1976 Kellogg's #2 Claudell Washington

 

• What did he do to deserve a 1976 Kellogg's card?
• Made the 1975 AL All Star team as a 20-year-old outfielder
• The A's didn't have many of their star players left
• Batted a career-high .308 in 1975
• Was 14th in AL MVP voting in 1975
• 1976 Highlights:
• Dropped to .257 but was still a valuable part of a team that was still a contender in the AL West.

1976 Hostess #122 - Gene Tenace

• As the card back shows, Gene Tenace was a part-time player until 1973. 
• Tenace spent most of 1973 playing first base, then he was behind the plate for about 2/3 of the time in 1974. Gene played catcher for about 3/4 of his games in 1975.
• Gene had some good power years from 1973-1975, averaging 26.3 home runs per season.
• Tenace was an AL All Star in 1975 and also got a little bit of MVP support (18th in MVP voting)
• Gene played in only 128 games in 1976. Tenace strained his left knee sliding into second base on April 20. It was thought that he would miss 10-14 days, but he ended up missing five weeks.
• Tenace batted .249 with 22 HR and 66 RBI. It was the only year from 1973-1979 that he didn't walk over 100 times (he had 81 bases on balls)
• After the 1976 season Tenace signed a six-year, $1.8 million contract with the San Diego Padres. He made $40,800 in 1976, so the pact represented a huge raise for Gene.
• Before peak, peak, or after peak? after peak (barely)

1976 Hostess #61 - Bert Campaneris

• Bert Campaneris was an AL All Star from 1972-1975.
• Campaneris played out his option in 1976 in order to become a free agent after the season. Oakland owner Charlie Finley cut Bert's salary the maximum 20% (from $90,000 to $72,000).
• In his final season with the A's, Campaneris batted .256 in 149 games and had a pukey .291 slugging percentage. He also stole 54 bases.
• Bert signed a five-year, $950,000 contract with the Texas Rangers after the 1976 season.
• After leaving Oakland, Campaneris had only one more full season (1977). He struggled offensively in 1978 and became a part-time player.
• Before peak, peak, or after peak? after peak or very end of peak

1976 Hostess #20 - Vida Blue

• I just picked up a bunch of Hostess cards from eBay. They aren't in the best of condition, but they'll do for now. :)
• Vida Blue was one of the best pitchers in baseball in the 1970s. His only bad years were 1972 and 1979. He also had a losing record in 1977, but a lot of that was due to the A's being decimated by trades and free agency.
• Vida's first full season in the majors was a magical one. In 1971 he went 24-8 with a league-leading 1.82 ERA. Blue was the AL MVP and Cy Young Award winner that year.
• Blue was an AL All Star in 1971 and in 1975. 
• Vida was the winning pitcher in the 1971 All Star Game in spite of giving up three runs in three innings pitched. He gave up home runs to Hank Aaron and Johnny Bench
• He started the 1975 All Star Game and gave up solo homers to Jimmy Wynn and Steve Garvey
• Vida had another good (and also tumultuous) year in 1976. He had a record of 18-13 and a 2.35 ERA
• Oakland owner Charlie Finley attempted to sell Blue to the New York Yankees in June. Commissioner Bowie Kuhn voided the sale because it was inconsistent with the best interests of baseball.
• On August 28 Blue came within two outs of pitching a no-hitter against the Detroit Tigers. Mickey Stanley broke it up with a solo shot in the 9th inning.
• The A's remained in the 1976 AL West chase until the last weekend of the season. On October 1, Blue pitched well against the California Angels but took the loss when Rusty Torres hit a home run in the 12th inning. The Oakland players were very upset with Finley after the game because of his lack of support for the club.
• Finley offered to sell Blue to the Boston Red Sox after the 1976 season, but the Red Sox rejected the offer.

1976 Hostess #104 - Rollie Fingers

• Rollie Fingers was one of the premier relievers in baseball in the 1970s and early 1980s
• Fingers was an AL All Star from 1973-1976 and led the AL in appearances in 1974 and 1975
• Rollie won arbitration cases in 1974 ($65,000 vs $55,000 offer) and in 1975 ($89,000 vs $76,000 offer)
• He elected to play out his option in 1976 and took a 20% pay cut
• Fingers (along with Joe Rudi) was sold to the Boston Red Sox but the sale was voided by Commissioner Bowie Kuhn
• Rollie was in limbo for  several days as A's owner Charlie Finley ordered the players whose sales were voided benched. The A's players threatened to strike on June 27 but Finley relented at the last minute
• Fingers signed a 6-year, $1.6 million contract with the San Diego Padres after the 1976 season.
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1976 Kellogg's #52 - Paul Lindblad

• What did he do to deserve a 1976 Kellogg's card?
• Lindblad had been an effective reliever for several years
• In 1975 Paul had a 9-1 record with a 2.73 ERA and was 18th in AL MVP voting
• Teamed up with Vida Blue, Glenn Abbott, and Rollie Fingers to pitch a no-hitter on September 28
• 1976 Highlights
• Went 6-5 with five saves and had a 3.06 ERA in 65 games

1976 Kellogg's #47 - Vida Blue

• What did he do to deserve a 1976 Kellogg's card?
• Vida had a good year in 1975 -- he was 22-11 with a 3.01 ERA
• Started the 1975 All Star Game -- allowed back-to-back solo HRs to Jimmy Wynn and Steve Garvey. Allowed two runs in two innings.
• Had his third (and final) 20-win season in 1975
• 1976 Highlights:
• Had an even better year in 1976 -- he didn't win as many games, but most of his other stats were better
• In 37 starts he was 18-13 with a 2.35 ERA
• Was sold to the New York Yankees on June 15 for $1.5 million,  but the sale was voided by Commissioner Bowie Kuhn.

