- Diego Segui was at the end of his road in 1977. In 1976 Segui was cut by the Boston Red Sox during spring training. Diego signed with the San Diego Padres but spent the entire year in AAA Hawaii. The Seattle Mariners purchased Segui after the 1976 season.
- Segui has the distinction of being the only pitcher to pitch for both the Seattle Pilots (1969) and the Seattle Mariners (1977) in the first game for each franchise. Diego earned the save for the Pilots in 1969. He started the opening day game for the Mariners in 1977 and took the loss.
- After his career in the United States Segui pitched in the Mexican League from 1978-1985.
- Diego Segui's SABR biography
- 1977 Stats: 0-7, 2 saves, 5.69 ERA in 40 games (7 starts)
- 1977 Highlights:
- May 5 - Struck out ten batters in seven innings, but took the loss as the Mariners lost to the Boston Red Sox 5-2.
- Other card blogs: 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975
- Steve Braun was drafted from the Minnesota Twins in the 1976 expansion draft. For the first three months of the season Steve was the regular left fielder for the Mariners. Braun split time between designated hitter and left field for the last three months of the year.
- 1977 Stats: .235, 5 HR, 31 RBI in 139 games
- 1977 Highlights:
- Other card blogs: 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1976 Hostess, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1985, 1986
- Darrell Johnson was a catcher who played in parts of seven seasons from 1952-1962. He started out with the St. Louis Browns and also played for the Chicago White Sox in 1952. Darrell then played in the minors for the next four seasons. He posted some good hitting stats in the Yankees system in AAA in 1955 (.306) and in 1956 (.319). Johnson became Yogi Berra's backup catcher in 1957, but he didn't get a lot of playing time (.217 in 21 games in 1957 and .250 in 5 games in 1958). Johnson was back in AAA in 1959 since the Yankees had Elston Howard. The St. Louis Cardinals drafted Darrell in the Rule 5 draft after the 1959 season. Johnson played for the Cardinals for a short time in 1960 and then he was released as a player and added as a coach. Darrell continued as a coach until the middle of the 1961 season. When manager Solly Hemus was fired, Johnson went with him. Darrell signed with the Philadelphia Phillies as a player (.230 in 21 games). He was sold to the Cincinnati Reds in mid August and batted .315 in 20 games. Johnson appeared in the 1961 World Series and was 2 for 4 in 2 games. In 1962 Johnson stared the year with the Reds (0 for 2 in 8 games). He was released in April and signed with the Baltimore Orioles. Darrell batted .182 in 6 games before being released in June. He served as the bullpen coach for the Orioles for the rest of the year. Darrell served as a minor league manager (1963-1966) as a scout (1967) and as the pitching coach for the Boston Red Sox (1968-1969). After manager Dick Williams was fired in 1969, Johnson returned to managing in the minors. He had some success there and was brought in to manage the Boston Red Sox in 1974. Johnson led the Red Sox to the 1975 World Series, but he was fired in July 1976 after a slow start. Darrell became the first manager of the Seattle Mariners and managed them from 1977 until mid-1980. Johnson coached for the Texas Rangers in 1981 and in 1982. He became the manager of the Rangers in July 1982 and finished the season with them. Johnson then worked for the New York Mets for several years as a coach and in other positions. Darrell died of leukemia in 2004.
- Darrell Johnson's SABR biography
- Don Bryant - I think this is the first time I have seen a bullpen coach on a card. Bryant was a catcher who spent most of his career (1960-1973) in the minors. Don had a few brief stints in the majors in 1966, 1969, and 1970 (220 in 59 games). Bryant was Johnson's bullpen coach in Boston (1974-1976) and in Seattle (1977-1980).
- Jim Busby - Busby was an outfielder for six teams from 1950-1962 (,262 in 1352 games). Busby was a coach in the major leagues from 1962-1978. Jim passed away in 1996.
- Vada Pinson - Pinson would have been a Hall of Fame outfielder if it weren't for injuries. He played in the majors from 1958-1975 (.286, 2757 hits, 256 HR). Pinson was a major league coach from 1977-1994. Vada died of a stroke in 1995. Vada Pinson's SABR biography
- Wes Stock - Wes was a major league pitcher from 1959-1967 (27-13, 3.60 ERA). Stock was a pitching coach for several major league teams (including the World Champion Oakland A's of 1973 and 1974) from 1967-1981 and again from 1984-1986.
Record: 64-98, 6th in AL West, 38 games behind Kansas City
- Attendance: 1,338,511 (8th in AL)
- Team Batting: .256 (11th in AL)
- Team HR: 133 (8th in AL)
- Team Stolen Bases: 110 (5th in AL)
- Team ERA: 4.83 (14th in AL)
- Team Fielding: .976 (10th in AL)
- All Stars: Ruppert Jones (OF)
- Awards: none
- AL Leaders: none
- Batting Leader: Leroy Stanton (.275)
- Home Run Leader: Leroy Stanton (27)
- RBI Leader: Leroy Stanton / Dan Meyer (90)
- Stolen Base Leader: Dave Collins (25)
- Victories Leader: Glenn Abbott (12)
- Losses Leader: Glenn Abbott (13)
- Strikeout Leader: Enrique Romo (105)
- Saves Leader: Enrique Romo (16)
- ERA Leader (starters): Glenn Abbott (4.45) ; (pitchers who started more than half of their appearances)
- ERA Leader (relievers): Enrique Romo (2.83)
- Players who could have had Mariners cards in 1977 (batters with over 100 AB, pitchers with over 40 innings) :
- Craig Reynolds (SS) - .248 in 135 games
- Jose Baez (2B) - .259 in 91 games
- Larry Milbourne (IF) - .219 in 86 games
- Julio Cruz (2B) - .256 in 60 games
- Skip Jutze (C) - .220 in 42 games
- Tom House (P) - 4-5, 1 save, 3.93 ERA in 26 games (11 starts)
- Mike Kekich (P) - 5-4, 3 saves, 5.60 ERA in 41 games (2 starts)
- Enrique Romo (P) - 8-10, 16 saves, 2.83 ERA in 58 games (3 starts)
- John Montague (P) - 8-12, 4 saves, 4.29 ERA in 47 games (15 starts)
- Dan Meyer was selected from the Detroit Tigers by the Seattle Mariners in the 1976 expansion draft. This was Dan's best major league season. Meyer led the Mariners in RBI in 1977.
