I'm going to make an attempt to collect as many baseball cards as possible from 1976. I was 9 when the 1976 Topps baseball cards came out. I have most of those cards, but I'd like to expand and get the other cards from this great year.
People remember where they were when they first hear about big events. When John Lennon was killed I found about it from Howard Cosell on Monday Night Football. When Ronald Reagan was shot I was in 8th hour algebra class and someone announced it over the intercom.
I was in the car with my mom and a few friends (I think we were on our way home from the mall) when the news of the death of Thurman Munson came over the radio. Most of the people in the car didn't give it a second thought, but I was very quiet for the rest of the trip home. Other players had died in mid-career before this (such as Bob Moose, Danny Frisella, and Lyman Bostock), but Munson's death had more of an impact on me.
Thurman Munson was drafted by the New York Yankees in 1968. He was the fourth player taken in the draft. Munson played in the minors in 1968 and in 1969. Thurman came up to the Yankees in August 1969 and batted .256 in 26 games.
Munson was the AL Rookie of the Year in 1970 and batted .302 in 132 games.
Thurman made the AL All Star team for the first time in 1971 (his all-star game stats will come later). Munson batted .251 with 10 HR in 125 games for the Yankees in 1971.
The 1972 season was the only one until his final year in 1979 that Munson didn't make the All Star team. Thurman batted .280 in 140 games in '72. It was the first of seven seasons in a row in which Munson would play in at least 140 games.
In 1973 Munson batted .301 with a career-high 20 home runs. He also won the first of three consecutive Gold Glove awards in '73.
Thurman batted .261 with 13 HR in 1974. Munson bounced back in 1975 to have a career high in batting average (.318). Munson knocked in 102 runs in 1975 -- it was the first of three 100+ RBI seasons in a row for him.
Munson had his biggest year in 1976. Thurman was the AL MVP as he led the Yankees to their first AL Pennant since 1964. Munson batted .302 with 17 HR and 105 RBI during the regular season. Thurman batted .435 (10 for 23) during the ALCS and .529 (9 for 17) during the World Series. Munson was hurt by unfavorable comparisons to Cincinnati's Johnny Bench during the series. Reds' manager Sparky Anderson sent Munson a letter of apology after the series. Thurman Munson: Most Valuable Yankee - November 1976 Baseball Digest
Munson had difficulties with new arrival Reggie Jackson in 1977 but those troubles didn't stop the Yankees from winning the World Championship. Thurman batted .308 with 18 HR and 100 RBI in 1977. Munson played well in the 1977 postseason, batting .286 in the ALCS and .320 in the World Series. After the 1977 season Thurman expressed a desire to be traded to the Cleveland Indians in order to be closer to his family, but a deal was never made.
In 1979 Munson was on his way to another 140+ game season before his plane crash on August 2. Thurman was batting .288 in 97 games before he passed away. On August 2 the Yankees had an off day and Munson decided to practice some touch-and-go landings in his hometown of Canton, OH. He had recently purchased a new plane and wanted to get some practice time. Thurman's plane clipped some trees just before he got to the runway. The other two people on the plane managed to escape, but Munson was killed. Here is a 2009 article in which one of the survivors describes what happened in the crash. The entire Yankee ballclub attended Thurman's funeral on August 6.
Liked to face: Tom Buskey (.714 in 14 AB); Jim Merritt/Dyar Miller (.692 in 13 AB); Tom Hall (.556 with 2 HR in 9 AB)
Hated to face: Pete Broberg (.000 in 16 AB); Frank Tanana (.091 in 44 AB); Nolan Ryan (.143 with 13 strikeouts in 49 AB)
Dave Roberts pitched in the majors from 1969-1981. I always got him mixed up with the other Dave Roberts who played third base for the Padres (and other teams) during this time.
After graduating from high school in 1963 Roberts signed with the Philadelphia Phillies. Dave was a minor leaguer in the Phillies organization (and later the KC A's and Pittsburgh Pirates organizations) before being selected by the San Diego Padres in the expansion draft after the 1968 season. Roberts was the pitcher of the Year in the International League in 1968.
Dave started the 1969 season in the minors and was brought up to the Padres in July. Roberts was 0-3 with a 4.81 ERA in 22 games (5 starts) in 1969.
In 1970 Roberts was mostly a reliever until mid-June when he joined the Padres' rotation. Dave was 8-14 with a 3.81 ERA in 43 games (21 starts) in 1970.
Roberts probably had his best year in 1971. He finished second in the NL in ERA (2.10) and finished 6th in NL Cy Young voting. Dave's record was still below .500 because the Padres were so bad -- he went 14-17 in 34 starts. Dave Roberts on the Road to Stardom - November 1971 Baseball Digest
After the 1971 season Roberts was traded to the Houston Astros for Bill Greif, Derrel Thomas, and Mark Schaeffer. Dave went 12-7 with a 4.50 ERA in 35 games (28 starts) for the Astros in 1972.
Roberts had another good year in 1973, going 17-11 with a 2.85 ERA in 36 starts. In 1974 he was 10-12 with a 3.40 ERA and in 1975 Roberts went 8-14 with a 4.27 ERA.
After the 1975 season Roberts was traded with Jim Crawford and Milt May to the Detroit Tigers for Terry Humphrey, Mark Lemongello, Gene Pentz, and Leon Roberts.
Dave was 16-17 with a 4.00 ERA in 36 starts in 1976. Roberts had the distinction of allowing Hank Aaron's final career hit and RBI on the last day of the 1976 season.
After the 1976 season Roberts had surgery on an arthritic knee. Dave started slowly for Detroit in 1977 (4-10, 5.15 ERA in 22 starts) and was sold to the Chicago Cubs in July. On April 30 Rod Carew was ejected from a game for slugging Roberts after Roberts had hit him with a pitch. Dave went 1-1 with a 3.23 ERA in 16 games (7 starts) with the Cubs to finish the 1977 season.
Roberts was better with the bat than he was on the mound in 1978. Dave batted .327 with a .500 slugging percentage in 52 at bats but was only 6-8 with a 5.25 ERA. After the 1978 season Roberts became a free agent and signed with the San Francisco Giants.
Dave was used as a reliever by the Giants in 1979. He pitched in 26 games (1 start) and was 0-2 with a 2.57 ERA. In July Dave was traded (with Bill Madlock and Len Randle) to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Al Holland, Ed Whitson, and Fred Breining. Roberts pitched in 21 games (3 starts) for the Pirates and was 5-2 with a 3.26 ERA. Dave was able to enjoy a pennant race for the first (and only) time in his career. Dave appeared in one game in the 1979 NLCS and walked the only batter he faced. Roberts wasn't used in the World Series.