1976 Topps #653 - Mike Norris

• Mike Norris pitched for the Oakland A's from 1975-1983 and again in 1990. Norris was drafted by the A's in 1973. Mike pitched in the minors in 1973 and 1974. Norris started the 1975 season with the A's and pitched a three-hit shutout in his debut on April 10. Mike missed most of the season after having bone chips removed from his elbow on April 30. Norris pitched in a total of four games for the A's in 1975 without allowing an earned run.
• Mike split time between AAA Tucson and the A's in 1976. Norris went 4-5 with a 4.78 ERA in 24 games (19 starts) for the A's in 1976.
• Norris was up and down between AAA and Oakland in 1977 and in 1978. Mike went 2-7 with a 4.77 ERA in 16 games (12 starts) in 1977 and was 0-5 with a 5.51 ERA in 14 games (5 starts) in 1978.
• Mike stayed with the A's in 1979 and went 5-8 with a 4.80 ERA in 29 games (18 starts).
• Norris had his career year in 1980. Mike had a 22-9 record with a 2.53 ERA in 33 starts. Mike finished second to Steve Stone in AL Cy Young Award voting and also won a Gold Glove award. 
• Before the 1981 season Mike went to salary arbitration with the A's but lost his case. Mike asked for $450,000 but "only" got $325,000. It was still quite a raise from the $40,000 he made in 1980.
• Norris went 12-9 and had a 3.75 ERA in 1981. Mike was named to the AL All Star team, pitched one inning, and allowed one run. Norris also won his second Gold Glove award.
• Mike pitched a 4-hit shutout in game 1 of the ALDS. He started game 1 of the ALCS and lost the game 3-1.
• Norris struggled with arm problems (tendinitis) in 1982. Mike ended up going 7-11 with a 4.76 ERA in 28 starts.
• In the first two months of the 1983 season Mike appeared to be doing well. At the end of May he was 4-5 but had a 3.29 ERA. Norris started three games in June and had games of 4.2 innings, 2 innings, and 0 innings (faced two batters) before being put on the disabled list. Norris ended up with a record of 4-5 with a 3.76 ERA in 16 starts. On May 27 Dave Winfield charged the mound after Norris brushed him back with a pitch. Winfield was ejected from the game.
• In 1984 Norris was arrested but cleared of charges of cocaine possession when it couldn't be proved that the cocaine was his. Norris didn't pitch in '84 due to injuries. 
• Norris was in trouble with the law in 1985 due to a drunk-driving arrest and wasn't allowed to pitch for the A's. Mike pitched in two games for Class A Modesto in 1985. Norris became a free agent after the 1985 season.
• Mike attempted a comeback in 1986 with the Class A San Jose Bees. He was suspended for a week in April after missing a game. Mike was dismissed from the team but came back later to make 11 starts.
• Norris was out of baseball in 1987 and 1988. The A's signed Mike in 1989 and he pitched in the minors in 1989. Mike made the Oakland ballclub as a reliever in 1990 and pitched in 14 games. He was 0-1 with a 3.00 ERA when he was released on July 15. 
• Mike pitched for an independent team in 1991 and hung 'em up after the season.
• Liked to face: Jorge Orta (.000 in 24 AB); Rob Wilfong (.069 in 29 AB); Julio Cruz (.087 in 23 AB)
• Hated to face: Thurman Munson (.600 in 10 AB); Jim Spencer (.471 in 17 AB); Dan Ford (.423 in 26 AB)

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1976 Topps #603 - Jim Holt

• Jim Holt played in parts of nine seasons from 1968-1976. Holt was signed  by the Kansas City A's in 1965. Jim played in the A's organization from 1965-1967 and then was taken by the  Minnesota Twins in the Rule 5 draft.
• Holt had to stay on the Twins' roster for the entire 1968 season and batted .208 in 106 at bats. Jim was in the minors for most of the 1969 season. Holt went 5 for 14 (.357) for the Twins at the end of the 1969 season.
• Jim played a lot in left field and center field for the Twins for most of the 1970 season. Holt batted .266 in 142 games during the regular season and went 0 for 5 in three games in the 1970 NLCS.
• Holt was a fourth outfielder and occasional first baseman in 1971 and batted .259 in 126 games.
• Jim was in AAA for most of the 1972 season. He came back to Minnesota in September and went 12 for 27 (.444) in ten games.
• Holt's best season was in 1973 when he batted .297 in 132 games. 
• In 1974 Jim started with the Twins (.254 in 79 games) as a backup first baseman and outfielder. On August 19 Holt was traded to the Oakland A's for Pat Bourque. Jim batted .143 in 42 at bats for the A's at the end of the 1974 season. Holt went 0 for 1 with a walk in the 1974 ALCS and went 2 for 3 in four games in the 1974 World Series
• Jim spent a little bit of time in AAA Tucson in 1975. He played in 106 games for the A's in 1975, mostly as a pinch hitter and defensive replacement, and batted .220 in 123 at bats. Jim was 1 for 3 in three games as a pinch hitter in the 1975 ALCS.
• Holt was in Tucson for  most of the 1976 season and batted .337 in 96 games. Jim was 2 for 7 (.286) in four games for the A's at the end of the 1976 season. Jim retired after the 1976 season.

1976 Topps #591 - Rookie Pitchers (Grilli, Mitchell, Sosa, Throop)

• Steve Grilli
• Signed by the Detroit Tigers in 1970.
• Pitched in three games for the Tigers in 1975 (0-0, 1.35 ERA)
• Went 3-1 with three saves and had a 4.64 ERA in 36 games in 1976.
• Appeared in 30 games (2 starts) and was 1-2 with a 4.83 ERA in 1977.
• Sold to the Toronto Blue Jays before the 1978 season.
• Was in the minors (AAA Syracuse) for the entire 1978 season.
• Made 49 appearances and had a 2.01 ERA for Syracuse in 1979.
• Appeared in one game for the Blue Jays on September 17, 1979 and allowed no runs in 2.1 innings. That was the last time Steve pitched in the  majors.
• Pitched in AAA in 1980 and in 1981 before retiring.
• Steve was the losing pitcher in the longest game (33 innings) in baseball  history on April 19 / June 23, 1981 (Rochester vs. Pawtucket). Grilli was with the Blue Jays Syracuse club on April 19 when 32 of the innings were played. Steve was cut loose by the Blue Jays and had hooked on with Rochester before the remainder of the game was played. Steve started the 33rd inning and walked the bases loaded. Another pitcher was brought in and surrendered a single, making Grilli the losing pitcher.
• Now lives in Baldwinsville (near Syracuse), NY. He owns a sports bar called "Change of Pace."
• Craig Mitchell
• Drafted in the first round by the Oakland A's in 1973 (first player taken in the June draft)
• Started in one game for the A's in 1975 (0-1, 12.27 ERA in 3.2 innings)
• Pitched in one game for the A's in 1976 (0-0, 2.70 ERA in 3.1 innings)
• Pitched in three games (one start) for the A's in 1977 (0-1, 7.94 ERA)
• Continued to pitch in the Oakland system through the 1979 season but never got back to the majors.
• Jose Sosa
• Signed by the Houston Astros in 1970
• Pitched for the Houston Astros in 1975 and 1976
• Hit a home run in his first plate appearance on July 30, 1975
• Went 1-3 with one save and had a 4.02 ERA in 25 games (2 starts) in 1975
• Pitched in nine games (0-0, 6.94 ERA) in 1976.
• Pitched in Houston's system through the 1978 season.
• George Throop
• Listed as 6'7" and 205 lbs.
• Drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 1972
• Pitched in the minors from 1972-1975 and earned a promotion to Kansas City after going 12-9 with a 2.95 ERA for AAA Omaha.
• Pitched in seven games (0-0, 2 saves, 4.00 ERA) in September 1975.
• George couldn't break into the Royals' pitching staff and spent the entire 1976 season (and most of 1977 and 1978) at Omaha.
• 1977: 0-0, 1 save, 3.38 ERA in four games
• 1978: 1-0, 0.00 ERA in one game (3 innings)
• Started the 1979 season with Kansas City (0-0, 13.50 ERA in four games) and was traded to the Houston Astros for Keith Drumright on April 25.
• Spent the month of May in  and then pitched for the Astros from June-August 1979. 
• Pitched in 14 games for the Astros (1-0, 3.22 ERA) in 1979.