- 1977 Stats: .273, 22 HR, 90 RBI in 159 games
- 1977 Highlights:
- Other card blogs: 1976, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, Cardboard Gods
- Dave Pagan was chosen by the Seattle Mariners in the 1976 expansion draft (hence the bad airbrush job on this card). Pagan started the season with the Mariners but he struggled. Dave was sent to AAA in early July and then was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 27 for Rick Honeycutt. Pagan pitched for AAA Columbus until the minor league season was over and then went up to Pittsburgh. He pitched in one game for the Pirates and that was it for his major league career.
- 1977 Stats:
- Seattle Mariners: 1-1, 6.14 ERA in 24 games (4 starts)
- Spokane Indians (AAA): 0-3, 7.56 ERA in 5 games (4 starts)
- Columbus Clippers (AAA): 2-1, 3.79 ERA in 8 games (5 starts)
- Pittsburgh Pirates: 0-0, 0.00 ERA in 1 game
- 1977 Highlights:
- Other card blogs: 1975
- Juan Bernhardt
- Debut: July 10, 1976
- 1977 Stats: .243, 7 HR, 30 RBI in 89 games
- 1977 Highlights:
- Other card blogs: 1979
- Juan Bernhardt was signed by the New York Yankees from the Domincan Republic in 1970. Bernhardt was in the minors from 1971-1976. He batted over .300 in AAA in 1975 and in 1976. Juan was called up briefly in 1976 and batted .190 in 10 games.
- After the 1976 season Bernhardt was taken by the Seattle Mariners in the expansion draft. Juan was with the Mariners for the entire 1977 season and batted .243 in 89 games.
- Bernhardt split the 1978 season between Seattle and AAA San Jose. Juan batted .230 in 54 games for the Mariners in 1978.
- Juan started the 1979 season with the Mariners but only got into one game (1 for 1). He was in the minors for most of the 1979 season. Bernhardt was traded to the Chicago White Sox for Rich Hinton on July 6.
- In 1980 Bernhardt went to the Mexican League. Juan was a player-manager in 1981 and in 1982. Bernhardt played in the Mexican League from 1980-1983.
- Mike Champion
- Debut: September 14, 1976
- 1977 Stats: .229 in 150 games
- 1977 Highlights:
- Other card blogs: none
- The San Diego Padres drafted Mike Champion in 1973. Mike was in the minors from 1973-1976 and had a brief stint with the Padres in September 1976 (.237 in 11 games).
- Mike was given the starting second base job in 1977. He struggled at the plate, batting only .229 in 150 games. Mike was slightly below league average in fielding percentage and also had a below average range factor.
- In 1978 Champion started the season with the Padres. Mike lost his starting 2B job to Fernando Gonzelez and he was sent to AAA Hawaii in June. Champion came back to the Padres as a September call-up. Mike ended up batting .226 in 32 games in 1978.
- At the end of spring training in 1979 Champion was sent to the Cleveland Indians as the player to be named later in an earlier deal for Dan Briggs. Mike was sent to AAA Tacoma where he had two good years (.311 in 1979 and .281 in 1980). Champion was never called back up to the majors and he retired after the 1980 season.
- Jim Gantner
- Debut: September 3, 1976
- 1977 Stats:
- Spokane Indians (AAA): .281, 15 HR, 80 RBI, 98 runs in 143 games
- Milwaukee Brewers: .298 in 14 games
- 1977 Highlights:
- Sept 25 - Went 3 for 4, including a rare home run, in Milwaukee's 8-4 loss to the Minnesota Twins.
- Other card blogs: 1979, 1980, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1988
- Jim Gantner was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in 1974. Jim played in the minors from 1974-1977. He was given brief chances with Milwaukee in 1976 (.316 in 26 games) and in 1977 (.298 in 14 games).
- Gantner didn't have a regular position for his first few seasons with the Brewers. Jim batted .216 in 43 games in 1978 and .284 in 70 games in 1979.
- Jim spent most of his time at third base in 1980, batting .282 in 132 games.
- In 1981 Gantner was given the regular second base job (Paul Molitor was moved first to CF and then to 2B). Jim batted .267 in 107 games during the regular season and batted .143 (2 for 14) in the AL Divisional Series.
- Gantner had his three best seasons from 1982-1984. Jim batted a career-high .295 in 1982. He batted .188 in the AL Championship Series and .333 in the World Series. In 1983 Gantner batted .282 and hit a career-high 11 home runs. Jim also batted .282 in 1984 with less power.
- Jim started at 2B for the next two seasons, batting .254 in 1985 and .274 in 1986.
- Gantner had injury problems in 1987. He had arthroscopic knee surgery in March. He then had a hamstring injury in July and missed most of the last two months of the season. Jim batted .272 in 81 games.
- Jim returned to start at 2B in 1988 (.276 in 155 games) and in 1989 (.274 in 116 games).
- Gantner was a backup infielder for the last three seasons of his career. He batted .263 in 88 games in 1990, .283 in 140 games in 1991, and .246 in 101 games in 1992.