Roberts started the 1980 season with the Pirates (0-1, 3.86 ERA in two games) and was sold to the Seattle Mariners on April 24. Dave went 2-3 with a 4.37 ERA in 37 games (4 starts) for the Mariners in 1981.
Dave became a free agent again after the 1980 season and signed with the New York Mets. Roberts pitched in 7 games (4 starts) for the Mets and was 0-3 with a 9.39 ERA. The Mets cut Roberts on May 27 and he signed with the San Francisco Giants on June 15. Dave pitched in six games for the Giants' AAA Phoenix club and retired after the season.
Roberts died of lung cancer at the age of 64 on January 9, 2009. His family said that he developed the lung cancer from regularly inhaling asbestos as a young man in his offseason job as a boilermaker.
Liked to face: Graig Nettles (.000 in 19 AB); Tommy Helms (.050 in 20 AB); Mark Belanger (.071 in 14 AB
Hated to face: Jim Beauchamp (.600 in 15 AB); Dan Driessen (.588 in 17 AB); Bobby Murcer (.538 in 13 AB); Hank Aaron (.288 with 6 HR in 63 AB)
Al Cowens was a major league outfielder from 1974-1986. Cowens had a great arm, as this card illustrates, and usually had double-figure outfield assist totals. Al was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 1969. Cowens played in the minors from 1969-1973 before making the major league ballclub in 1974. Al batted .242 with 1 HR in 110 games in 1974.
In 1975 Cowens batted .277 with 4 HR in 120 games. Al had a similar year in 1976, batting .265 with 3 HR in 152 games. Cowens went 4 for 21 (.190) in the 1976 ALCS.
Cowens had his best season in 1977. He finished second to Rod Carew in AL MVP voting and won a Gold Glove award. Al batted .312 with 23 HR and 112 RBI and also had 32 doubles and 14 triples. Cowens went 5 for 19 (.263) in the ALCS.
Al didn't hit for as much power in 1978. He batted .274 with 5 HR and 63 RBI during the regular season and went 2 for 15 (.133) in the ALCS.
Cowens batted .295 with 9 HR in 136 games in 1979. He missed 21 games after having his jaw broken by an Ed Farmer pitch on May 8. Teammate Frank White had his hand broken by another Farmer pitch in the same game. These incidents would have repercussions a year later. After the 1979 season Cowens was traded (along with Todd Cruz and Craig Eaton) to the California Angels for Willie Aikens and Rance Mulliniks.
Al didn't have a good start with the Angels (.227 in 34 games) and was traded to the Detroit Tigers on May 27 for Jason Thompson. On June 20 Cowens faced Farmer again. As Farmer watched a teammate field a grounder, Cowens ran to the mound and attacked Farmer from behind instead of running to first base. Cowens was suspended for seven games. A warrant was issued for Al's arrest in Illinois and he had to miss the remainder of the series. The two shook hands as they brought out the lineup cards on September 1 and Farmer dropped the charges, but for the remainder of his career Al saw "Coward Cowens" banners whenever his teams visited Comiskey Park. Al ended up batting .268 with 6 HR and 59 RBI in 1980.
Al played in 85 games in the 1981 strike season and batted .261 but homered only once.
Cowens was purchased by the Seattle Mariners during spring training in 1982. Al had a bounceback season in 1982, batting .270 with 20 HR and 78 RBI.
Al missed a month of the 1983 season with an injury and batted only .205 with 7 HR in 110 games.
Cowens had better years in 1984 (.277 with 15 HR and 78 RBI) and in 1985 (.265 with 14 HR and 69 RBI).
Al started slowly in 1986. He was batting .183 in 28 games when the Mariners released him on June 12. Cowens then played in Japan for a short time, but it didn't work out.
Cowens played for Bradenton in the Senior Professonal Baseball League in 1989 and batted .390 in 22 games. After his playing career Al was a scout for the Royals.
Ramon Hernandez was mostly a relief pitcher from 1967-1977. Hernandez was originally signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1959. After pitching in the C/D minor league levels for two years (1959 and 1960), Ramon didn't pitch in organized baseball in 1961 and was sold to the Los Angeles Angels after the 1961 season.
Ramon pitched in the Angels' organization from 1962-1966 and pitched well at the A and AA levels, but he didn't show much when brought up to the AAA level. After the 1966 season Hernandez was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the Rule 5 draft.
Hernandez had to stay with the Braves for the entire 1967 season. Ramon pitched in 46 games and was 0-2 with five saves and had a 4.18 ERA.
After the 1967 season Hernandez was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the Rule 5 draft. Ramon was 0-0 with a 9.00 ERA in eight games for the Cubs. Hernandez was sold to the St. Louis Cardinals on June 14 and spent the rest of the 1968 season in AAA Tulsa.
Ramon pitched in AA Arkansas in 1969 but didn't pitch very well. Hernandez was released during spring training in 1970 and spent the season pitching in the Mexican League.
The Pirates purchased Hernandez in 1971 and assigned him to AAA Charleston. Ramon pitched in 10 September games for the Pirates in 1971 and was 0-1 with 4 saves and had a 0.71 ERA. Hernandez was not on the Pirates' post-season roster.
Ramon pitched well for the Pirates for the next few seasons:
1972 - 5-0, 1.67 ERA, 14 saves in 53 games. Had a 2.70 ERA in three games in the NLCS
1973 - 4-5, 2.41 ERA, 11 saves in 59 games
1974 - 5-2, 2.75 ERA, 2 saves in 58 games. Pitched 4.1 scoreless innings in two games in the NLCS.
1975 - 7-2, 2.95 ERA, 5 saves in 46 games. Pitched 2/3 of an inning in game 3 of the NLCS, allowed two runs, and took the loss.
In 1976 Hernandez started with the Pirates (2-2, 3 saves, 3.56 ERA in 37 games) and was sold to the Chicago Cubs on September 8. Teammate Richie Zisk was upset about the deal because it left the Pirates without a lefthander in the bullpen for the stretch run. Ramon pitched 1.2 scoreless innings for the Cubs in two games at the end of the 1976 season.
Hernandez was with the Cubs for the first two months of the 1977 season and was 0-0 with an 8.22 ERA in six games. Ramon was traded to the Boston Red Sox for Bobby Darwin on May 28. Hernandez was 0-1 with a 5.68 ERA in 12 games for the Red Sox and was released on August 20, 1977.
After he left major league baseball Ramon continued to pitch in Puerto Rico for several years.
Ramon passed away in Puerto Rico at the age of 68 on February 4, 2009 (article is in Spanish). Here is a blog article written about Hernandez after his death.