1976 Topps #580 - Bert Campaneris

• Bert Campaneris had a long career as a major league shortstop. Bert was signed out of Cuba by the Kansas City A's in 1961. Bert played in the minors from 1961-1964 and was brought up to Kansas City in late July 1964 after batting .325 in  AA Birmingham. Campaneris hit two home runs in his first major league game on July 23, 1964 -- the first home run was off of Jim Kaat on the first major league pitch he ever saw. Bert batted .257 in 67 games for the A's in 1964.
• Campaneris was the first player to play all nine positions in a game on September 8, 1965. Bert played in 144 games in 1965 and batted .270. He led the AL with 51 stolen bases. This was the first of six AL stolen base titles for Campaneris. 
• Bert continued to play a steady shortstop for the A's through the 1976 season. He was usually right around the league average in fielding for shortstops. He didn't have very high on base percentages,  but when he did get on base Bert was usually wreaking havoc. He stole at least 40 bases every year from 1965-1970 and his lowest stolen base total as a full-time player was 24 in 1975.
• Bert's best year was in 1968. He batted .276 in an offensively-challenged year and led the AL with 177 hits. Campaneris made his first AL All Star team and finshed 11th in MVP voting.
• A's Campaneris Shooting for New Theft  Mark - July 1970 Baseball Digest
• Campaneris made six AL All Star teams:
• 1968 SS (0 for 1)
• 1972 (didn't play in game)
• 1973 starting SS (0 for 3 with 2 strikeouts)
• 1974 starting SS (0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts)
• 1975 starting SS (2 for 2)
• 1977 SS (0 for 1, 1 run, 1 walk, 1 strikeout)
• Campaneris saw a lot of post-season action with the A's (and later with the California Angels) in the 1970s:
• 1971 ALCS (2-12, .167 in 3 games)
• 1972 ALCS (3 for 7, .429, 3 runs scored in 2 games)
• 1972 World Series (5 for 28, .179 in 7 games)
• 1973 ALCS (7 for 21, .333 in 5 games)
• 1973 World Series (9 for 31, .290 in 7 games)
• 1974 ALCS (3 for 17, .176 in 4 games)
• 1974 World Series (6 for 17, .353 in 5 games)
• 1975 ALCS (0 for 11, .000 in 3 games)
• 1979 ALCS (one defensive appearance, no at bats)
• The reason why Bert played in only two games in the 1972 ALCS was because of an incident that happened late in game 2 of the series. Campaneris had three hits, two stolen bases, and two runs when he faced Detroit pitcher Lerrin LaGrow in the 7th inning. A pitch hit Campaneris on the ankle and Bert flung his bat out at LaGrow. A big brawl ensued and Bert was ejected from the game and suspended for the rest of the ALCS.
• After the 1976 season the once-great Oakland A's were only a shell of a team due to trades and free agent defections. Bert left as a free agent and signed with the Texas Rangers. Campaneris had a typical season (150 games, .254 batting avearage) and led the AL with 40 sacrifice hits. Bert really struggled in 1978 and batted only .186 in 98 games. Bert played in eight games in 1979 before being traded to the California Angels on May 12 for Dave Chalk. Campaneris batted .234 in 85 games for the Angels in 1979.
• Campaneris was a part-time player for the Angels in 1980 (.252 in 17 games) and in 1981 (.256 in 82 at bats). Bert played in the Mexican League in 1982 and then signed with the New York Yankees in 1983. Campaneris spent a couple of weeks in AAA and then batted .322 in 60 games for the Yankees. Campaneris retired after the 1983 season.
• Bert Campaneris: He Sparked Championship A's of 1970s- November 1990 Baseball Digest
• Bert now lives in Scottsdale, AZ and participates in old-timers games and golf tournaments for the Major League Baseball Players' Alumni Association.
• Liked to face: Geoff Zahn (.545 in 22 AB); Mike Paul (.476 in 21 AB); Lindy McDaniel (.440 in 25 AB)
• Hated to face: Rich Gale (.000 in 15 AB); Dick Woodson (.048 in 21 AB); Bill Parsons (.091 in 22 AB)