- Jim had rotator cuff surgery after the 1992 season. He wasn't sure if he wanted to come back and play again. Jim retired at the end of spring training in 1993.
- After his playing career Gantner coached for several seasons. Jim now runs Hale Park Automotive Services in Hales Corners, Wisconsin.
- Bump Wills
- Debut: April 7, 1977
- 1977 Stats: .287, 9 HR, 62 RBI in 152 games
- 1977 Highlights:
- Other card blogs: 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983
- Bump Wills, son of former SS Maury Wills, had a tumultuous start to his major league career. Bump was drafted in the first round by the Texas Rangers in 1975. After Wills played in the minors for two years Texas manager Frank Lucchesi declared in spring training of 1977 that Wills would be the Rangers' starting second baseman. Incumbent second baseman Lenny Randle took exception to the decision. Randle ended up punching out Lucchesi before a spring training game, which earned Randle a suspension and a trade out of Texas. Bump's rookie season seemed to get lost in the controversy. Wills batted .287 with 9 HR and 62 RBI in 152 games. Bump also stole 28 bases and finished third in AL Rookie of the Year voting.
- Wills was the Rangers' starting 2B for the next four years. He stole 52 bases and batted .250 in 1978 and batted .273 with 35 stolen bases in 1979. Bump batted .263 and scored a career high 102 runs in 1980.
- Bump's batting average dropped to .251 and his stolen base total dropped to 12 in 1981. After the 1981 season Wills lost his arbitration case and was also going to lose his starting 2B job to Doug Flynn.
- During spring training in 1982 Wills was traded to the Chicago Cubs for Paul Mirabella, a minor leaguer, and cash. Bump spent one season with the Cubs, batting .272 with 35 stolen bases in 128 games.
- Bump became a free agent after the 1982 season. He decided to play in Japan and spent the 1983 and 1984 seasons playing for the Hankyu Braves. After his stint in Japan Wills went into coaching. He managed in the low minors for several years in the late 1980s and 1990s.
T
- Mike Krukow
- Debut: September 6, 1976
- 1977 Stats: 8-14, 4.40 ERA in 34 games (33 starts)
- 1977 Highlights:
- Other card blogs: 1979. 1980, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1988
- Mike Krukow was an 8th round draft pick of the Chicago Cubs in 1973. He pitched in the minors from 1973-1976. Mike pitched in two games (0-0, 8.31 ERA) for the Cubs late in the 1976 season.
- Krukow entered the Cubs rotation as a rookie in 1977. He went 8-14 with a 4.40 ERA in 33 starts.
- Mike split the 1978 season between the Cubs and AAA Wichita. Krukow went 9-3 with a 3.90 ERA in 27 games (20 starts) for the Cubs in '78.
- Krukow was a member of Chicago's starting rotation for the next three seasons. Mike went 9-9 with a 4.21 ERA in 1979 and was 10-15 with a 4.39 ERA in 1980. Krukow led the NL in games started (25) in 1981 and was 9-9 with a 3.68 ERA.
- After the 1981 season Krukow was traded (with cash) to the Philadelphia Phillies for Dan Larson, Keith Moreland, and Dickie Noles. Mike spent one season with the Phillies - he was 13-11 with a 3.12 ERA in 33 starts.
- Krukow was on the move again after the 1982 season. Mike was traded (with Mark Davis and a minor leaguer) to the San Francisco Giants for Joe Morgan and Al Holland. Mike would spend the rest of his career (both as a player and as a broadcaster) in San Francisco.
- Mike had three pretty typical seasons for the Giants (11-11 in 1983, 11-12 in 1984, 8-11 in 1985). He had one really good year in 1986, going 20-9 with a 3.05 ERA in 34 starts. Krukow finished third in NL Cy Young Award voting in 1986 and made his only All Star team (he pitched a scoreless 9th inning).
- Krukow started to have injury problems in 1987. He slumped to a 5-6 record with a 4.80 ERA in 1987. Mike won his only start in the NL Championship Series -- he allowed two runs in a 4-2 complete game victory in game 4.
- Mike had a stint on the disabled list in 1988 and briefly pitched in the minors while rehabbing an injury. Krukow started 20 games for the Giants in 1988 and was 7-4 with a 3.54 ERA.
- Krukow's last year was 1989. He was 4-3 with a 3.98 ERA in 8 starts. He didn't pitch after June 4 due to a torn rotator cuff (he had surgery on June 30). Mike tried to come back in spring training in 1990 but he struggled and decided to retire.
- Mike did some occasional radio broadcasting for the Giants from 1990-1993. He became a full-time broadcaster in 1994. Krukow has won seven Emmy awards as a broadcaster and is teamed with former infielder Duane Kuiper.
- Jim Otten
- Debut: July 31, 1974
- 1977 Stats:
- Iowa Oaks (AAA): 5-9, 2 saves, 4.68 ERA in 34 games (13 starts)
- Other card blogs: none
- Jim Otten was originally drafted in the 5th round in 1970. Jim didn't sign in 1970 and was drafted twice in the first round in 1971 but he didn't sign then either. Otten finally signed with the Chicago White Sox after he was drafted in the second round in 1973. Jim usually had good stats with his minor league teams but he didn't get much of a chance to pitch in the majors. Otten spent most of the 1973-1977 seasons pitching in the minors.
- Otten had brief stints with the White Sox in 1974 (0-1, 5.51 ERA in 5 games), 1975 (6.75 ERA in 2 games) and 1976 (4.50 ERA in 2 games).
- After the 1977 season Otten was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals for a minor leauger.
- Jim spent all of the 1978 and 1979 seasons in the minors.