Darrell Porter caught in the major leagues for 17 season. Porter was the first round draft pick of the Milwaukee Brewers in 1970. Darrell played in the minors from 1970-1972 and had brief stints with the Brewers in 1971 (.214 in 22 games) and in 1972 (.125 in 18 games).
Darrell split time with Ellie Rodriguez behind the plate in 1973 and batted .254 with 16 HR in 117 games. Porter finished third (behind runaway winner Al Bumbry and teammate Pedro Garcia) in AL Rookie of the Year voting in 1973.
Porter took over the regular catching duties in 1974 and batted .241 with 12 HR. Darrell made the 1974 AL All Star team but didn't play in the game.
Darrell batted .232 with 18 HR in 1975. Porter had an offensive drop-off in 1976 and batted .208 with 5 HR. After the 1976 season Darrell was traded with Jim Colborn to the Kansas City Royals for Jamie Quirk, Jim Wohlford, and Bob McClure.
Porter had a comeback year in 1977, batting .275 with 16 HR. Darrell went 5 for 15 (.333) in the 1977 ALCS.
Darrell had another nice season in 1978 and made the AL All Star team for the second time (he was 0 for 1 in the game). Porter batted .265 with 18 HR and 75 RBI and finished 10th in AL MVP voting. Darrell went 5 for 14 (.357) in the ALCS.
The Royals didn't win the AL West in 1979, but Porter still had a good year. Darrell batted .291 with 20 HR and 121 RBI. He led the AL with 121 walks and was in double figures in doubles (23) and triples (10). Darrell was the starting catcher in the 1979 All Star Game and doubled in three at bats. Darrell Porter Joins A Select Group of Catchers - January 1980 Baseball Digest
Porter struck out in his only at bat in the 1980 All Star Game. Darrell batted .249 with 7 HR and 51 RBI as he missed the first month of the season. Darrell had checked himself in to an drug/alcohol rehabilitation center during spring training. He was one of the first players to admit that he had a problem with substance abuse. Porter went 1 for 10 (.100) in the 1980 ALCS and was 2 for 14 (.143) in the World Series. After his time in the rehabilitation center Porter became a born-again Christian and became a spokesman for Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
After the 1980 season Darrell became a free agent and signed with the St. Louis Cardinals. Porter batted .224 in 61 games in the 1981 strike season.
Porter played in 120 games in 1982 and batted .231 with 12 HR. Porter was 5 for 9 (.556) in the NLCS and was 8 for 28 (.286) in the World Series.
In 1983 Darrell batted .262 with 15 HR. Darrell Porter Has Faith - The Times-News March 12, 1983. In his last season as a regular player (1984) Darrell batted .232 with 11 HR. Porter wrote an autobiography (Snap Me Perfect!) in 1984 that detailed his battles with substance abuse.
Porter split time with Tom Nieto at catcher in 1985 (Darrell missed time with a broken toe and a broken thumb). Darrell batted .221 with 10 HR in 84 games during the regular season. Porter went 4 for 15 (.267) in the NLCS and was 2 for 15 (.133) in the World Series. Darrell was released after the 1985 season and signed with the Texas Rangers.
Porter was a part-time catcher and DH in the last two seasons of his career. In 1986 Darrell batted .265 with 12 HR in 68 games and in 1987 he batted .238 with 7 HR in 85 games. Porter was released after the 1987 season and retired.
After his playing career Porter did some broadcasting and was also in the antique business. Darrell had a relapse and was found dead outside his vehicle on August 5, 2002. He died of "toxic effects of cocaine."
Liked to face: Mike Krukow (.483 with 5 HR in 29 AB); Ron Schueler/Larry Christenson (.545 in 11 AB)
Hated to face: Floyd Bannister (.000 in 17 AB); Geoff Zahn/Jerry Koosman (.056 in 18 AB)
Joe Decker pitched in the majors from 1969-1976 and again in 1979. Decker was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 1965. Joe pitched in the minors from 1965-1969. Decker pitched in four games for the Cubs in 1969 and was 1-0 with a 2.92 ERA.
Decker was with the Cubs for most of the 1970 season and was 2-7 with a 4.64 ERA in 24 games (17 starts). Joe split time between Chicago and AAA in 1971. Decker had a 3-2 record with a 4.73 ERA in 21 games (4 starts) for the Cubs in 1971.
Joe was in AAA Wichita for most of the 1972 season. He pitched in five games for the Cubs in 1972 and was 1-0 with a 2.13 ERA.
After the 1972 season Decker, Bill Hands, and a minor leaguer were traded to the Minnesota Twins for Dave LaRoche.
Decker had two successful years with the Twins. In 1973 Joe was 10-10 with a 4.17 ERA in 24 starts. Decker was 16-14 with a 3.29 ERA in 37 starts in 1974.
In April of 1975 Decker sustained an injury and was never the same pitcher after that. Joe was 1-3 with an 8.54 ERA in 10 games (7 starts) in 1975.
Joe was 2-7 with a 5.28 ERA in 12 starts in 1976. Decker was released on June 25, 1976. He was signed by the Detroit Tigers three days later and pitched in AAA Evansville, but the Tigers didn't bring him back to the majors and released him after the season.
Decker was signed by the Chicago Cubs in 1977 and pitched in AAA Wichita for a few months before being released on July 4. Joe pitched in the Mexican League for the rest of the 1977 season.
The Seattle Mariners signed Decker before the 1978 season. Joe pitched in AAA San Jose in 1978 and in AAA Spokane for most of the 1979 season. Decker spent a couple of months with the Mariners in 1979 and was 0-1 with a 4.28 ERA in 9 games.
Decker tried to come back in 1982 and in 1983 for Seattle's AAA Salt Lake City club but didn't make it back to the majors. After his career Decker was a pitching coach in the Detroit Tigers' system.
Joe Lovitto played for the Texas Rangers from 1972-1975. Joe was the first round pick (second overall) of the Washington Senators in 1969. Lovitto played in the minors from 1969-1971 and played well enough to earn a shot at the major league club in spring training in 1972.
Lovitto was the starting center fielder for much of the 1972 season and batted .224 in 117 games. He had a run-in with Texas manager Ted Williams during the season.
Joe started the 1973 season with the Rangers but suffered a leg injury in June. After some time off Lovitto played in AAA for the rest of the 1973 season. Joe ended up batting .136 in 44 at bats for the Rangers in '73.
Joe started 73 games in center field in 1974. Lovitto played in a total of 113 games and batted .223 in 283 at bats.
In 1975 Lovitto played sparingly. He batted .208 in 50 games.
