1977 Topps Baseball #378 - Jim Umbarger

• Jim Umbarger actually pitched for the Oakland A's in 1977. He was traded (with Rodney Scott and cash) to the A's for Claudell Washington during spring training. Jim started the season with Oakland and appeared in nine games but was sent down to San Jose (Pacific Coast League) in late May. Jim was bothered by a sore elbow. Umbarger was brought back up in August and pitched in three more games for the A's
• The Rangers bought Umbarger back from the A's on August 25 for $200,000. Oakland owner Charlie Finley said he, "hated to do it, but he had to meet payroll."
•  If Topps were doing a traded set that year, they probably would have made a card of Jim with Oakland, but it still would have been out of date by the end of the season.
• 1977 Stats:
• San Jose (AAA) - 3-5, 7.71 ERA in 13 games (10 starts)
• Oakland A's - 1-5, 6.55 ERA in 12 games (8 starts)
• Texas Rangers - 1-1, 5.54 ERA in 3 games (2 starts)
• 1977 Highlights:
• Aug 8 - Was punched in the right temple by Rangers shortstop Toby Harrah. Jim had hit Toby with a pitch in two consecutive at bats and Harrah charged the mound after the second one.
• Sept 18 - Pitched 7 2/3 innings and allowed four runs. Jim got credit for the win in the Rangers' 10-8 victory over the Minnesota Twins.
• Other card blogs: 1976, 1979