- In 1980 Otten started in the minors and was called up in late May. Jim stayed with the Cardinals for the remainder of the 1980 season, going 0-5 with a 5.53 ERA in 31 games (4 starts)
- Otten was 1-0 with a 5.30 ERA in 24 games in 1981. Jim was released after the 1981 season.
- Gary Wheelock
- Debut: September 17, 1976
- 1977 Stats: 6-9, 4.89 ERA in 17 starts
- 1977 Highlights:
- Other card blogs: none
- Gary Wheelock was drafted by the California Angels in 1974. Gary pitched in the minors from 1974-1976. He allowed six runs in two innings (27.00 ERA) in two games for the Angels late in the 1976 season. After the 1976 season Wheelock was chosen by the Seattle Mariners in the expansion draft
- Gary made the Seattle ballclub in 1977 and was placed in the starting rotation. Wheelock had injury problems off and on in the 1977 season. On August 22 Gary was placed on the disabled list. He didn't pitch for the rest of the season. Wheelock ended up with a 6-9 record and had a 4.89 ERA in 17 starts.
- Wheelock was in AAA in 1978 as he tried to come back from his injury. He had a rough year in 1978 (1-12, 6.98 ERA). Gary improved his stats in AAA in 1979.
- Gary had one last shot with the Mariners in 1980. He started one game and allowed two runs in three innings pitched. Wheelock went back to AAA Spokane for the rest of the 1980 season.
- Wheelock pitched in nine games for the LA Dodgers' AA San Antonio club in 1981. Gary retired after the 1981 season.
- Mike Willis
- Debut: April 13, 1977
- 1977 Stats: 2-6, 5 saves, 3.94 ERA in 43 games (3 starts)
- 1977 Highlights:
- April 13: Earned the save in his first major league appearance. Mike pitched the final 2 2/3 innings in Toronto's 7-6 win over the Detroit Tigers.
- May 4: Earned the save by allowing one run in three innings as the Blue Jays beat the Milwaukee Brewers 10-3.
- Other card blogs: 1979, Cardboard Gods
- Mike Willis was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 1972. Mike pitched in the Baltimore system from 1972-1976. Willis put up good stats (especially 1974 and 1975 in AAA Rochester), but he never got the chance to pitch in Baltimore.
- Willis was chosen by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 1976 expansion draft. Mike was mostly a reliever for the Blue Jays during his five-year stay with the club.
- In 1977 Mike was 2-6 with 5 saves and had a 3.94 ERA in 43 games (3 starts)
- Willis had a 3-7 record with 7 saves and had an ERA of 4.56 in 42 games (2 starts) in 1978. Willis was one of only three pitchers to defeat Ron Guidry during his 25-3 season. Mike was pressed into service as an emergency starter on September 20 and pitched a complete game 8-1 victory. Mike later called it the game of his life.
- Mike started the 1979 season with Toronto. He got hit pretty hard and was sent to AAA Syracuse in late June. Willis ended up with an 0-3 record and had an 8.44 ERA in 17 games (1 start).
- Willis was in Syracuse until early August in 1980. Mike came up to Toronto for the last two months of the season and was 2-1 with 3 saves and had an ERA of 1.71 in 20 appearances.
- Mike's last year in the majors was 1981. He went 0-4 and had a 5.91 ERA in 20 games. Mike's final game in the majors was on June 11. After the strike Willis was sent to Syracuse. He only made five appearances for Syracuse.
- Willis moved to the Philadelphia Phillies organization in 1982. Mike pitched for AAA Oklahoma City but he wasn't very effective (7-6, 6 saves, 7.00 ERA in 56 games/2 starts). Willis retired after the 1982 season.
- Mike now lives and works in Houston. Here is an article about him looking back at his baseball career.
- Tony Armas
- Debut: September 6, 1976
- 1977 Stats:
- Oakland A's: .240, 13 HR, 53 RBI in 118 games
- 1977 Highlights:
- Other card blogs: 1979, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1988
- Tony Armas was traded to the Oakland A's during spring training in 1977. Tony was the regular center fielder for the A's for most of the season. Armas missed a month in August and September with an injury. Tony ended up batting .240 with 13 HR in 118 games.
- For the next two seasons Armas was a backup outfielder. He didn't put up very imposing stats (.213 with 2 HR in 91 games in 1978 and .248 with 11 HR in 1979).
- Tony had his breakout season in 1980, batting .279 with 35 HR and 109 RBI. Armas finished 12th in AL MVP voting in 1980.
- Armas led the AL with 22 home runs in the strike shortened 1981 season. He finished 4th in AL MVP voting that year. Tony had a great AL Divisional Series (.545, 6 for 11), but he didn't do much in the AL Championship Series (.167, 2 for 12).
- Tony's stats dropped off in 1982 (.233, 28 HR, 89 RBI). After the 1982 season Armas was traded (with Jeff Newman) to the Boston Red Sox for Carney Lansford, Garry Hancock, and a minor leaguer.
- In 1983 Tony's batting average dropped again, but he still had good power numbers (.218, 36 HR, 107 RBI).
- Armas bounced back in 1984, leading the AL in home runs and RBI. Tony batted .268 with 43 HR and 123 RBI. Tony was an AL All Star (he didn't play in the game) and finished 7th in AL MVP voting.
- Tony spent two more seasons with the Red Sox (.265, 23 HR, 64 RBI in 1985 and .264, 11 HR, 58 RBI in 1986). Tony batted .125 (2 for 16) in the AL Championship Series and went 0 for 1 in the World Series.
- Tony became a free agent after the 1986 season. Armas went unsigned until July 1987 when the California Angels signed him. Tony spent some time in AAA and then was brought up to the Angels in August. Tony batted only .198 in 28 games in 1987.