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1976 Topps #554 - Ray Fosse

• This is a great action card. Topps did some great cards of catchers in action.
• Ray Fosse was the first round pick (7th overall) of the Cleveland Indians in the first draft in 1965. Fosse played in the minors from 1965-1968. He had brief trials with the Indians in 1967 (1 for 16 in seven games) and in 1968 (played in one game and caught two innings).
• Ray was brought up to the Indians as Duke Sims' backup in 1969. Fosse batted .172 in 37 games. He missed three months of the season when a foul tip fractured his right index finger in June.
• The 1970 season was Fosse's biggest year. Ray batted .307 with 18 HR and 61 RBI and won the Gold Glove Award. He made the AL All Star team as a reserve. Ray entered the game in the 6th inning and went 1 for 2 with a sacrifice fly. Fosse was involved in the famous (or infamous depending on how you look at it) play that ended the game in the 12th inning. Pete Rose was attempting to score the winning run and bowled over Fosse at the plate. Rose missed the next three games due to injuries suffered in the collision. Fosse was examined by the Cleveland doctors and they found nothing wrong with him. Ray continued playing until a foul tip broke his right index finger in September. Ray was hurting but was waiting for manager Alvin Dark to ask him if he was hurt. Dark was waiting for Fosse to tell him he was hurt. It was later discovered that Ray had had a fracture and separation of his left shoulder. The inflammation masked the injury on the original X-rays. Fosse batted .297 after the 1970 All Star Game but hit only two home runs during that time. Ray Fosse - Best of the New Breed? - October 1970 Baseball Digest.
• Ray was playing winter ball in Venezuela after the 1970 season when he and some teammates were swimming at a beach. One of the players (Herman Hill) was swept out to the sea by a current. Another player (John Morris) swam out to rescue Hill but he also got into trouble. Ray swam out and rescued Morris, but Hill drowned.
• Fosse had another good year in 1971 and was voted by the fans to start at catcher for the AL in the All Star Game. A torn ligament in his left hand kept Ray from playing in the game. Fosse batted .276 with 12 HR and 62 RBI in 133 games and won his second (and last) Gold Glove.
• Ray's offensive production was down in 1972 (.241, 10 HR, 41 RBI) but he still had a great defensive year. Gaylord Perry, who went 24-16 for the year and won the AL Cy Young Award, gave Fosse a lot of the credit for his leadership.
• On March 24, 1973 Fosse was traded (with Jack Heidemann) to the Oakland A's for Dave Duncan and George Hendrick. Perry was shocked and surprised by the move since he had such a good rapport with Ray. Fosse didn't like the move at first but came around when he realized he was going to a winning ballclub.
• The 1973 season was Ray's last one as a regular player. Fosse played in 143 games and batted .256 with 7 HR and 52 RBI. Ray also led all AL catchers by throwing out 56% of would-be base stealers. He also threw out 4 of 5 attempted base stealers in the ALCS. Ray went 1 for 11 (.091) in the ALCS and was 3 for 19 (.158) in the World Series.
• Fosse was the starting catcher in 1974 but missed two months after having surgery for a pinched nerve. He sustained the injury while breaking up a clubhouse fight between Bill North and Reggie Jackson. Ray returned to the field in late August and ended up batting .196 in 69 games. Fosse went 4 for 12 (.333) in the ALCS and 2 for 14 (.143) in the World Series.
• Gene Tenace replaced Fosse as the starting catcher for the A's in 1975. Ray batted .140 in 136 AB during the regular season and went 0 for 2 in the ALCS. After the 1975 season Fosse was sold back to the Cleveland Indians.
• Ray was spiked by Jim Rice on April 13 and had to go on the disabled list. After he returned from the DL Fosse alternated with Alan Ashby behind the plate. Ray batted .301 in 90 games for the Indians in 1976. 
• When the 1977 season started Ray was the starting catcher for the Indians. After manager Frank Robinson was replaced by Jeff Torborg in June, Ray was alternated with Fred Kendall at catcher. Fosse batted .265 in 78 games for the Indians and on September 7 he was traded to the Seattle Mariners for Bill Laxton and cash. Ray batted .353 in 11 games for the Mariners to finish the 1977 season. After the 1977 season Fosse became a free agent. He signed a four-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers.
• During spring training in 1978 Ray tripped in a hole while running down the first base line. He had multiple injuries (including a torn ligament that required reconstructive surgery) and missed the entire 1978 season.
• Fosse was beat out by Buck Martinez and Charlie Moore in 1979 and ended up being the bullpen catcher for most of the year. Ray batted .231 in 19 games for the Brewers in 1979. Ray didn't make the Brewers club in 1980 and was cut at the end of spring training. 
• Ray worked for TRS Video Sports Productions for a few years after his retirement as a player and made baseball instructional videos. Fosse became a broadcaster for the A's in 1986 and has been doing the job ever since. He and his wife now live in Phoenix, AZ.
• Ray's SABR biography
• Liked to face: Jerry Augustine (.600 in 10 AB); Tom Murphy (.421 in 19 AB); Bill Lee (.419 in 31 AB)
• Hated to face: Ken Sanders (.000 in 13 AB); Ray Culp (.063 in 16 AB); Bill Singer (.095 in 21 AB)

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1976 Topps #534 - Stan Bahnsen

• Stan Bahnsen pitched in the majors from 1966-1982. Bahnsen was drafted by the New York Yankees in 1965. He pitched in the minors in 1966 and was called up at the end of the season. Stan was 1-1 with a 3.52 ERA in four games (three starts) for the Yankees in 1966.
• Bahnsen was in the minors for the entire 1967 season. As the back of the card says, he pitched two no-hitters in the minors including a perfect game on July 9. 
• Bahnsen made the Yankees ballclub in 1968 and won the AL Rookie of the Year award. Stan was 17-12 with a 2.05 ERA in 34 starts as he easily beat out Del Unser for the award.
• Bahnsen had a tough sophomore season in 1969 -- he was 9-16 with a 3.83 ERA in 33 starts. Stan had solid seasons for the Yankees in 1970 (14-11, 3.33 ERA) and in 1971 (14-12, 3.35 ERA). After the 1971 season Stan was traded to the Chicago White Sox for Rich McKinney.
• Stan was a good addition to the White Sox staff. In 1972 he was 21-16 with a 3.60 ERA in 41 starts. Bahnsen was 18-21 with a 3.57 ERA in 1973. Those 21 losses led the American League. In his last full season with the White Sox in 1974 Stan was 12-15 with a 4.70 ERA.
• Bahnsen started the 1975 season with the White Sox. He was 4-6 with a 6.01 ERA in 11 starts when he and Skip Pitlock were traded to the Oakland A's for Dave Hamilton and Chet Lemon on June 15. Stan went 6-7 with a 3.24 ERA for the A's to finish the 1976 season.
• Stan wasn't getting used  much by the A's in 1977 (1-2, 6.14 ERA in 11 games) and on May 22 he was traded to the Montreal Expos for Mike Jorgensen. Bahnsen was in the Montreal starting rotation for the rest of the 1977 season and went 8-9 with a 4.81 ERA in 22 starts.
• In 1978 the Expos moved Stan to the bullpen. Bahnsen was 1-5 with seven saves and a 3.67 ERA in 44 games (1 start) in 1978. Stan then had two solid seasons in the Montreal bullpen. In 1979 he was 3-1 with five saves and a 3.15 ERA in 55 games. Bahnsen was 7-6 with four saves and a 3.05 ERA in 57 games in 1980. Stan decided to try the free agent market after the 1980 season and ended up signing with the Expos again.
• Stan didn't get used as much in 1981. In 25 games (3 starts) Bahnsen was 2-1 with a 4.96 ERA. After Dick Williams was fired as the  Montreal manager in September and replaced by Jim Fanning, Bahnsen didn't have many kind words to say about how Williams handled the pitching staff. Stan pitched 1.1 innings in game 3 of the 1981 NLDS and allowed no runs and one hit.
• Bahnsen didn't make the Montreal ballclub in 1982 and was released at the end of spring training. The Expos ended up eating a $300,000 contract. Stan signed with the California Angels on April 8. Bahnsen was 0-1 with a 4.66 ERA in seven games when the Angels released him on May 14. Stan hooked up with the Philadelphia Phillies on May 31 and spent a lot of the rest of the season in the minors. Stan had a 1.35 ERA in eight games for the Phillies in 1982. Stan was released after the 1982 season. Stan told the Phillies he wouldn't come back before the 1983 season (he was going to retire to enter business) but apparently had a change of  mind later in the season. He pitched for the Phillies' AAA Reading club in 1983 but didn't make it back to the majors.
• Stan pitched in the Senior Professional Baseball Association in 1989 and 1990. He pitched in the Netherlands in 1992.
• Stan now works with the promotions department of MSC Cruises. He is involved in getting retired major leaguers to participate in activities on cruise ships such as autograph and story telling sessions. He also helps out in New York Yankee broadcasts. On August 13, 2010 he returned to his hometown (Council Bluffs, IA) to help unveil a new baseball field. Stan now lives in Florida.
• Liked to face: Frank White (.000 in 13 AB); John Roseboro (.056 in 18 AB); Roger Repoz (.077 in 39 AB)
• Hated to face: Tom Grieve (.636 in 11 AB); Johnny Bench (.500 with 2 HR in 12 AB); Ron Blomberg (.500 in 26 AB)

