Sunday, September 30, 2012

1977 Topps Baseball #327 - Houston Astros / Bill Virdon


  • Bill Virdon had a long career in baseball as a player and as a manager.
  • Virdon came up with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1955 and was the NL Rookie of the Year.
  • Bill was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1956 and played center field for them through the 1965 season. Virdon was a member of the 1960 World Champion Pirates and won a Gold Glove award in 1962.
  • Bill retired after the 1965 season and managed the AA Williamsport Mets in 1966
  • Virdon managed the AAA Jacksonville Suns in 1967.
  • Virdon was the outfield and hitting coach for the Pirates in 1968. He was activated for a month during the 1968 season when the Pirates needed some outfield help.
  • Bill coached for the Pirates for a few more seasons and then became the Pirates' manager after the resignation of Danny Murtaugh after the 1971 season.
  • Virdon managed the Pirates in 1972 and for most of the 1973 season until he was replaced by Murtaugh on September 6. The Pirates didn't play well in 1973, but a lot of that was due to the tragic loss of Roberto Clemente before the season.
  • Bill wasn't unemployed for very long. In January 1974 he was hired to manage the New York Yankees. The Yankees were a surprise contender in '74 and Bill was named AL Manager of the Year, but Virdon was dismissed during the 1975 season when Billy Martin became available to manage the club.
  • One month after he was fired by the Yankees Virdon was hired to manage the Houston Astros
  • Bill managed the Astros until the middle of the 1982 season. Virdon was the NL Manager of the Year in 1980. He took the Astros to the playoffs in 1980 and in 1981, but when the Astros struggled in 1982 Virdon was replaced. Bill is still the winningest manager in Houston history. He had a 544-522 record during his Houston tenure.
  • Virdon managed the Montreal Expos in 1983 and for most of the 1984 season. Bill approached Expo ownership and said that he wasn't planning on managing in 1985, so the Expos fired him in August.
  • Bill fell just short of 1000 career managerial wins (he won 995 games).
  • Virdon still serves as a special spring training outfield instructor for the Pirates.
  • In 2012 Virdon had a one-game tenure as a ceremonial coach with the Pirates. He and Bill Mazeroski were given the boot after one game because MLB said there were too many people in the dugout.
  • Other card blogs: 1965,
  • Here is a home movie of Virdon (circa 1956) at the Polo Grounds:

    • Team Highlights:
      • Record: 81-81 (3rd in NL West - 17 games behind Los Angeles)
      • Attendance:  1,109,560 (9th in NL)
      • Team Batting: .254 (9th in NL)
      • Team HR: 114 (9th in NL)
      • Team Stolen Bases: 187 (2nd in NL)
      • Team ERA: 3.54 (2nd in NL)
      • Team Fielding: .978 (5th in NL)
      • All Stars: Joaquin Andujar (P)
      • Awards: none
      • NL Leaders: none
      • Batting Leader: Jose Cruz - .299
      • Home Run Leader: Bob Watson - 22
      • RBI Leader: Bob Watson - 110
      • Stolen Base Leader: Cesar Cedeno - 61
      • Victories Leader: J.R. Richard - 18
      • Losses Leader: Mark Lemongello - 14
      • Strikeout Leader: J.R. Richard - 214
      • Saves Leader: Ken Forsch - 8
      • ERA Leader (starters): J.R. Richard - 2.97
      • ERA Leader (relievers): Joe Sambito - 2.33
      • Players who could have had Astros cards in 1977 (batters with over 100 AB, pitchers with over 40 innings) : 
        • Jim Fuller (OF) .160 in 100 AB
        • Willie Crawford (OF - shown with SF Giants) .254, 2 HR, 18 RBI in 114 AB
        • Rob Sperring (IF) .186 in 129 AB
        • Julio Gonzalez (IF) .245 in 383 AB
        • Art Howe (2B) .264, 8 HR, 58 RBI in 413 AB
        • Terry Puhl (OF) .301 in 229 AB
        • Floyd Bannister (P) 8-9, 4.04 ERA in 23 starts


Saturday, September 29, 2012

1977 Topps Baseball #326 - Jesse Jefferson




Friday, September 28, 2012

1977 Topps Baseball #325 - Mike Ivie




Thursday, September 27, 2012

1977 Topps Baseball #324 - John Curtis


  • Here is John Curtis airbrushed into a Giants uniform for his 1977 card. John was used as a reliever for most of the 1977 season, except for a month and a half in May and June.
  • 1977 Stats: 3-3, 1 save, 5.49 ERA in 43 games (9 starts)
  • 1977 Highlights:
  • Other card blogs: 1972, 1973, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1979, 1980, 1983