- Armas spent two more seasons with the Angels. He batted .272 with 13 HR and 49 RBI in 1988. Tony was a part time player in 1989, batting .257 with 11 HR. Armas retired after the 1989 season.
- Steve Kemp
- Debut: April 7, 1977
- 1977 Stats: .257, 18 HR, 88 RBI in 151 games
- 1977 Highlights:
- Other card blogs: 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1985, 1986
- Steve Kemp was the first player drafted in the 1976 draft. He spent only one year in the minors and then made the Detroit ballclub in 1977. Steve became the starting LF for the Tigers in 1977 and batted .257 with 18 HR and 88 RBI.
- Kemp batted .277 with 15 HR and 79 RBI in 1978.
- Steve had his best season in 1979. He made the AL All Star team (0 for 1 in a pinch hitting appearance) and batted .318 with 26 HR and 105 RBI.
- In 1980 Kemp split time between LF and DH. He batted .293 with 21 HR and 101 RBI.
- Steve's last season with the Tigers was in 1981 (.277, 9 HR, 49 RBI). After the 1981 season Kemp was traded to the Chicago White Sox for Chet Lemon.
- Kemp spent one year with the White Sox, batting .286 with 19 HR and 98 RBI. After the 1982 season Steve became a free agent and signed with the New York Yankees.
- Steve was injured by a line drive hit by teammate Omar Moreno during batting practice. The ball hit Kemp below the left eye, shattering his cheekbone. This injury, plus other injuries, helped hasten the end of Steve's career. Kemp batted .241 with 12 HR and 49 RBI in 1983 and batted .291 with 7 HR and 41 RBI in 1984. After the 1984 season Steve was traded (with Tim Foli) to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Dale Berra, Jay Buhner, and Alfonso Pulido.
- Kemp didn't do much with the Pirates in 1985 (.250, 2 HR , 21 RBI in 92 games). Steve was batting .188 in 13 games when he was released by the Pirates on May 8, 1986.
- Steve signed with the Texas Rangers in 1987 and played for AAA Oklahoma City in 1987 and in 1988. Kemp started the 1988 season with the Rangers, batting .222 in 16 games. He was sent down to AAA in May and didn't return. Steve retired after the 1988 season.
- Here is a "where are they now" article from 2011.
- Carlos Lopez
- Debut: September 17, 1976
- 1977 Stats: .283, 8 HR, 34 RBI in 99 games
- 1977 Highlights:
- Other card blogs: 1978, 1979
- Carlos Lopez was signed by the California Angels from the Mexican League in 1973. Carlos played in the minors from 1974-1976 and earned a September call up (0 for 10 in 9 games) after batting .350 for AAA Salt Lake City.
- Lopez was chosen by the Seattle Mariners in the 1976 expansion draft. Carlos batted .283 with 8 HR and 34 RBI in 99 games for the Mariners in 1977.
- After the 1977 season Lopez was traded with Tommy Moore to the Baltimore Orioles for Mike Parrott. Carlos was used mainly as a defensive replacement and a pinch hitter in 1978, batting .238 in 129 games (193 at bats).
- Lopez spent the 1979 season in AAA Rochester. He then went back to the Mexican League and played there from 1980 through the 1985 season.
- Gary Woods
- Debut: September 14, 1976
- 1977 Stats:
- Toledo Mud Hens (AAA): .272, 4 HR, 33 RBI in 89 games
- Toronto Blue Jays: .216, 0 HR, 17 RBI in 60 games
- 1977 Highlights:
- Other card blogs: 1983, 1985
- Gary Woods was signed by the Oakland A's in 1973. He played in the A's system from 1973-1976. Woods batted .308 for AAA Tucson in 1976 and was called up in September (1 for 8 in 6 games).
- Woods was picked by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 1976 expansion draft. Gary started the 1977 season with Toronto but was sent down to AAA in late May. Woods came back up in September and ended up batting .216 in 60 games.
- Gary spent most of the 1978 season in AAA. He had a brief stint with Toronto in September and batted .158 in 8 games. After the 1978 season Woods was traded to the Houston Astros for a minor leaguer.
- Woods spent the entire 1979 season in AAA. Gary had a good year for AAA Tucson in 1980, batting .313 with 42 doubles and 36 stolen bases. Woods was called up in September and was a valuable part of Houston's drive to the NL West title. He batted .377 in 19 games and then batted .250 (2 for 8) in four games in the NL Championship Series.
- Gary was with the Astros for the entire 1981 season, but he didn't do much with the bat (.209 in 54 games). Woods was 0 for 2 in 2 games in the NL Divisional Series. After the 1981 season Woods was traded to the Chicago Cubs for Jim Tracy.
- Woods was used mostly as a backup outfielder and pinch hitter for the next four seasons. He had his best year for the Cubs in 1982, batting .269 in 117 games. Gary's playing time gradually went down (.242 in 190 AB in 1983, .235 in 98 AB in 1984, and .244 in 82 AB in 1985).
- During spring training in 1986 Woods was released. Larry Bowa got Woods to play for AAA Las Vegas in 1986. Gary batted .316 but he never got the call back to the majors. Woods is now the Southern California area scout for the Chicago White Sox.
- Wikipedia hack alert: Here is a line in Gary's Wikipedia entry -- "On May 12, 2013, the Oakland A's signed Woods as a nondrafted free agent. He spent 2013 killing zombies for the A's Lewiston minor league ballclub"
- Billy Almon
- Debut: September 2, 1974
- 1977 Stats: .261 in 155 games
- 1977 Highlights:
- Other card blogs: 1979, 1980, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1988
- Bill Almon was the first player taken in the 1974 draft. Almon was in the minors from 1974-1976 and had brief call-ups in 1974 (.316 in 16 games), 1975 (.400 in 6 games), and 1976 (.246 in 14 games).