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1976 Topps #525 - Billy Williams

• Billy Williams was signed by the Chicago Cubs in 1956. Williams progressed through the Cubs' farm system but he hit a snag in 1959. Billy was assigned to AA San Antonio and was so discouraged by the racial discrimination there that he was ready to quit and go back home. Cubs' scout Buck O'Neill, who had discovered Williams, went to San Antonio to encourage Williams to hang in there and continue playing.
• Williams had brief trials with the Cubs in 1959 (.152 in 33 AB) and in 1960 (.277 in 47 AB). Billy came to Chicago to stay in 1961 and was named NL Rookie of the Year. Williams batted .278 with 25 HR and 86 RBI in '61.
• Billy ran off a string of consistently good seasons. Williams batted .298 with 22 HR and 91 RBI in 1962 and made his first NL All Star team (he was 0 for 1 with an RBI in the second game). In 1963 Billy batted .286 with 28 HR and 95 RBI. Williams was an All Star again in 1964, started in LF, and was 1 for 4 with a solo home run. Billy batted .312 with 33 HR and 98 RBI in '64. Billy Williams - Above Average Player - October 1964 Baseball Digest.
• In 1965 Williams made his third NL All Star team and grounded out in his only at bat. Billy led the NL with 164 games played and batted .315 with 34 HR and 108 RBI. Williams batted .276 with 29 HR and 91 RBI in 1966 and .278 with 28 HR and 84 RBI in 1967.
• Billy returned to the All Star Game in 1968 and flied out in his only at bat. Williams batted .288 with 30  HR and 98 RBI in 1968. Billy Williams Proud of Line Drive Complex - August 1968 Baseball Digest. Billy batted .293 with 21 HR and 95 RBI in 1969. Billy Williams, Quiet Man Who Swings A Fast Bat - September 1969 Baseball Digest.
• The 1970 season was one of Billy's better years. Williams finished second to Johnny Bench in NL MVP voting as he led the NL with 137 runs scored and 205 hits. Billy batted .322 with 42 HR and 129 RBI in '70. 
• In 1971 Billy batted .301 with 28 HR and 93 RBI. Williams had  a long consecutive game streak snapped during the 1971 season. Billy played in 1,117 consecutive games from 1962-1971. Williams had the all-time longest consecutive games streak until Steve Garvey broke it by playing in 1,207 straight games from 1975-1983.
• Williams had his last great season in 1972. He finished second in NL MVP voting (again behind Bench) as he led the NL with a .333 batting average. Billy hit 37 HR and had 122  RBI in '72. He also went 1 for 2 with a run scored in the 1972 All Star Game. Billy Williams: Baseball's Greatest Hitter - December 1972 Baseball Digest.
• Billy made the NL All Star team for the last time in 1973 -- he started in RF and went 1 for 2. Williams batted .288 with 20 HR and 86 RBI in '73. Williams missed three weeks of the 1974 season with an injury and played in only 117 games. He batted .280 with 16 HR and 68 RBI in 1974 and after the season Williams was traded to the Oakland A's for three players. A's Trade 3 for Slugger Williams - Tri City Herald October 23, 1974.
• Williams became the designated  hitter for the A's in 1975. He batted .244 with 23 HR and 81 RBI in the 1975 season and played in the postseason for the only time in his career. Billy went 0 for 7 in the 1975 ALCS. Billy Williams Finds A New Career in Oakland - August 1975 Baseball Digest.
• Billy's last season was 1976. He batted .211 with 11 HR and 41 RBI. Williams was released by the A's after the 1976 season. Billy Williams Remembers The Glory Years - February 1977 Baseball Digest.
• Williams was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1987 on his sixth try. 'Quiet Man' Billy Williams Belongs in the Hall of Fame - December 1985 Baseball Digest. The Cubs are due to unveil a statue of Billy outside of Wrigley Field on September 7.
• Liked to face: Joe Hoerner (.520 in 25 AB); Jerry Reuss (.477 in 44 AB); Ron Herbel (.472 with 6 HR in 53 AB)
• Hated to face: Jim Willoughby (.063 in 16 AB); Bert Blyleven (.067 in 15 AB); Howie Reed (.091 in 22 AB)

