1977 Topps Baseball #196 - Len Randle

• Len Randle had a tumultuous year in 1977. After learning that the Rangers were going to be starting youngster Bump Wills at second base, Randle punched out manager Frank Lucchesi. Randle was suspended for 30 days. Lenny was traded to the New York  Mets before the suspension was over.
• Lucchesi later filed a personal injury suit against Randle. The case was later settled.
• The controversy may have done Randle some good. He had his best season in 1977.
• 1977 Stats: .304, .383 on base percentage, 33 stolen bases in 136 games.
• 1977 Highlights:
• May 1 - Went 3 for 5 in his first full game as a New York Met.
• July 9 - Hit a home run in the bottom of the 17th inning to beat the Montreal Expos.
• July 28 - Had his aggravated battery charge reduced to simple battery and was fined $1000 for the punching incident.
• Aug 23 - Singled home the winning run through a drawn in infield as the Mets beat the Houston Astros 2-1. Randle had three hits in the game.
• Other card blogs: 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1979, 1980, 1982, Cardboard Gods