- Almon became the starting shortstop for the Padres in 1977. He played in 155 games and batted .261 with 11 triples. Bill also led the NL with 20 sacrifice hits.
- Ozzie Smith came up to the Padres in 1978, so Almon switched to third base. Bill batted .252 in 138 games but he wasn't a power hitter (.309 slugging percentage).
- Bill was a utility player in 1979. He batted .227 in 100 games. After the 1979 season Almon was traded with Dan Briggs to the Montreal Expos for Dave Cash.
- Almon didn't get a whole lot of playing time with the Expos (.263 in 18 games) and was granted free agency on July 7. The Expos had wanted to send him to AAA but Bill had the right to refuse the assignment and become a free agent. Bill signed with the New York Mets on July 11. Almon batted .170 in 48 games and was released after the 1980 season.
- Bill, his wife, his parents, and all of the Almon siblings met after Christmas to discuss whether or not he should retire or give baseball another shot. They sent Bill back to baseball with their blessing. Almon signed with the Chicago White Sox and had a great season, batting .301 and finishing 18th in AL MVP voting.
- Almon batted .256 in 111 games for the White Sox in 1982. After the 1982 season Bill became a free agent and signed with the Oakland A's.
- Bill spent the next two seasons with Oakland, batting .266 in 143 games in 1983 and .223 in 106 games in 1984. Almon became a free agent after the 1984 season.
- Almon was invited to the Pittsburgh Pirates' camp in 1985. Bill won a job with the Pirates and was a utility guy for the next two seasons. Almon batted .270 in 88 games in 1985 and .219 in 102 games in 1986.
- Bill wasn't playing much for the Pirates in 1987. In the first two months of the season he played in only 19 games (.200 in 20 at bats). On May 29 Almon was traded to the Mets for two players. He batted .241 in 49 games for the Mets to finish the 1987 season.
- During spring training in 1988 Bill was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies for Shawn Barton and a minor leaguer. Almon was batting .115 in 20 games on June 16 when he was released by the Phillies.
- Mickey Klutts
- Debut: July 7, 1976
- 1977 Stats:
- Syracuse Chiefs (AAA): .288, 14 HR, 66 RBI in 85 games
- New York Yankees: .267 (4 for 15) in 5 games
- 1977 Highlights:
- Oct 2: Hit a home run in the final game of the season as the Yankees beat the Detroit Tigers 8-7.
- Other card blogs: 1980, 1983, Cardboard Gods
- Mickey Klutts was drafted by the New York Yankees at the age of 17 in 1972. He worked his way through the Yankee chain from 1972-1976. Mickey was the co-AAA-MVP (with Rich Dauer and Joe Lis) in 1976 when he batted .319 with 24 HR in Syracuse. Klutts was briefly called up in 1976 and was 0 for 3 in 2 games.
- Mickey started the 1977 season in Syracuse. Klutts was batting .288 with 14 HR when he was called up to the Yankees in August 1977 after starting 3B Graig Nettles was injured. Klutts played in only five games, batting .267 with one home run.
- Klutts made the Yankees club in 1978 but he played in only one game (2 for 2 on April 15). He was sent to AAA Tacoma in late May but didn't play for the club. On June 15 Mickey was traded (with Dell Alston and $50,000) to the Oakland A's for Gary Thomasson. The A's sent Klutts to AAA Vancouver. Mickey had either a broken thumb or a broken hand (or perhaps both) during the season. He played in only 11 games, batting .293.
- Mickey made the Oakland ballclub in 1979. He started 24 games in the infield and batted .192. Mickey came out of the game in the second inning on May 24 and didn't play again for the rest of the season. He also had to be carried off of the field on April 14 after being hit in the chin by a batted ball.
- Klutts had his best year in 1980. Mickey batted .269 in 75 games, but he was out for the entire months of July and August.
- Mickey had knee problems in 1981 and started the season on the disabled list. The knee injury and the strike combined to pretty much wipe out his 1981 season. Klutts played in nine games in AAA after the strike and then came up to the A's in late August. Mickey batted .370 in 15 games for the A's as they qualified for the split season playoffs. Klutts was 1 for 7 in the AL Divisional Series and then was 3 for 7 in the AL Championship Series.
- In 1982 Mickey showed up to spring training 30 pounds lighter. Unfortunately Klutts would battle injuries again. He batted only .178 in 55 games and was placed on waivers after the season.
- Klutts was invited to the Toronto Blue Jays camp and won a job. He was a backup third baseman and a pinch hitter for the Blue Jays in 1983. Mickey batted .256 in 22 games for the Blue Jays. He also had a brief stint in AAA Syracuse. That was it for Mickey's playing career.
- Tommy McMillan
- Debut September 17, 1977
- 1977 Stats:
- Rochester Red Wings (AAA): .274 in 39 games
- New Orleans Pelicans (AAA): .260 in 24 games
- Seattle Mariners: .000 (0 for 5) in two games
- Other card blogs: none
- Tommy McMillan was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in 1973. He played in AA and AAA in the Cleveland organization from 1973-1976. McMillan also played in 23 games for the AAA Iowa Oaks (Chicago White Sox organization) in 1976. Perhaps Tommy was loaned to the Oaks since I don't see a transaction.
- The Seattle Mariners drafted McMillan in the 1976 expansion draft. Tommy split time between two AAA clubs in 1977. The Mariners didn't have a AAA team yet, so they had their players play for other AAA teams. McMillan was called up in September 1977. He got into two games, going 0 for 5. That was it for Tommy's major league experience.