After the 1975 season the Rangers traded Joe to the New York Mets for Gene Clines. Lovitto didn't make the Mets ballclub in 1976 and was cut during spring training
Clay Kirby was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1966. Kirby pitched in the Cardinals' system from 1966-1968 and then was chosen by the San Diego Padres in the expansion draft.
Pitching for the expansion Padres didn't exactly do wonders for Kirby's winning percentage. Clay led the NL with 20 losses in his rookie season of 1969. He had a 7-20 record with a 3.80 ERA in 35 starts. In 1970 Kirby went 10-16 with a 4.53 ERA for the Padres. On July 21, 1970 Clay had a no-hitter going against the the Mets after eight innings but was losing 1-0 and was removed for a pinch hitter by manager Preston Gomez.
Kirby had his only winning season with the Padres in 1971 -- he went 15-13 with a 2.83 ERA. Clay had a good ERA in 1972 (3.13) and was 12-14 in 34 starts.
Clay dropped to 8-18 with a 4.79 ERA in 1973. After the 1973 season Kirby was traded to the Cincinnati Reds for Bobby Tolan and Dave Tomlin.
Clay went 12-9 with a 3.28 ERA in 35 starts for the Reds in 1974. Kirby's ERA rose to 4.76 in 1975 but he still went 10-6 for the Big Red Machine. Clay wasn't used by the Reds in the 1975 postseason. After the 1975 season the Reds traded Kirby to the Montreal Expos for Bob Bailey.
Kirby went 1-8 with a 5.72 ERA in 22 games (15 starts) in 1976. Clay was released by the Expos after the 1976 season. Kirby pitched for San Diego's AAA Hawaii Islanders in 1977 but didn't get back to the majors.
Kirby died of a heart attack in his hometown of Arlington, VA at the age of 43 on October 11, 1991.
Liked to face: Gene Alley (.000 in 11 AB); Billy Grabarkewitz (.056 in 18 AB); Garry Maddox (.077 in 26 AB)
Hated to face: Dave Parker (.636 in 11 AB); Dave Lopes (.462 in 26 AB); Willie Stargell (.415 with 5 HR in 41 AB)
Frank Edwin "Tug" McGraw had a long and storied career in major league baseball. McGraw was signed by the New York Mets in 1964. Tug pitched in the minors in 1964 and then made the Mets ballclub in 1965. Tug was 2-7 with one save and a 3.32 ERA in 37 games (nine starts) in 1965.
Over the next three seasons McGraw bounced between the minors and the Mets. Tug pitched in 15 games (12 starts) in 1966 (2-9, 5.34 ERA). He was in the minors for most of the 1967 season -- Tug started four games for the Mets (0-3, 7.79 ERA). McGraw was in the minors for the entire 1968 season.
During this time period McGraw was also a reserve rifleman and marksman in the US Marine Corps.
In 1969 Tug came back to the majors to stay. The Mets had a good starting rotation, so McGraw was used mostly as a reliever and spot starter. Tug found his niche as a relief pitcher and had a successful season (9-3, 12 saves, 2.24 ERA in 42 games). McGraw pitched three scoreless innings in game two of the 1969 NLCS. Tug wasn't used in the 1969 World Series.
McGraw made only a total of ten starts from 1970 until the end of his career in 1984. Tug had good years in 1970 (4-6, 10 saves, 3.28 ERA), 1971 (11-4, 8 saves, 1.70 ERA), and 1972 (8-6, 27 saves, 1.70 ERA). McGraw was selected to the 1972 NL All Star team. He pitched the last two innings of the game and earned the win.
Tug and the Mets were struggling in 1973. The Mets had fallen to last place in the NL East on August 30. McGraw earned the win in an extra-innings victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on August 31 to pull the club out of the cellar. The Mets went on to go 20-8 in September and win the NL East. Tug was a big part of that resurgence, going 3-0 with ten saves and a 0.57 ERA. "Ya Gotta Believe!," a saying coined by Tug, became the rallying cry for the Mets as they won the NL East and the NL pennant. McGraw pitched in two games in the 1973 NLCS without allowing a run and then was 1-0 with a save in the World Series. Tug McGraw Key to the Mets' Rise - January 1974 Baseball Digest.
McGraw struggled during the 1974 season. He developed shoulder trouble that was later diagnosed as a cyst that was easily removed. Tug went 6-11 with three saves and had a 4.16 ERA in 1974. After the 1974 season the Mets traded McGraw to the Philadelphia Phillies in a multi-player deal that brought John Stearns to the Mets.
Tug came back in 1975 to have an all-star season with the Phillies (he didn't pitch in the game). McGraw went 9-6 with 14 saves and a 2.98 ERA in '75.
In the next three seasons Tug was part of a strong Philadelphia bullpen. In 1976 McGraw was 7-6 with 11 saves and a 2.50 ERA. McGraw pitched in two games in the NLCS but got roughed up (3 runs in 2.1 innings) by the Cincinnati Reds. Tug was 7-3 with nine saves and a 2.62 ERA in 1977. He pitched in two games in the 1977 NLCS without allowing a run and earned the save in game 1. In 1978 Tug was 8-7 with nine saves and had a 3.21 ERA. Tug pitched in three games in the NLCS and had a 1.59 ERA. He took the loss in the bottom of the 10th inning in game 4 on an unearned run.
The Phillies had a tough year in 1979 and so did McGraw. Tug went 4-3 with 16 saves and had a 5.16 ERA in 1979.
The Phillies finally broke through and won it all in 1980. McGraw had a great year in 1980 (5-4, 20 saves, 1.46 ERA) and was fifth in NL Cy Young Award voting. Tug pitched in all five games of the classic 1980 NLCS and was 0-1 with two saves. Tug blew the save in game 5 but the Phillies won the game in extra innings. McGraw pitched in four games in the 1980 World Series and was 1-1 with two saves. Tug was on the mound and struck out Willie Wilson to clinch the series in game 6 (shown in the youtube video below). After the 1980 season the Phillies rewarded McGraw with a four-year $1.5 million contract. Tug also won the Babe Ruth Award in 1980.
Tug went 2-4 with 10 saves and had a 2.66 ERA in 1981. He pitched in two games in the NLDS and earned the win in game 4.
McGraw became more of a set up man in the last three years of his career. In 1982 Tug was 3-3 with five saves and had a 4.31 ERA. McGraw was 2-1 with a 3.56 ERA in 1983 and wasn't used by the Phillies in the NLDS or the World Series. Tug pitched in 25 games in 1984 and went 2-0 with a 3.79 ERA. McGraw retired after the 1984 season. Tug McGraw: He Was Special as a Reliever and a Showman - June 1985 Baseball Digest
While working as a spring training instructor in 2003 Tug was hospitalized and diagnosed with a brain tumor. Surgery was performed and the tumor was found to be malignant. Tug was given three weeks to live but survived for nine months. McGraw passed away on January 5, 2004.
