (about 3 times more strikeouts than walks).

• Pete's playing time was sharply curtailed in 1977. He appeared in 55 games and batted .224 in 85 at bats. Mackanin spent most of the 1978 playing for Montreal's AAA Denver club. He had a good year for Denver -- .276 with 17 HR and 112 RBI. The Philadelphia Phillies selected Pete off of waivers in early September and he was 2 for 8 in five games.

• Mackanin didn't play a whole lot in 1979. He played in five games in April then he didn't appear again until September. Pete was 1 for 9 in 13 games in '79. After the season he was traded to the Minnesota Twins for Paul Thormodsgard. In 1980 Pete started 60 games at 2B and 23 games at SS. He played in 108 games and batted .266. He was a utility guy in 1981 and batted .231 in 77 games.

• After the 1981 season Pete became a free agent and signed with the Chicago White Sox. Mackanin didn't make the club in 1982 and was cut loose. He played in the minors from 1982-1984 but was never called up.

• After his playing career Pete has had a long career as a manager, scout, and coach. He managed in the minors from 1985-1986, 1988-1996, 2001-2002, and 2006. Pete had two stints as a major league interim manager -- 2005 for the Pittsburgh Pirates and 2007 for the Cincinnati Reds. He is currently the bench coach for the Philadelphia Phillies.
• Liked to face: Pete Falcone (.389 in 18 AB); Mike Caldwell (.333 in 27 AB); Jon Matlack (.300 in 30 AB)
• Hated to face: Paul Splittorff (.059 in 17 AB); Jerry Koosman (.188 in 32 AB); Gene Garber (.118 in 17 AB)

1976 Topps #264 - Steve Renko

• Funny -- Steve Renko recently came up in the 1980 Topps blog. Steve was drafted by the New York Mets in 1965. He didn't start pitching until 1966, and he split time between pitching and playing OF and 1B during his entire time in the Mets' system (1965-1969). Steve pitched pretty well in the minors from 1965-1968, never having an ERA over 3.29. In 1969 Renko had a record of 3-5 with a 5.45 ERA in AAA Tidewater when, on June 15, he was traded to the Montreal Expos as part of the deal that sent Don Clendennon to the Mets.

• Renko was inserted into the Montreal rotation and went 6-7 with a 4.01 ERA in 18 games (15 starts). Early in his career Steve had an above-average number of walks. From 1969-1972 he usually walked about 4.4 batters per nine innings, except in the rough 1972 season when he walked 6.2 batters per nine innings.

• Steve was a pretty solid pitcher for Montreal in 1970 and 1971. In 1970 he was 13-11 with a 4.32 ERA in 41 games (33 starts). In 1971 he was 15-14 with an ERA of 3.75 in 40 games (37 starts).

• Something happened in 1972. There aren't any large gaps in Steve's appearances in 1972, but he wasn't used as much. His record was 1-10 with an ERA of 5.20 in 30 games (12 starts). He did have his best batting average (.292) during that season.

• Renko bounced back with his best season in 1973. He was 15-11 with a 2.81 ERA in 36 games (34 starts). He was starting to solve his control problems -- he walked 3.9 batters per nine innings in 1973 and it number wouldn't get that high again until 1978.

• In 1974 Renko led the National League in wild pitches with 19. He had a 12-16 record with an ERA of 4.03 in 37 games (35 starts). Steve apparently had some injury problems in 1975. He started only one game before May 10 (he made three relief appearances and one start before that day). His record dropped to 6-12 with a 4.07 ERA in 31 games (25 starts).

• Steve started slowly in 1976. He was 0-1 with a 5.54 ERA in five games (1 start) when he was traded with Larry Biittner to the Chicago Cubs for Andre Thornton. The Cubs put Renko into the starting rotation and he went 8-11 with a 3.86 ERA in 27 starts. In 1977 Steve had more injury problems -- he missed over a month early in the season. He was 2-2 with a 4.56 ERA for the Cubs when he was traded to the Chicago White Sox for Larry Anderson and cash on August 18. Renko started eight games for the White Sox during the stretch drive and went 5-0 with a 3.54 ERA.

• Renko was traded (with Jim Essian) to the Oakland A's for Pablo Torrealba during spring training in 1978. He went 6-12 with a 4.29 ERA in 27 games (25 starts) for the A's. After the season he became a free agent and signed with the Boston Red Sox.

• Steve spent two seasons with the Red Sox. In 1979 he was 11-9 with a 4.11 ERA in 27 starts. In 1980 Renko was 9-9 with an ERA of 4.19 in 32 games (23 starts). After the 1980 season he and Fred Lynn were traded to the California Angels for Frank Tanana, Joe Rudi, and Jim Dorsey.