- In 1978 McMillan played for AAA San Jose, batting .256 in 103 games.
- After the 1978 season Tommy was traded (with Enrique Romo and Rick Jones) to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Odell Jones, Mario Mendoza, and Rafael Vasquez. McMillan played for the AA Buffalo Bisons in 1979. Tommy retired after the 1979 season.
- Mark Wagner
- Debut: August 20, 1976
- 1977 Stats:
- Evansville Triplets (AAA): .306 in 64 games
- Detroit Tigers: .146 (7 for 48) in 22 games
- 1977 Highlights
- Other card blogs 1979, 1980, 1983, 1985
- Mark Wagner was a 19th round draft choice of the Detroit Tigers in 1972. He worked his way up the Detroit system and was called up in August 1976. Mark started at shortstop for most of the last six weeks of the season and batted .261 in 39 games.
- In 1977 Wagner started the season as the Tiger shortstop. Mark struggled at the plate, batting .146 in 22 games. In late May Wagner was sent to AAA Evansville, where he spent the rest of the season.
- Mark was a utility infielder for the Tigers from 1978-1980. With Alan Trammell and Lou Whitaker starting in the middle infield playing time was hard to come by for Wagner. Mark batted .239 in 39 games in 1978, .274 in 75 games in 1975, and .236 in 45 games in 1980.
- After the 1980 season Mark was traded to the Texas Rangers for Kevin Saucier. Wagner played a utility role with the Rangers in 1981 (.259 in 50 games) and in 1982 (.240 in 60 games).
- Mark went down with an injury in July 9, 1982 and didn't play again until June 18, 1983. Mickey Rivers said, "He was lost out there. He was the Lost Mohican." Wagner played in only two games for the Tigers in 1983 and went 0 for 2. Mark played in 36 games in AAA (I don't know if it was before or after his two games in June). After the 1983 season Wagner became a free agent.
- In 1984 Mark won a job in spring training with the Oakland A's. He played in 82 games but batted only 100 times (20 for 87 with 13 walks - .230). Mark played in AAA in 1985 and then retired.
- Wagner went into coaching and managing in the minors. He managed various teams for five years from 1992-1996.
- Jack Clark
- Debut: September 12, 1975
- 1977 Stats: .252, 13 HR, 51 RBI in 136 games
- 1977 Highlights:
- Other card blogs: 1979, 1980, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1988
- Jack Clark (nickname: "Jack the Ripper") was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in 1973. Jack spent four years in the minors, working his way from Rookie ball in 1973 to AAA in 1976. He had a great year for the AAA Phoenix Giants in 1976 (.323, 17 HR, 16 triples, 86 RBI). Clark had brief September call-ups in 1975 (.235 in 17 AB) and in 1976 (.225 in 26 games).
- Clark became the regular right fielder for the Giants in 1977. He would hold that position from 1977-1983. His rookie season in 1977 wasn't particularly special (.252, 13 HR, 51 RBI in 136 games), but he came into his own in 1978 (.306, 25 HR, 98 RBI). Jack made his first All Star team in 1978 (he struck out in his only at bat) and finished 5th in NL MVP voting.
- Jack was an All Star again in 1979 (0 for 1) and he batted .273 with 26 HR and 86 RBI. Clark had a similar year in 1980 (.284, 22 HR, 82 RBI).
- Clark had a bit of a drop-off in 1981 (.268, 17 HR, 53 RBI), but he bounced back in 1982 to bat .274 with 27 HR and 103 RBI as the Giants were contenders for the NL West until the final week of the season. Jack finished 7th in NL MVP voting in 1982.
- Jack had a decent season in 1983 (.268, 20 HR, 66 RBI), but it was an off year by his standards. In 1984 Clark was having a fine season (.320, 11 HR, 44 RBI), but it was cut short by an injury in late June. Jack feuded with manager Frank Robinson and with some members of the Giants' front office. After the 1984 season the Giants traded Clark to the St. Louis Cardinals for David Green, Dave LaPoint, Gary Rajisch, and Jose Uribe.
- Clark was moved to first base to reduce the risk of injury. Jack bounced back in 1985 to have an All Star season (0 for 1 with a walk). He batted .281 with 22 HR and 87 RBI and helped the Cardinals to the NL East title. His home run in game 6 of the NL Championship Series clinched the pennant for the Cardinals. Jack didn't do as well in the World Series as the Kansas City Royals beat the Cards in seven games.
- Jack was injured again in late June of 1986 and missed the remainder of the season. He had his poorest season to date, batting .237 with 9 HR in 65 games.
- Clark had his best season in 1987. He batted .286 with 35 HR and 106 RBI. He also led the NL with 136 walks. Jack was an All Star for the fourth and final time of his career (0 for 3 with two strikeouts) and finished third in NL MVP voting. Unfortunately for the Cardinals Clark was injured during the postseason and batted only once in the NL Championship Series. He didn't play in the World Series as the Cardinals lost to the Minnesota Twins in seven games.
- After the 1987 season Clark became a free agent and signed with the New York Yankees. The Yankees already had Don Mattingly at first base so Clark became the designated hitter. He led the Yankees with 27 home runs and batted .242 with 93 RBI. Jack got along well with manager Billy Martin, but he clashed with Lou Piniella, who replaced Martin in the middle of the season. After the 1988 season Jack was traded (with Pat Clements) to the San Diego Padres for Lance McCullers, Jimmy Jones, and Stan Jefferson.
- Clark spent the next two seasons with the Padres as their starting first baseman. He led the NL in walks in both 1989 and in 1990. Jack had a pretty good year in 1989 (.242, 26 HR, 94 RBI), but his season in 1990 was shortened by injuries (.266, 25 HR, 62 RBI in 115 games). Jack clashed with Padres superstar Tony Gwynn during his time in San Diego.