1976 Topps #500 - Reggie Jackson

• Reggie! Reggie! Reggie! I think that's the first time I heard a chant for one player in a game. Most people either loved or hated him, and some people (like me) liked and disliked him at the same time. 
• Reggie Jackson played for Arizona State University and was drafted by the Kansas City A's in 1966. He spent two years in the minors and was called up to the A's in mid-1967. Reggie didn't do much for the A's in 1967 (.178, 1 HR, 6 RBI in 118 at bats) but was given the starting right field job in 1968.
• The A's moved to Oakland in 1968 and Reggie did well. He led the AL in strikeouts with 171 -- he would lead the league five times -- but he batted .250 with 29 HR and 74 RBI in "The Year of the Pitcher." 
• Jackson had one of his best seasons in 1969, batting .275 with 47 HR, 118  RBI, and a league-leading 123 runs scored. Reggie Jackson - Baseball's Next Super-Star? - August 1969 Baseball Digest. How Williams Views Reggie As A Hitter -  November 1969 Baseball Digest. After the 1969 season Reggie had the first of several salary disputes with A's owner Charlie Finley. Commissioner Bowie Kuhn intervened, but the dispute affected  Jackson and he had an off year in 1970 (.237, 23 HR, 66  RBI).
• Reggie bounced back in 1971 with what would become a typical Jackson year (.265, 32 HR, 80 RBI). He was 4 for 12 with two home runs in the 1971 ALCS. In 1972 Reggie batted .265 with 25 HR and 75 RBI. He batted .278 in the 1972 ALCS and stole home to score the tying run in the decisive fifth game. Jackson tore a hamstring during the play and had to miss the World Series. Reggie Jackson: He Dared the A's to Win - January 1973 Baseball Digest.
• Jackson was the AL MVP in 1973. He batted .293 and led the AL with 32 HR, 117 RBI, a .531 slugging percentage, and 99 runs scored. Reggie batted only .143 in the ALCS but he batted .310 and was the MVP in the 1973 World Series. When The Real Reggie Jackson Stood Up... - January 1974 Baseball Digest.
• Jackson batted .289 with 29 HR and 93 RBI in 1974. He batted .167 in the ALCS and helped the A's to their third straight title by batting .286 in the World Series. In 1975 Reggie batted .253 with 104 RBI and a league-leading 36 HR. Jackson batted .417 in the ALCS but the A's were swept by the Boston Red Sox.
• Finley knew that he wouldn't be able to sign Jackson when he was due to become a free agent after the 1976 season, so Jackson, Ken Holtzman, and a minor leaguer were traded to the Baltimore Orioles for Don Baylor, Mike Torrez, and Paul Mitchell. Jackson played for the Orioles in 1976 and batted .277 with 27 HR and 91 RBI. It was the only season between 1971 and 1984 in which Reggie wasn't an AL All Star. After the 1976 season Jackson signed a five-year, $2.9 million contract with the New York Yankees.
• Jackson had been wearing #9 with the A's, but Graig Nettles had the number for the Yankees. Reggie switched to #44 and both numbers are now retired by the respective teams. Jackson didn't get along with manager Billy Martin and they had several run-ins. The most notable run-in was during a nationally televised game in 1977 when Martin pulled Jackson out of the game in the middle of an inning for not hustling after a batted ball. Martin lunged at Jackson in the Yankee dugout and had to be restrained by coaches Yogi Berra and Elston Howard. The scene was shown on television, much to the delight of the Red Sox fans. Reggie also got himself in trouble with teammates for the infamous "straw that stirs the drink" quote. Even with all of the swirling controversy, Reggie batted .286 with 32 HR and 110 RBI as the Yankees won the World Championship. Jackson batted only .125 in the ALCS but batted .450 with 5 HR in the World Series (including the famous three home runs in game 6) and won the World Series MVP for the second time.
• Jackson had a candy bar (REGGIE!) named after him in 1978. He batted .274 with 27 HR and 94 RBI and helped the Yankees to their second straight World Championship. Reggie batted .462 with two HR in the ALCS and .391 with two HR in the World Series. Even As A Runner, Reggie Jackson Attracts Attention - January 1979 Baseball Digest.
• Reggie batted .297 with 29 HR and 89 RBI in 1979. He finished second to George Brett in MVP voting in 1980 and batted .300 with 41 HR and 111 RBI. Reggie batted .273 as the Kansas City Royals swept the Yankees in the 1980 ALCS.
• Jackson had an off-year in 1981 and batted .237 with 15 HR and 54 RBI. Reggie was having difficulties with Steinbrenner during the season (it was the final year of his contract). He batted .300 with two HR in the 1981 ALDS but hurt himself running the bases during the ALCS and missed most of that series and the first two games of the World Series. Reggie was cleared to play in game 3 of the World Series but was held out of the lineup by manager Bob Lemon (apparently under orders from Steinbrenner). Jackson played in the last three games of the World Series and batted .333 with a home run. After the season Reggie signed a five-year contract with the California Angels.
• Jackson helped the Angels to the AL West title in 1982 by batting .275 with 101 RBI and a league-leading 39 HR. Reggie batted .111 with 1 HR in the ALCS.
• Reggie had his toughest season in 1983, batting .194 with 14 HR and 49 RBI in 116 games. In 1984 he batted .223 with 25 HR and 81 RBI and in 1985 Jackson batted .252 with 27 HR and 85 RBI. On September 17, 1984 Jackson hit his 500th home run off of Bud Black of the Royals.
• The Angels won the AL West in 1986. Reggie batted .241 with 18 HR and 58 RBI during the regular season and .192 in the ALCS. Critics Taint the Glory Days of Reggie Jackson - August 1986 Baseball Digest. After the 1986 season Jackson signed a one-year contract with the A's.
• Reggie finished his career in 1987 by batting .220 with 15 HR and 43 RBI. Reggie Jackson Left A Special Imprint on the Game - November 1987 Baseball Digest. Jackson ended up with 563 career home runs and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1993. Reggie Jackson: He Produced Best When in the Spotlight - April 1993 Baseball Digest.
• Reggie did various announcing jobs and had a few cameo acting appearances after his playing career. He parlayed his interest in classic cars into a string of auto dealerships in California. He also is a big trader in sports memorabilia. He is now a special assistant for the New York Yankees.
• Reggie's official website.
• Jackson was in 14 All Star games. His record in these games is as follows:
• 1969 0-2 with a BB (starting CF)
• 1971 1-1, HR, 2 RBI (pinch hitter)
• 1972 2-4, double (starting RF)
• 1973 1-4, double, RBI (starting RF)
• 1974 0-3, BB, 2 SO (starting RF)
• 1975 1-3, 2 SO (starting RF)
• 1977 1-2, SO (starting RF)
• 1978 (on the team but didn't play)
• 1979 0-1, BB (PH / RF)
• 1980 1-2, BB, SO (starting RF)
• 1981 0-1 (starting RF)
• 1982 0-1, RBI, sac fly (starting RF)
• 1983 (on the team but did not play)
• 1984 0-2, SO (starting RF)
• Liked to face: Jim Slaton (.333 with 7 HR in 66 AB); Jerry Augustine (.302, 6 HR in 43 AB); Clyde Wright (.315 with 6 HR in 73 AB)
• Hated to face: Rich Hand (.000 in 16 AB); Aurelio Lopez (.043 in 23 AB); Bret Saberhagen (.065 in 31 AB)

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REGGIE! bar commercial:

1976 Topps #475 - Joe Rudi

• This card was cool to get because of the All Star designation on the front. Joe Rudi was signed by the Kansas City A's in 1964. He played in the minors from 1965-1969 and had short stints in the  majors in 1967 (.186 in 43 AB) and in 1968 (.177 in 181 AB).
• Rudi spent the first two months of the 1969 season in AAA Iowa. He was also there for the month of August. Joe batted .354 for Iowa, but only .189 for the A's. Joe swung the bat  much better in 1970. He batted .309 with 11 HR and 42 RBI in 106 games at LF, 1B, and RF.
• In 1971 the A's won the first of five straight AL West titles. Rudi batted .267 with 10 HR and 52 RBI as the starting left fielder. Joe was 1 for 7 in the ALCS.
• Rudi finished second to Dick Allen in AL MVP voting in 1972. Joe batted .305, led the AL in hits (181) and triples (9), and hit 19 home runs. Rudi made his first AL All Star team  and doubled in his only at  bat. Joe batted  in the .250 in the ALCS and .240 with a home run in the World Series.
• Joe tailed off in 1973 and batted .270 with 12 HR and 66 RBI. He missed almost a month of the season in July and August. Rudi batted .222 with a home run in the ALCS and .333 in the World Series. Joe Rudi: The A's Unheralded Star - March 1973 Baseball Digest
• Rudi finished second in AL MVP voting again in 1974. There were four Oakland players in the top six, which may have split the vote and hurt Joe's chances at the award. He was an  AL All Star (he was 0 for 2) and won his first Gold Glove. Joe batted .293 with 22 HR and 99 RBI and led the AL with 39 doubles. Rudi batted .154 with a home run in the ALCS and .333 in the World Series.
• Joe had another nice year in 1975. He won another Gold Glove and went 1 for 3 as the starting LF in the All Star Game. Rudi played in 91 games at 1B and 47 games at LF for the A's in 1975. He batted .278 with 21 HR and 75 RBI in 126 games. Joe missed about five weeks in August and September. Rudi batted .250 in the 1975 ALCS. Joe Rudi: He's Underrated No Longer - September 1975 Baseball Digest
• The Oakland ballclub was breaking up in 1976. Owner Charlie Finley tried to trade or sell his players and get as much as he could for them. Rudi was sold to the Boston Red Sox on June 15 but Commissioner Bowie Kuhn invalidated the sale and Rudi returned to the A's on June 18. Joe played in 130 games for the A's in 1976 and batted .270 with 13 HR and 94 RBI. He also won his third (and last) Gold Glove. After the 1976 season Rudi became a free agent and signed with the California Angels.
• Rudi missed a lot of the 1977 season due to a broken wrist. He didn't play after  June 26. Joe batted .264 with 13 HR and 53 RBI in 64 games. Rudi played in 133 games in 1978 and batted .256 with 17 HR and 79 RBI.
• Joe had a couple of stints on the disabled list in 1979 and didn't play after August 15 due to achilles problems. In spite of Rudi's absences the Angels won their first AL West title. Joe batted .242 with 11 HR and 61 RBI in 90 games.
• Rudi played in over 100 games for the last time in 1980. In 104 games Joe batted .237 with 16 HR and 53 RBI. After the 1980 season Rudi was involved in a big trade -- he was traded with Jim Dorsey and Frank Tanana to the Boston Red Sox for Fred Lynn and Steve Renko.
• Joe didn't play very much in 1981. He batted .180 in 49 games, became a free agent after the season, and signed with the A's. Rudi batted .212 in 71 games with the A's in 1982, missed all of the 1983 season, and was released by the A's on October 28, 1983.
• Former A's Star Cites Changes in the Game - December 1990 Baseball Digest
• After his playing career Rudi went into real estate. He currently works in real estate in Baker City, Oregon.
• Here is a Sports Illustrated "where are they now" article from July 16, 2000.
• Liked to face: Dave Roberts (.429 in 21 AB); Mickey Lolich (.409 in 44 AB); Roger Erickson (.407 in 27 AB)
• Hated to face: Steve Barber (.000 in 13 AB); Bob McClure (.059 in 17 AB); Lerrin LaGrow (.100 in 20 AB)

1976 Topps #446 - Larry Haney

• Topps really had a hard time coming up with career highlights for this card. "Played 3 games at 3rd base, 1974." Wow.
• Larry Haney was signed by the Baltimore Orioles in 1961. Larry played in the minors from 1961-1966. He played in only three games in 1964 -- he may have been injured or in the military.
• Haney came up in late July of 1966. He batted .161 in 20 games. Larry played in 58 games in 1967 and batted .268. He batted .236 in 38 games in 1968. After the 1968 season Haney was taken by the Seattle Pilots in the expansion draft.
• Haney batted .254 in 22 games for the Pilots in 1969 before being traded to the Oakland A's for John Donaldson on June 14. He batted .151 in 53 games for the A's to finish the 1969 season.
• Larry spent most of his time from 1970-1973 in the minor leagues. He played in 2 games (.000 in 2 AB) for the A's in 1970 and didn't play in the majors at all in 1971. Haney was 0 for 1 in one game for the A's in 1972 and was sold to the San Diego Padres on May 30. Larry was in the minors until he was reacquired by the A's on September 6. Haney went 0 for 3 in four games with the A's at the end of the 1972 season.
• Haney went 1 for 2 in two games for the A's early in the 1973 season. He was in the minors for most of the 1973 season. The A's sold Haney to the St. Louis Cardinals on September 1. Larry went 0 for 1 in two games for the Cardinals late in 1973.
• Larry was sold to the A's during spring training in 1974. This was his third stint with the ballclub. This time Haney stayed with the major league club for the entire season. Larry batted .165 in 76 games in 1974. He appeared in two games in the 1974 World Series but didn't have an at bat.
• Haney batted .192 in 27 at bats in 1975. He played in 47 games, mostly as a defensive replacement. Larry batted .226 in 88 games in 1976. After the 1976 season Haney was sold to the Milwaukee Brewers.
• Larry batted .228 in 63 games for the Brewers in 1977. Haney didn't make the ballclub in 1978 and was released during spring training. Larry became the bullpen coach and was activated when the rosters were expanded on September 1. Haney went 1 for 5 in four games and retired as a player after the 1978 season.
• Haney continued as the bullpen coach until 1989. He was the Brewers' pitching coach in 1990 and 1991. He worked for the Brewers club in various positions until he retired in 2006. Larry has a son (Chris) who pitched in the majors.

1976 Topps #421 - Oakland A's

Even though they started losing players to trades and free agency, the Oakland A's were still a force to be reckoned with in 1976. They had six players who stole 20 or more bases, including Bill North (75) and Bert Campaneris (54), and Don Baylor (52). After the 1976 season the bottom fell out and the A's took a few years to get back to contention. They didn't have a manager when this card was printed, but they were able to hire a manager (Chuck Tanner) for the '76 season.