Wednesday, September 26, 2012

1977 Topps Baseball #323 - Larry Lintz


  • Larry Lintz was just about at the end of his career when this card was made. The A's used him mostly as a "designated runner" in both 1976 and 1977.
  • Larry started the season with Oakland but was sent to AAA San Jose in mid June. Lintz came back in September and finished the season with the A's.
  • 1977 Stats:
    • Oakland A's: .133 (4 for 30), 13 stolen bases, 11 runs in 41 games
    • San Jose Missions (AAA): .270, 18 stolen bases, 25 runs in 35 games
  • 1977 Highlights:
  • Other card blogs: 19741975, 1976


Tuesday, September 25, 2012

1977 Topps Baseball #322 - Bill Russell


  • Bill Russell was quite durable in 1977, starting 149 games at shortstop for the LA Dodgers. He batted second for most of the season. This was a bit of a drain on the Dodger attack, as Russell had only a .304 on base percentage.
  • 1977 Stats
    • Regular season: .278, 4 HR, 51 RBI, 84 runs in 153 games
    • NL Championship Series: .278 (5 for 18) in 4 games
    • World Series:  .154 (4 for 26) in 6 games
  • 1977 Highlights:
  • Other card blogs: 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 19741975, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1985, 1986


Monday, September 24, 2012

1977 Topps Baseball #321 - Dave Goltz




Sunday, September 23, 2012

1977 Topps Baseball #320 - Ken Griffey




Saturday, September 22, 2012

1977 Topps Baseball #319 - Rich Gossage




Friday, September 21, 2012

1977 Topps Baseball #318 - Duffy Dyer




Thursday, September 20, 2012

1977 Topps Baseball #317 - Kurt Bevacqua


  • Kurt Bevacqua played just about everywhere in 1977, but he only got in 39 games. The Seattle Mariners purchased Kurt from the Milwaukee Brewers in October 1976, but he was released during spring training in 1977. Bevacqua was signed by the Texas Rangers and then played in AAA Tucson until late July. Kurt put up great numbers and spent the last 9 or so weeks with the Rangers.
  • 1977 Stats:
    • Tucson Toros (AAA) - .352, 9 HR, 76 RBI in 94 games
    • Texas Rangers - .333, 5 HR, 28 RBI in 39 games
  • 1977 Highlights:
  • Other card blogs: Cardboard Gods, 1972, 1974, 1974, 1976, 1976, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1986


Wednesday, September 19, 2012

1977 Topps Baseball #316 - Steve Rogers


  • Although Steve Rogers was becoming the Montreal ace, he did not yet rate a "0" or "5" numbered card. Rogers started 40 games in 1977 but he didn't lead the NL in starts!
  • Rogers finished his career with a nice 3.17 lifetime ERA.
  • 1977 Stats: 17-16, 3.10 ERA in 40 starts
  • 1977 Highlights:
  • Other card blogs: 1974, 1975, 1976, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1985



Tuesday, September 18, 2012

1977 Topps Baseball #315 - Dave Chalk


  • Dave Chalk was the starting 3B for the California Angels for a few years in the mid 1970s, but his lack of power was a liability. The Angels were ready to contend in the late 1970s and Dave was phased out. 
  • 1977 was probably Chalk's best season. He had career highs in games, doubles, batting average, hits, and stolen bases.
  • 1977 Stats: .277, 3 HR, 45 RBI, 27 doubles in 149 games
  • 1977 Highlights:
  • Other card blogs: 1974, 1975, 1976, 1979, 1980, 1982


Monday, September 17, 2012

1977 Topps Baseball #314 - Steve Mingori


  • Steve Mingori had a good year as a left-handed setup man and occasional closer in 1977. He was part of a deep Kansas City bullpen.
  • 1977 Stats:
    • Regular season: 2-4, 4 saves, 3.09 ERA in 43 games
    • AL Championship Series: 0-0, 0.00 ERA in 3 games
  • 1977 Highlights:
  • Other card blogs: 1969, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1979, 1980, Cardboard Gods