Tug is the father of country music star Tim McGraw. Tug said that the mother had left town after the short relationship in 1966 and he didn't acknowledge Tim as his son until Tim was 17 years old. The two went on to have a close relationship.
Nelson Briles pitched in the majors from 1965-1978. For some reason when I was a young one I always mixed up Nelson Briles, Bruce Dal Canton, and Lindy McDaniel.
Briles was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1964. Nelson pitched only one year in the minors (1964) before earning a spot with the Cardinals in 1965. Briles went 3-3 with four saves and a 3.50 ERA in 37 games (2 starts) in 1965.
Briles really had a rough time in 1966. He went 4-15 with six saves and a 3.21 ERA in 49 games (17 starts).
Nelson turned it around in 1967 and went 14-5 and led the NL with a .737 winning percentage. Briles had a 2.43 ERA and six saves in 49 games (14 starts). Nelson appeared in two games in the 1967 World Series. He started game 3 of the series and had a complete game 5-2 victory. Nelson also pitched two scoreless innings in game six.
In 1968 Briles was used exclusively as a starter. Nelson made 33 starts and went 19-11 with a 2.83 ERA. Briles made two starts in the 1968 World Series -- he took the loss in game 2 and didn't get the decision in game 5.
Briles was mostly a starter in 1969 and went 15-13 with a 3.52 ERA in 36 games (33 starts). Nelson missed almost a month of the 1970 season and his stats were down. He ended up going 6-7 with a 6.24 ERA in 30 games (19 starts). After the 1970 season Briles was traded with Vic Davalillo to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Manny Mota and George Brunet.
Nelson started the 1971 season as a reliever and was put in the starting rotation in June. Briles went back to the bullpen in mid-July and returned to the rotation in late August. Briles went 8-4 with one save and a 3.04 ERA in 37 games (14 starts). Briles wasn't used in the NLCS, but he started and won game 5 of the World Series. Nelson pitched a 2-hit shutout in that game and contributed an RBI single.
In 1972 Briles became a starter again. He went 14-11 with a 3.08 ERA in 28 games (27 starts). Nelson started game 4 of the NLCS and allowed two runs in six innings in a no-decision. Briles went 14-13 with a 2.84 ERA in 33 games in 1973. After the 1973 season Briles was traded with Fernando Gonzalez to the Kansas City Royals for Ed Kirkpatrick, Kurt Bevacqua, and a minor leaguer.
Nelson missed two months of the 1974 season with an injury. Briles had a 5-7 record with a 4.08 ERA in 18 games (17 starts) in '74.
Briles missed about five weeks in 1975 and went 6-6 with two saves and a 4.26 ERA in 24 games (16 starts). After the 1975 season Briles was traded to the Texas Rangers for Dave Nelson. Nelson's 1976 card is an airbrush job. How did Topps get a pic of Briles with his new team?
Nelson's last season as a full-time starter was 1976. He started 31 games and went 11-9 with a 3.26 ERA. He also earned a save in his only relief appearance. Briles went 6-4 with a 4.24 ERA for the Rangers in 30 games (15 starts) in 1977. On September 19 Briles was purchased by the Baltimore Orioles. He made two appearances for the Orioles and had a 6.75 ERA in four innings.
Briles went 4-4 with a 4.64 ERA in 16 games (8 starts) for the Orioles in 1978. He missed quite a bit of time in 1978 with injuries and was released before the 1979 season.
After his playing career Briles became a broadcaster for the Pirates from 1979-1985. He then worked for the organization as a director of corporate sales and as a director of the Pirates annual fantasy camp. Here is a "where are they now" article from 2002.
Nelson died of an apparent heart attack in Orlando, FL while participating in the Pirates' annual alumni golf tournament on February 13, 2005.
Liked to face: Steve Garvey (.000 in 11 AB); Ron Stone (.053 in 19 AB); Willie Horton (.063 in 16 AB)
Hated to face: Tony Gonzalez (.500 in 30 AB); Jim Lefebvre (.478 in 23 AB); Felipe Alou (.438 in 32 AB)
Wayne Twitchell pitched in the majors from 1970-1979. Wayne was the first round pick (third overall) of the Houston Astros in 1966. Twitchell worked his way up the Houston organization but didn't rise above AAA in four seasons. After the 1969 season Wayne was purchased by the Milwaukee Brewers.
Twitchell pitched in AAA in 1970 and was brought up by the Brewers at the end of the season. He pitched in two games and allowed two runs (10.80 ERA) in 1.2 innings.
At the end of spring training in 1971 Wayne was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies for a minor leaguer. Twitchell pitched in AAA until September. Wayne pitched in six games (one start) for the Phillies in September 1971 and went 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA in 16 innings.
In 1972 Twitchell was used as a reliever until he was moved into the starting rotation in late July. Wayne pitched in 49 games (15 starts) for the Phillies in 1972 and was 5-9 with one save and a 4.06 ERA.
The 1973 season was Twitchell's big year. He went 13-9 with a 2.50 ERA in 34 games (28 starts) and made the NL All Star team. Wayne pitched a scoreless sixth inning for the National League in the All Star Game.
Twitchell had a late start to the 1974 season. He didn't pitch in his first game until May 26. Wayne went 5-9 with a 5.21 ERA in 25 games (18 starts) in 1974.
In 1975 Wayne started the season as a starter and moved to the bullpen in early July. Twitchell went 5-10 with a 4.42 ERA in 36 games (20 starts).
Twitchell's 1976 season was a good but spotty one. He pitched in a total of five games from April-June. Wayne pitched in 26 games (2 starts) and was 3-1 with one save and a 1.75 ERA. Wayne wasn't used by the Phillies in the 1976 NLCS.
Wayne had a rough start in 1977. Twitchell was 0-5 with a 4.53 ERA in 12 games (8 starts) when he and Tim Blackwell were traded to the Montreal Expos for Barry Foote and Dan Warthen. The Expos moved Twitchell into the starting rotation and he went 6-5 with a 4.21 ERA in 22 starts.
Twitchell had a rough go of it in 1978. He went 4-12 with a 5.38 ERA in 33 games (15 starts). Wayne was 3-8 when he was moved into the bullpen in mid-July.
After the 1978 season Twitchell was released by the Expos. Wayne caught on with the New York Mets during spring training in 1979. Twitchell went 5-3 with a 5.23 ERA in 33 games (2 starts) for the Mets. On August 19 Wayne was sold to the Seattle Mariners. Twitchell went 0-2 with a 5.24 ERA in four games (two starts) for the Mariners to finish off the 1979 season. Wayne retired after the 1979 season. His career was shortened due to knee injuries
After his playing career Wayne helped coach the pitchers at his old high school (Wilson HS in Portland, OR) for several years and became a commercial real estate broker.