• Renko had a pretty good season in 1981. He was 8-4 with a 3.44 ERA in 22 games (15 starts). In 1982 he was 11-6 with a 4.44 ERA in 31 games (23 starts). He didn't appear in any games for the Angels in the 1982 American League Championship Series. After the 1982 season Steve was released by the Angels and signed by the Kansas City Royals.

• The 1983 season was Steve's last one. He went 6-11 with a 4.30 ERA in 25 games (17 starts) for the Royals. Renko was released after the season and retired.

• Renko pitched five one-hitters in his career.

• After his playing career Steve did some coaching in the minors. His most recent assignment as a pitching coach was with the High Desert Mavericks (Class A California League) in 2006.

• Steve's son (Steve Renko III) played pro baseball for 12 years and reached the AAA level.

• Here is an interview from February 2009 on Behind the Stats radio.
• Liked to face: Joe Morgan (.184 in 49 AB); Richie Hebner (.197 in 71 AB); Larry Bowa (.208 in 72 AB)
• Hated to face: Al Oliver (.412 in 68 AB); Ken Singleton (.400 in 50 AB); Johnny Bench (.385 in 52 AB)

1976 Topps #238 - Larry Biittner

• Larry Biittner was a career backup OF/1B who played in 14 seasons from 1970-1983. He was drafted by the Washington Senators in 1968. He played in the minors from 1968-1971. Larry made his debut with two at bats late in the 1970 season. He came up to the Senators in mid-May of 1971 after batting .356 in 25 games for AAA Denver. Larry got into 66 games and batted .257, but he only had a .292 slugging percentage. He was a good singles hitter but wasn't blessed with a whole lot of power.

• Larry played in 137 games in 1972 and batted .259 in 382 at bats. In 1973 he batted .252 but experienced a reduction in playing time (83 games). After the season Biittner was traded to the Montreal Expos for Pat Jarvis.

• Biittner was in the minors for most of the 1974 season. He was called up to the Expos on August 1 but he didn't play very much. Most of his 18 appearances (.269 in 26 AB) were as a pinch hitter. Larry had his best season in 1975, batting .315 in 346 at bats as a fourth outfielder. Larry started 1976 with Montreal (.188 in 32 AB) and on May 17 he was traded with Steve Renko to the Chicago Cubs for Andre Thornton. He batted .237 all together for the two teams.

• Larry's best season was 1977. He played in 138 games and had 493 at bats. Larry batted .298 and hit a career-high 12 home runs. It was the only season in which he would hit more than four home runs. He had an opening day walk-off home run. Biittner even pitched in the second game of a July 4 doubleheader.He had an ERA of 40.50 as he allowed five runs in 1.1 innings and was warned by the umpires when they thought he was throwing at Del Unser when something resembling a curveball went behind Unser's head.

• Biittner spent the next three seasons as a backup 1B/OF for the Cubs, batting about 250-300 times a season and posting averages of .257 (1978), .290 (1979), and .249 (1980). On September 26, 1979, playing right field, a ball hit by the Mets' Bruce Boisclair went over Larry's head, his cap flying off as he chased it. The ball went under his cap -- searching frantically, Biittner heard us behind him yelling, "Hat! Hat!" Finally locating the ball, he picked it up and threw Boisclair out at third.

• Larry became a free agent after the 1980 season and signed with the Cincinnati Reds. In 1981 Biittner was used mostly as a pinch hitter and batted .213 in 61 at bats. He bounced back in 1982 and batted .310 in 184 at bats, but he was released after the season. Larry signed with the Texas Rangers and batted .276 in 116 AB in 1983. He was released by the Rangers after the season.

• Larry is now retired and living in his hometown of Pocahantas, Iowa.

• Liked to face: Don Sutton (.356 in 45 AB); Phil Niekro (.471 in 34 AB); Bert Blyleven (.375 in 32 AB); John Montefusco (.379 in 29 AB)

• Hated to face: Larry Christenson (.211 in 38 AB); Nolan Ryan (.200 in 30 AB); John Denny (.179 in 28 AB); J.R. Richard (.167 in 30 AB)

Here is a clip from a home movie taken on May 16, 1977. At 0:30 Larry singles, scoring Ivan DeJesus.

1976 Topps #216 - Montreal Expos

The Montreal Expos were 55-107 in 1976 (46 games behind the Philadelpha Phillies). Karl Kuehl lasted until September 4 as the Montreal manager in 1976. The Expos were 43-85 before Charlie Fox took over for him. The Expos didn't do better under Mr. Fox (12-22). This was Kuehl's only major league managing job. He spent most of his career as a coach and a front office guy (mostly in the player development area).

Team attendance: 646,704 (11th in NL)

Team batting: .235 (12th in NL)

Team home runs: 94 (6th in NL)

Team ERA: 4.00 (12th in NL)

Team fielding: .976 (8th in NL)

1976 NL All-Stars: Woodie Fryman