Sunday, September 16, 2012

1977 Topps Baseball #313 - Paul Blair




Saturday, September 15, 2012

1977 Topps Baseball #312 - Rob Belloir


  • Rob Belloir was drafted from Mercer University in Macon, GA by the Cleveland Indians in 1969. Rob was a rarity because he was born in West Germany (he was the 25th major leaguer to be from Germany).
  • Rob played in the minors from 1969-1975. He missed the 1971 season due to military service.
  • In June 1975 Belloir (with Blue Moon Odom) was traded to the Atlanta Braves for Roric Harrison. 
  • Belloir came up to the majors in August 1975. He batted .219 in 43 games for the Braves.
  • Rob was in the minors for the first few months of the 1976 season. He was called up in late June, played in 30 games, and batted .200 in 60 at bats.
  • Rob spent most of the 1977 season in AAA Richmond. He was called up in September and played in six games.
  • Belloir also spent the 1978 season in Richmond. He played in two games as a September call-up and that was it for his playing career.
  • Rob is now the sports information director for Savannah College of Art and Design
  • 1977 Stats:
    • Atlanta Braves - 0 for 1, 2 runs scored in 6 games
    • Richmond Braves (AAA) - .263, 5 HR, 54 RBI in 131 games
  • 1977 Highlights:
    • Sept 22 - Scored a run after pinch running for Biff Pocorobs.
  • Other card blogs: Cardboard Gods


Friday, September 14, 2012

1977 Topps Baseball #311 - Vern Ruhle




Thursday, September 13, 2012

1977 Topps Baseball #310 - Larry Bowa


  • 1977 was the only year from 1974-1979 in which Larry Bowa wasn't in the All Star Game. He still had a good year, but was overshadowed by Garry Templeton's great rookie season.
  • 1977 Stats:
    •  Regular season: .280, 4 HR, 41 RBI, 93 runs, 32 stolen bases
    • NL Championship Series: .118 (2 for 17) in 4 games
  • 1977 Highlights:
  • Other card blogs: 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1985, 1988


Wednesday, September 12, 2012

1977 Topps Baseball #309 - Boston Red Sox / Don Zimmer


  • Don Zimmer has had a long and storied career in major league baseball. He once noted that he never drew a paycheck from a source other than baseball.
  • Zimmer played in the minor leagues from 1949-1954. He almost died when he was hit in the head by a pitched ball in 1953. He wasn't fully conscious for 13 days and he had to have holes drilled in his skull to relieve the pressure. It has often been reported that he has a metal plate in his skull, but the metal is from the tantalum plugs used to cover the holes after Don recovered.
  • Don played for various teams in the majors from 1954-1965. He earned World Series rings with the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers and the 1959 LA Dodgers and also played for part of the season on the "legendary" 1962 New York Mets team.
  • Zimmer played in Japan in 1966 and then embarked on a coaching and managing career.
  • From 1967-1970 Don was a manager in the minor leagues.
  • In 1971 Zimmer coached for the Montreal Expos. He moved over to the San Diego Padres in 1972 but was promoted to manager after only 11 games. Don managed the Padres through the 1973 season. Here is his 1973 card.
  • Don coached with the Boston Red Sox from 1974-1976. He became the manager of the Red Sox when Darrel Johnson was fired in July.
  • Zimmer managed the Red Sox through the 1980 season. His tenure is probably best remembered for the collapse the team had in 1978. The Red Sox lost a 14 game lead and ended up losing the AL East to the New York Yankees in a 1 game playoff. Don was fired in October 1980.
  • After the 1980 season Zimmer was hired to manage the Texas Rangers. He managed the team until mid-1982. Texas owner Eddie Chiles was asked why Zimmer was fired but he would only say it was "something personal."
  • From 1983-1987 Don had coaching stints with the Yankees (1983), the Chicago Cubs (1984-1986), and the San Francisco Giants (1987)
  • In 1988 Zimmer was hired to manage the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs won an NL East title in 1989 and Don was named NL Manager of the Year.
  • Zimmer was let go as manager of the Cubs in May 1991. He coached with the Red Sox in 1992 and then coached with the Colorado Rockies from 1993-1995.
  • Don became Joe Torre's bench coach in 1996 and he stayed with the Yankees through the 2003 season.
  • Since 2004 Zimmer has worked for the Tampa Bay Rays.
  • Team Highlights:
    • Record: 97-64, 2nd in AL East, 2.5 games behind New  York Yankees
    • Attendance:  2,074,549 (2nd in AL)
    • Team Batting: .281 (2nd in AL)
    • Team HR: 213 (1st in AL)
    • Team Stolen Bases: 66 (12th in AL)
    • Team ERA: 4.11 (8th in AL)
    • Team Fielding: .978 (5th in AL)
    • All Stars: Carlton Fisk (starting C), Carl Yastrzemski (starting CF), Bill Campbell (P), Fred Lynn (OF), Jim Rice (OF), George Scott (1B)
    • Awards: Bill Campbell (AL Rolaids Relief Pitcher of the Year), Carl Yastrzemski (Gold Glove)
    • AL Leaders: Jim Rice (slugging - .593, HR - 39); Bill Campbell (saves - 31)
    • Batting Leader: Jim Rice - .320
    • Home Run Leader: Jim Rice - 39
    • RBI Leader: Jim Rice - 114
    • Stolen Base Leader: Rick Burleson - 13
    • Victories Leader: Bill Campbell - 13
    • Losses Leader: Fergie Jenkins - 10
    • Strikeout Leader: Luis Tiant - 124
    • Saves Leader: Bill Campbell - 31
    • ERA Leader (starters): Don Aase - 3.12
    • ERA Leader (relievers): Bill Campbell - 2.96
    • Players who could have had Red Sox cards in 1977 (batters with over 100 AB, pitchers with over 40 innings) : 
      • Bernie Carbo - pictured as a Milwaukee Brewer (.289, 15 HR, 34 RBI in 86 games)
      • Mike Paxton (10-5, 3.83 ERA in 29 games - 12 starts)