Wayne moved to Walla Walla, WA to be closer to his wife's ailing father in 2005. He later went back to Portland.
Edit: Wayne passed away from cancer at the age of 62 on September 18, 2010.
Liked to face: Derrel Thomas (.040 in 25 AB); George Foster (.091 in 22 AB)
Hated to face: Joe Morgan (.455, 4 HR in 30 AB); Gene Richards/Ken Griffey (.500 in 18 AB); Bake McBride (.480 in 25 AB)
Steve Mingori pitched in the majors from 1970-1979, mostly for the Kansas City Royals. Steve was mostly a relief pitcher -- he started only two games in his career. Mingori was signed by the Cincinnati Reds in 1965. Steve pitched in the minors from 1965-1969 without making the Reds ballclub. After the 1969 season Steve was traded to the Cleveland Indians for Jay Ward.
Mingori started the 1970 season in the minors and was brought up to the Indians in August. Steve pitched in 21 games and was 1-0 with a 2.66 ERA. Mingori was with the Indians for the entire 1971 season. He pitched in 24 games and had a 1-2 record with four saves and a 1.43 ERA.
In 1972 Mingori was a closer (along with two other pitchers) and recorded ten saves. He also was 0-6 with a 3.95 ERA in 41 games. Steve spent some time in AAA in July of 1972.
Steve started the 1973 season in the minors. He pitched in five games for the Indians in 1973 (0-0, 6.17 ERA) before being traded to his hometown Kansas City Royals on June 8 for Mike Jackson. Mingori then spent about a month with Kansas City's AAA Omaha club before being called up in mid-July. Steve pitched in 19 games for the Royals (including starting the last game of the season on September 30) and was 3-3 with one save and a 3.04 ERA.
Mingori started the 1974 in Omaha. He was recalled in May and was in the majors to stay until his retirement in 1979. Steve was 2-3 with two saves and a 2.81 ERA in 36 games in 1974. In 1975 Mingori was 0-3 with two saves and a 2.50 ERA in 36 games.
Steve was used as the left-handed closer (Mark Littell was the righty closer) in 1976. Mingori went 5-5 with ten saves and a 2.32 ERA in 55 games during the 1976 season. Steve pitched in three games in the ALCS and saved game 4. He had a 2.70 ERA in 3.1 innings during the series.
Mingori had another good season out of the bullpen in 1977. He was 2-4 with four saves and a 3.09 ERA in 39 games. During the 1977 ALCS Steve pitched in three games and didn't allow a run in 1.1 innings.
Steve was 1-4 with seven saves and a 2.74 ERA in 45 games in 1978. He appeared in game 1 of the ALCS and allowed three runs in 3.2 innings.
Mingori had a rough year in 1979. He went 3-3 with one save and a 5.79 ERA in 30 games. He pitched in his final game on September 2, 1979 and was released after the season.
Steve had back trouble that caused him problems after his career. He coached for the Toronto Blue Jays for a time in the early 1990s.
Steve died of natural causes on July 10, 2008.
Liked to face: Jack Brohamer (.000 in 11 AB); Ken Henderson (.077 in 13 AB); Chris Chambliss (.125 in 24 AB)
Hated to face: Rod Carew (.500 in 24 AB); Bucky Dent (.476 in 21 AB); Mickey Stanley (.467 in 15 AB)
Deron Johnson was at the end of a long career when this card came out. Johnson signed with the New York Yankees in 1956 and spent several years in the Yankees system. Deron hit at least 24 homers every year in the minors from 1956-1960. Johnson was originally a third baseman but he found his progress to the majors blocked by Clete Boyer. Deron went 2 for 4 in a brief late season call-up in 1960.
In 1961 Deron started with the Yankees and batted .105 in 13 games. On June 14 he and Art Ditmar were traded to the Kansas City A's for Bud Daley. Johsnon played 3B, 1B, and all three OF positions for the A's and batted .216 with eight home runs in 83 games.
Johnson didn't play much in 1962, and most of his appearances were as a pinch hitter. Deron batted .105 in 19 at bats in 1962. Johnson was sold to the Cincinnati Reds at the end of spring training in 1963.
The Reds assigned Johnson to AAA San Diego. Deron hit 33 home runs for San Diego in 1963 and he was given the opportunity to win a job with the Reds in 1964. Deron mostly played 1B in 1964 and batted .273 with 21 HR and 79 RBI.
Johnson finished fourth in NL MVP voting in 1965 and led the league in RBI. Deron batted .287 with 32 HR and 130 RBI. Johnson's stats fell off a little in 1966 as he batted .257 with 24 HR and 81 RBI. Deron started off well in 1967 but he missed eight games with an injury in mid June and his stats steadily declined through the rest of the season. Johnson wound up batting .224 with 13 HR and 53 RBI in 108 games. Strong Man of the Reds - August 1967 Baseball Digest. After the 1967 season Deron was traded to the Atlanta Braves for Mack Jones, Jim Beauchamp, and Jay Ritchie.
Johnson spent one year in Atlanta (1968) and batted .208 with 8 HR and 33 RBI. After the 1968 season Deron was sold to the Philadelphia Phillies. Downhill from Stardom - February 1969 Baseball Digest.
In 1969 Johnson played about half of the time in LF and also saw quite a bit of action at 3B and 1B. Deron batted .255 with 17 HR and 80 RBI in 138 games in '69.
The Phillies traded Dick Allen after the 1969 season and Johnson got Allen's job at 1B. Deron hit well at that position for two seasons, batting .256 with 27 HR and 93 RBI in 1970 and .265 with 34 HR and 95 RBI in 1971.
In 1972 Deron had some injury problems and wasn't producing as well. He played in 96 games and batted .213 with nine home runs. Johnson started poorly in 1973 (.167 in 12 games) and was traded to the Oakland A's for a minor leaguer on May 2. Deron became Oakland's designated hitter and would be a DH most of the time for the remainder of his career. Johnson batted .246 with 19 HR and 81 RBI for the A's in 1973. He went 1 for 10 in the ALCS and was 3 for 10 in the World Series.
Johnson started poorly again in 1974 -- he batted .195 with 7 HR in 50 games for the A's before being traded to the Milwaukee Brewers on June 24 for Bill Parsons and cash. Deron didn't improve with the Brewers as he batted .151 with 6 HR in 47 games. Johnson was sold to the Boston Red Sox for the pennant drive on September 7. Deron batted .120 in 11 games for Boston and was released after the season.