• 
  
  Team Record: 87-74 (2nd in AL West, 2.5 games behind Kansas City)
• 
  
  Team Attendance: 780,593 (11th in AL)
• 
  
  Team Batting: .246 (9th in AL)
• 
  
  Team Home Runs: 113 (4th in AL)
• 
  
  Team Stolen Bases: 341 (1st in AL)
• 
  
  Team ERA: 3.26 (3rd in AL)
• 
  
  Team Fielding: .977 (7th in AL)
• 
  
  Batting Average Leader: Bill North (.276)
• 
  
  Home Run Leader: Sal Bando (27)
• 
  
  RBI Leader: Joe Rudi (94)
• 
  
  Stolen Base Leader: Bill North (75)
• 
  
  Wins Leader: Vida Blue (18)
• 
  
  Losses Leader: Vida Blue (13)
• 
  
  Saves Leader: Rollie Fingers (20)
• 
  
  AL Batting Leaders: Bill North (stolen bases - 75, caught stealing - 29); Don Baylor (hit by pitch - 20)
• 
  
  AL All Stars: Rollie Fingers (P); Phil Garner (2B)
• 
  
  AL Gold Gloves: Joe Rudi (OF)

1976 Topps #405 - Rollie Fingers

• Rollie Fingers has a cool name and a cool mustache. Fingers was signed by the Kansas City A's in 1964. He was a starting pitcher in the minors and in four seasons never posted an ERA above 3.00. Rollie had a brief look at the end of the 1968 season and gave up 4 earned runs in 1.1 innings.

• In the first few years of his career Rollie was a swingman. Fingers pitched in 60 games (8 starts) in 1969 and was 6-7 with 12 saves and a 3.71 ERA. In 1970 Rollie was 7-9 with 2 saves and a 3.65 ERA in 45 games (19 starts). Fingers went 4-6 with 17 saves and had a 2.99 ERA in 48 games (8 starts) in 1971. He pitched in two games in the 1971 ALCS and had a 7.71 ERA in 2.1 innings.

• The A's used Rollie exclusively as a reliever in 1972. He pitched in 65 games and went 11-9 with 21 saves and a 2.51 ERA. Fingers was 1-0 in three games in the 1972 ALCS and was 1-1 with 2 saves in the 1972 World Series. Rollie Fingers: The Man Who Shut the Door - December 1972 Baseball Digest.

• Fingers made the All Star team for the first time in 1973 (he pitched a perfect 9th inning). Rollie started two games which were the last two games he would ever start. He pitched in a total of 62 games and was 7-8 with 22 saves and a 1.92 ERA. Rollie was 0-1 with 1 save in the 1973 ALCS and was 0-1 with 2 saves in the 1973 World Series. Rollie Fingers: Mr. Cool - August 1973 Baseball Digest.

• In 1974 Fingers led the AL with 76 appearances and was 9-5 with 18 saves and a 2.65 ERA. He pitched the 8th inning of the All Star game and allowed two runs. Fingers appeared in 2 games in the 1974 ALCS and had one save. He was the 1974 World Series MVP as he was 1-0 with two saves.

• Rollie was named to the 1975 AL All Star team but didn't pitch in the game. He finished third in AL Cy Young Award voting and 4th in MVP voting. Fingers appeared in a league-leading 75 games and was 10-6 with 24 saves and a 2.98 ERA. Rollie pitched four innings in game 2 of the 1975 ALCS and took the loss.

• Rollie's last season in Oakland was 1976. He went 13-11 with 20 saves and a 2.47 ERA in 70 appearances. The A's sold Rollie to the Boston Red Sox on June 15 but the sale was voided by Commissioner Bowie Kuhn and Rollie returned to the A's. He was named to the 1976 AL All Star team but didn't pitch in the game. After the 1976 season Fingers became a free agent and signed with the San Diego Padres.

• Fingers led the NL with 78 appearances and 35 saves in 1977. He went 8-9 with a 2.99 ERA in '77. He led the NL in saves again with 37 in 1978. He went 6-13 with a 2.52 ERA in 67 appearances. Rollie pitched the 6th and 7th innings of the 1978 All Star Game and allowed no runs on 1 hit. Rollie Fingers: The Fireman Who Didn't Burn Out - December 1978 Baseball Digest.

• Rollie had a rough year in 1979. He went 9-9 with 13 saves and a 4.52 ERA. It was the first time he had an ERA above 3 since 1970. Fingers had a better year in 1980 as he was 11-9 with 23 saves and a 2.80 ERA. He was the NL Rolaids Relief Man of the Year in 1980 -- the third time in four years that he won the award. After the 1980 season Rollie was traded twice. First he went to the St. Louis Cardinals in a large multi-player trade. The Cards turned around and dealt Fingers to the Milwaukee Brewers along with Ted Simmons and Pete Vuckovich.

• Fingers had a great season in 1981. He was the AL Cy Young Award winner and the MVP. Rollie was 6-3 with a league-leading 28 saves and a 1.04 ERA. He was 1-0 with 1 save in the Brewers' ALDS loss to the New York Yankees. Rollie Fingers: Greatest Relief Pitcher of All Time - January 1982 Baseball Digest.

• Rollie was 5-6 with 29 saves and a 2.60 ERA in 50 games in 1982.  He was injured and pitched his last game on September 2. Rollie missed the 1982 playoffs and the entire 1983 season. Fingers came back in 1984 and went 1-2 with 23 saves and a 1.96 ERA. He was hurt again and didn't pitch after July 23.

• In 1985 Fingers went 1-6 with 17 saves and a 5.04 ERA. Rollie was released after the 1985 season.

• At the end of his career, after being released by the Milwaukee Brewers the previous season, he was offered a contract by Pete Rose to play for the Cincinnati Reds for 1986, but owner Marge Schott had a "clean cut" policy for her players (all players must be clean shaven). Fingers reply to Reds general manager Bill Bergesch: "Well you tell Marge Schott to shave her Saint Bernard, and I'll shave my moustache". (from his Wikipedia entry)

• Fingers was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1992. Rollie Fingers Put A Face on Bringing Closure - February 2001 Baseball Digest

• Rollie's official website.

• Liked to face: Greg Luzinski (.000 in 17 AB); Ellie Rodriguez (.000 in 18 AB); Al Bumbry (.063 in 16 AB)
• Hated to face: Bob Horner (.643 in 14 AB); Ken Griffey (.588 in 17 AB); Ed Herrmann (.500 in 26 AB)