Tuesday, September 11, 2012

1977 Topps Baseball #308 - Gene Pentz


  • Gene Pentz was used only three times in April of 1977. Although he had a 1.80 ERA at the time, Gene was sent to the minors in late April and started three games in AAA. He came back on May 17 and spent the rest of the year with Houston. 
  • Pentz started four games in July and early August and was in the bullpen during the other parts of the season.
  • 1977 Stats: 5-2, 2 saves, 3.83 ERA in 41 games (4 starts)
  • 1977 Highlights:
  • Other card blogs: none


Monday, September 10, 2012

1977 Topps Baseball #307 - Gary Sutherland


  • Gary Sutherland played for the San Diego Padres in 1977. He was released by the Brewers in February 1977. Sutherland spent spring training with the Padres and signed with them on April 1.
  • Most of Gary's appearances were as a pinch hitter and defensively late in games.
  • 1977 Stats: .243, 1 HR, 11 RBI in 80 games (103 at bats)
  • 1977 Highlights:
  • Other card blogs: 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976


Sunday, September 9, 2012

1977 Topps Baseball #306 - Rick Waits


  • Rick Waits started the 1977 season as a reliever. Rick got his first start of the season on June 17, one day before manager Frank Robinson was fired. Waits stayed in the starting rotation for most of the rest of the 1977 season.
  • 1977 Stats: 9-7, 2 saves, 3.99 ERA in 37 games (16 starts)
  • 1977 Highlights:
  • Other card blogs: 1976, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1985, 1986


Saturday, September 8, 2012

1977 Topps Baseball #305 - Mickey Rivers


  • Except for his batting average, most of Mickey Rivers' stats were down in 1977. But "Mick the Quick" was still an important part of the Yankees' first World Championship team in 15 years.
  • 1977 Stats:
    • Regular season: .326, 12 HR, 69 RBI, 11th in AL MVP voting
    • AL Championship Series: .391 (9 for 23) in 5 games
    • World Series: .222 (6 for 27) in 6 games
  • 1977 Highlights:
  • Other card blogs: 1972, 19731973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 197619761976 Kellogg's, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1985


Friday, September 7, 2012

1977 Topps Baseball #304 - Jim Hughes


  • Jim Hughes was in the minors for most of the 1977 season. He started the season in Minnesota but was sent down after appearing in two April games. Hughes pitched in the minors for a few teams in 1978 and 1979 but never made it back to the majors.
  • 1977 Stats: 0-0, 2.08 ERA in 2 games
  • 1977 Highlights:
  • Other card blogs: 1976, 1976 Hostess


Thursday, September 6, 2012

1977 Topps Baseball #303 - Gene Tenace