Deron caught on with the Chicago White Sox during spring training in 1975. He played in 148 games for the White Sox and batted .232 with 18 HR and 72 RBI. The Red Sox reacquired Johnson for a minor leaguer and cash on September 21 and he went 6 for 10 in three games at the end of the 1975 season. Johnson started the 1976 season with the Red Sox but was released on June 4 after batting .132 in 38 AB.
After his playing career Johnson managed the Salt Lake City Gulls in the Pacific Coast League in 1978. He then coached for several teams from 1979-1991. Johnson was the hitting coach for the California Angels from 1989-1991 and was named the bench coach for the 1992 season but he was too ill to attend spring training.
Dock Ellis was a controversial and colorful pitcher who pitched from 1968-1979, mostly for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Ellis was signed in 1964 and pitched in the minors from 1964-1968. Dock debuted for the Pirates on June 18, 1968 and was 6-5 with a 2.50 ERA in 26 games (10 starts).
In 1969 Dock was 11-17 with a 3.58 ERA in 33 starts. He improved to 13-10, 3.21 in 1970 and pitched a no-hitter on June 12. Ellis later claimed that he was on LSD when he pitched the gem. He said that he mistakenly thought the Pirates had the day off and was "relaxing" at home when his girlfriend told him that he was supposed to pitch that day. Ellis made it to the park just in time to start the game. He walked eight batters and hit another one but he managed to complete the game without allowing a hit. Dock took the loss in game 1 of the 1970 NLCS. The game was tied 0-0 after nine innings but Ellis allowed three runs in the top of the 10th inning. Ellis Credits His Tutors for Mound Improvement - April 1970 Baseball Digest.
Ellis had an excellent year for the World Champion Pirates in 1971. He went 19-9 with a 3.06 ERA in 31 starts and finished fourth in NL Cy Young Award voting. Ellis started the 1971 All Star game and took the loss as he allowed a 2-run homer to Frank Robinson and a towering 2-run home run to Reggie Jackson. Dock was the winning pitcher in game 2 of the NLCS but lasted only 2.1 innings in game 1 of the World Series. He allowed four runs and took the loss.
Dock started only 25 games in 1972 and was 15-7 with a 2.70 ERA. Ellis started game 4 of the NLCS, allowed three unearned runs in five innings, and took the loss. On May 5, 1972 Ellis was maced by a Cincinnati Reds security guard who didn't believe that Ellis was a player for the Pirates.
The Pirates struggled in 1973 after the death of Roberto Clemente and Dock's record reflected those struggles. Ellis started 28 games and had a 3.05 ERA, but his record dropped to 12-14. Dock Ellis: The Popoff Pitcher - December 1973 Baseball Digest.
Ellis had another famous game on May 1, 1974. He wanted to prove a point because he felt that his teammates weren't playing hard enough. Dock decided to hit every Cincinnati batter that came to the plate. He hit Pete Rose, Joe Morgan, and Dan Driessen with pitches to load the bases. Ellis tried to hit Tony Perez, but Perez managed to avoid the pitches and draw a walk. After throwing two pitches at Johnny Bench's head Ellis was removed from the game. Ellis finished the 1974 season with a record of 12-9 and had a 3.16 ERA. Dock was injured and didn't pitch again in 1974 after September 11.
Dock had a couple of stints on the disabled list in 1975. He ended up 8-9 with a 3.79 ERA in 27 starts. Ellis pitched in two innings in game 1 of the 1975 NLCS and didn't allow a run. After the 1975 season Ellis was traded with Ken Brett and Willie Randolph for Doc Medich.
Ellis had a good year for the Yankees in 1976. He went 17-8 with a 3.19 ERA in 32 starts. Ellis won the AL Comeback Player of the Year award in '76. Dock started and won game 3 of the ALCS. He started game 3 of the World Series but allowed four runs in 3.1 innings and took the loss.
Dock pitched for three teams in 1977. He started with the Yankees (1-1, 1.83 ERA in three starts) and was traded with two other players to the Oakland A's for Mike Torrez on April 27. Ellis was 1-5 with a 9.69 ERA in seven starts for the A's before being sold to the Texas Rangers on June 15. Dock finished the year with the Rangers and pitched more like his normal self (10-6, 2.90 ERA in 22 starts).
Ellis was with the Rangers for the entire 1978 season but pitched only four times after July 18. He went 4-12 with a 5.84 ERA in 30 games (24 starts).
Dock traveled a lot again in 1979. He started with the Rangers (1-5, 5.98 ERA in nine starts) and was traded to the New York Mets on June 15 for two players. Ellis was 3-7 with a 6.04 ERA in 14 starts for the Mets and was sold to the Pirates on September 21. Dock pitched in three games for the Pirates at the end of the 1979 season and had a 2.57 ERA in seven innings. Ellis retired after the 1979 season.
After his playing career Dock became a drug counselor in Victorville, California.
John Milner played in the majors from 1971-1982. Milner was drafted by the New York Mets in 1968. John played in the minors from 1968-1971. He got a brief look by the Mets in 1971 and batted .167 in 18 AB.
Milner was third in NL Rookie of the Year voting behind Jon Matlack and Dave Rader in 1972. Milner batted .238 with 17 HR and 38 RBI. In 1973 John spent most of his time at 1B and played some in LF as well. He batted .239 with 23 HR and 72 RBI during the regular season. John batted .176 in the NLCS and .296 in the World Series.
Milner was the starting first baseman in 1974 and batted .252 with 20 HR and 63 RBI in 137 games. John struggled in 1975 and didn't get as much playing time. Milner batted .191 with 7 HR in 91 games in '75.
John had a much better year in 1976, batting .271 with 15 HR and 78 RBI. Milner batted .255 with 12 HR and 57 RBI in 1977. After the 1977 season Milner was involved in a complicated 4-way trade. He ended up with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
For the next two years Milner and Bill Robinson formed an effective combination in left field for the Pirates. In 1978 Milner batted .271 with 6 HR and 38 RBI in 295 AB. Milner batted .276 with 16 HR and 60 RBI in 326 AB. John was hitless in nine at bats in the NLCS and was 3 for 9 in the World Series.
John spent some time at 1B in 1980 as well as LF. He batted .244 with 8 HR and 34 RBI in 1980. Milner was mostly relegated to pinch hitting duties for the Pirates in 1981. John was batting .237 with 2 HR in 59 AB when he was traded to the Montreal Expos for Willie Montanez on August 20. Milner batted .237 with 3 HR in 76 AB for the Expos to finish the 1981 season. Milner made two pinch hitting appearances in the NLDS (1 for 2) and was 0 for 1 as a pinch hitter in the NLCS.
Milner didn't do much for the Expos in 1982 (.107 in 28 AB) and was released on July 6. John signed with the Pirates on July 29 and batted .240 in 25 AB. Milner was released during spring training in 1983 and retired.
Milner testified during the Pittsburgh drug trials in 1985. John testified that he once bought cocaine in a bathroom stall in Three Rivers Stadium during a game in 1980 and that he had received amphetamines from Willie Mays and Willie Stargell.
John died of lung cancer at the age of 50 in East Point, Georgia in 2000.
Liked to face: Dave Giusti (.538 in 13 AB); Paul Moskau (.474 in 19 AB); Don Gullett (.450 in 20 AB)
Hated to face: Larry Demery (.000 in 11 AB); Claude Osteen (.056 in 18 AB); Alan Foster (.091 in 22 AB)
Ray Bare pitched in the majors from 1972-1977. Ray was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1969. He pitched in the minors from 1969-1972 before being called up by the Cardinals in 1972. Ray was 0-1 with one save and a 0.54 ERA in 14 games for the Cards in '72.
Bare was in AAA Tulsa for the entire 1973 season and most of the 1974 season. He was 12-4 with a 2.34 ERA for Tulsa in 1974 before being recalled. Ray went 1-2 with a 5.92 ERA in ten games (three starts) for the Cardinals in 1974. During spring training in 1975 Bare was placed on waivers and selected by the Detroit Tigers.
Ray became a starting pitcher for the Tigers in 1975 and was 8-13 with a 3.81 ERA in 29 games (21 starts). In 1976 Bare was 7-8 with a 4.63 ERA in 30 games (21 starts).
Bare struggled in 1977. He was 0-2 with a 12.56 ERA in five games (four starts) before being sent to AAA Evansville. Ray pitched for Baltimore's AAA Rochester club in 1978 before calling it quits.
Ray died of leukemia in his hometown of Miami, Florida in 1994 at the age of 44.
Mark Belanger was the epitome of the "good field/no hit" shortstop. Belanger won eight Gold Gloves (1969, 1971, 1973-1978) but hit above .230 in only three of his full seasons. Belanger was signed by the Baltimore Orioles in 1962 and played in the minors in 1962 and in 1964. Mark was in the Army in 1963 and didn't play.
Mark first came up to the Orioles in 1965. He played in 11 games (1 for 3) in 1965 and eight games (3 for 19) in 1966. Belanger was Luis Aparicio's backup in 1967 and took over the full-time shortstop job when Aparicio was traded after the 1967 season.
Belanger had his best season in 1969 when he won his first Gold Glove and batted .287 in 150 games. He hit the first home run in ALCS history in 1969, which was interesting since he hit only 20 home runs in his entire career. Mark (The Glove) Belanger Adds Another Dimension- November 1969 Baseball Digest
Mark became the "triple crown loser" in 1970 by finishing last in the AL in all three triple crown categories (.218, 1 HR, 36 RBI).
Belanger was the starting shortstop for the Orioles from 1968-1978. Mark Belanger: The Orioles' 'Mr. Glove' - June 1978 Baseball Digest.Mark was supplanted as the starter by Kiko Garcia in 1979 and although he played in 101 games he batted only .167 in 198 AB.
Mark regained his starting position in 1980 and was also the starter in 1981. Belanger batted .165 in 64 games in 1981 and was allowed to leave as a free agent after the season (the Orioles had Cal Ripken Jr. ready for the majors). Mark was one of four players who led negotiations for the Players Association during the 1981 strike.
Belanger signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the 1982 season and batted .240 in 50 at bats. Mark retired after he was released by the Dodgers following the 1982 season.
After his retirement Mark worked for the Players Association as a liason between the players and the union leadership.
Belanger died of lung cancer on October 6, 1998.
Liked to face: Jim Kern (.625 in 16 AB); Dave Morehead (.533 in 15 AB); Fritz Peterson (.308 in 78 AB)
Hated to face: Rick Waits (.000 in 17 AB); Al Fitzmorris (.040 in 25 AB); Gaylord Perry (.083 in 48 AB)
Bruce Dal Canton pitched in the majors from 1967-1977. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1966 at the age of 25. Bruce had been teaching high school at the time and was signed at an open tryout. Bruce was in the minors for the entire season in 1966 and would be in the minors for parts of the 1967 and 1968 seasons. Dal Canton was with the Pirates briefly in 1967 and was 2-1 with a 1.88 ERA in eight games (two starts).
After spending most of 1968 in the minors, Dal Canton came back to the Pirates in September and was 1-1 with two saves and a 2.12 ERA in seven games. Bruce had a good year as a relief pitcher in 1969. He was 8-2 with five saves and a 3.34 ERA in 57 games.
Dal Canton was a reliever and spot starter for the Pirates in 1970. He went 9-4 with one save and a 4.57 ERA in 41 games (6 starts). After the 1970 season Bruce was traded with Jerry May and Freddie Patek to the Kansas City Royals for Jim Campanis, Jackie Hernandez, and Bob Johnson.
Bruce became a starting pitcher for the Royals in 1971. He started 22 games and was 8-6 with a 3.44 ERA. Bruce missed the entire month of August with an injury.
Dal Canton split time between the bullpen and the starting rotation in 1972. Bruce was 6-6 with two saves and a 3.40 ERA in 35 games (16 starts). He had what was probably his worst season in 1973. Bruce was 4-3 with three saves and a 4.81 ERA in 32 games (3 starts).
In 1974 Dal Canton led the AL with 16 wild pitches. He went 8-10 with a 3.13 ERA in 31 games (22 starts). Bruce got off to a rough start in 1975 (0-2, 15.58 ERA in four games) and the Royals had several young pitchers who were ready for the majors. Dal Canton was traded (with Ray Sadecki) to the Atlanta Braves on June 30 for cash, Norm Angelini, and Al Autry. Dal Canton went 2-7 with three saves and a 3.36 ERA in 26 games (nine starts) for the Braves in '75.
Bruce was mostly a reliever in 1976. In 42 games (1 start) he went 3-5 with one save and a 3.56 ERA. Dal Canton didn't make the Braves ballclub in 1977 and was released on March 30. He was signed by the Chicago White Sox a week later but pitched in only eight games (0-2, 2 saves, 3.75 ERA) in April and May. Bruce was released by the White Sox in August. He tried to come back with the White Sox' AAA club in 1978 but he didn't make it back to the majors.
After his playing career Bruce was a pitching coach in the Atlanta Braves organization for 26 years, including a stint as the Braves' pitching coach from 1987-1990.
Dal Canton was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.