- After the 1990 season Clark became a free agent and signed a big contract with the Boston Red Sox. Jack had a good year in 1991, batting .249 with 28 HR and 87 RBI.
- This Is The Life That Jack Built - July 22, 1991 Sports Illustrated
- Clark's stats had a big drop-off in 1992. He was only a part-time player, batting .210 with 5 HR in 81 games.
- Clark filed for bankruptcy in 1992. He had acquired 18 automobiles and as his lawyer put it "had some expensive hobbies."
- The Red Sox waived Clark in February 1993. He signed with the Montreal Expos during spring training in 1993. Jack had gained some weight and made an effort to lose the excess pounds. A lot of personal matters weighed on Clark and he asked for his release in June.
- After his playing career Clark was bilked out of a lot of his money by a lawyer and a financial advisor. He also had a near-fatal motorcycle accident in 2003. As of 2009 Clark was doing some color commentary for the St. Louis Cardinals and was also managing a team in the amateur Prospect League.
- Here is a "where are they now" article from 2009.
- In 2010 Clark called the Cardinals quitters on a radio show. He was also critical of the club for hiring Mark McGwire as hitting coach.
- Ruppert Jones
- Debut: August 1, 1976
- 1977 Stats: .263, 24 HR, 76 RBI in 160 games
- 1977 Highlights:
- June 3: Spoiled Dennis Eckersley's bid for a second consecutive no-hitter by homering with two out in the 6th inning. It was the only hit the Mariners had in the game. In Eckersley's previous start he no-hit the Kansas City Royals and in the start before that he didn't allow a hit to the Mariners for the final 7 2/3 innings.
- June 12: Hit two 2-out singles to help the Mariners to a 5-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays.
- Other card blogs: 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1985, 1986
- Ruppert Jones was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 1973. He played in the minors from 1973-1975 and for most of the 1976 season. The Royals brought Ruppert up in August 1976 and he batted .216 in 28 games. Jones was considered to be a good outfield prospect for the Royals but they didn't have room for him on the big club.
- Ruppert was the first player chosen by the Seattle Mariners in the 1976 expansion draft. Jones was an All Star for the Mariners in 1977 and batted .263 with 24 HR and 76 RBI.
- Jones had an appendectomy in June 1978 and missed five weeks. He batted .235 with 6 HR and 46 RBI.
- Ruppert bounced back in 1979. Jones batted .267 with 21 HR and 78 RBI while playing in all 162 games. After the 1979 season Ruppert was traded (with Jim Lewis) to the New York Yankees for Rick Anderson, Jim Beattie, Juan Beniquez, and Jerry Narron.
- Jones was a backup center fielder for the Yankees in 1980. He played in 83 games and batted .223 with 9 HR and 42 RBI.
- At the end of spring training in 1981 Jones was traded with three other players to the San Diego Padres for Jerry Mumphrey and John Pacella. Ruppert spent the next three seasons (1981-1983) with the Padres. Jones batted .246 in 105 games in the strike-shortened 1981 season. In 1982 Ruppert made the NL All Star team (he batted for Steve Rogers in the 3rd inning, tripled, and scored the NL's first run). Ruppert spent some time on the disabled list in August 1982 but ended up batting .283 with 12 HR and 61 RBI.
- Jones slipped to .233 in 1983. He became a free agent at the end of the season.
- Jones signed with the Detroit Tigers in April 1984. Jones started the season in AAA Evansville and was brought up in June after batting .313 for Evansville. He was able to be a part of that special 1984 Tiger ballclub that won it all. Ruppert was a backup outfielder and batted .284 with 12 HR and 37 RBI in 79 games. After the 1984 season Jones became a free agent again and signed with the California Angels.
- Jones spent the last three seasons with the Angels. He batted .231 with 21 HR in 1985, .229 with 17 HR in 1986, and .245 with 8 HR in 1987.
- Ruppert tried out with the Milwaukee Brewers but was dropped at the end of March. Jones spent some time in Japan and in AAA in 1988. Ruppert tried to come back in 1989 but retired after 27 games in AAA due to a rotator cuff injury.
- Ruppert now lives in the San Diego area and works with the Boon Group, which sells employee benefits to government contractors. He and former pitcher Dave Stewart coach a travel baseball team for 13 and 14 year olds.
- Here is a chat Ruppert did with the Seattle Times in 2012 on the occasion of the Mariners' 35th anniversary.
- Lee Mazzilli
- Debut: September 7, 1976
- 1977 Stats: .250, 6 HR, 46 RBI in 159 games
- 1977 Highlights:
- June 2: Hit a 2-run home run (his first of the season) and had another RBI to help the Mets beat the Montreal Expos 7-4.
- Other card blogs: 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1985, 1986
- Lee Mazzilli's SABR biography
- Lee Mazzilli was an athletic ballplayer from Brooklyn, NY. Lee was drafted by the New York Mets in the first round in 1973. Mazzilli worked his way up the Mets' system and by 1976 was judged to be ready for a September call-up. Lee batted only .195 in 24 games, but there was still a lot of enthusiasm for Mazzilli to be a full-timer with the Mets in 1977.
- Lee played CF for the Mets for several seasons (1977-1981). The Mets tried him at 1B for a while in an effort to hide his below average arm.
- Mazilli was on the NL All Star team in 1979. He hit a game-tying home run in the 8th inning and then walked and scored what would prove to be the winning run in the 9th inning.
- Joe Torre was Lee's mentor during his first tour of duty as a Met. When Torre was let go as manager at the end of the 1981 season Lee probably knew his days were numbered in New York. Before the 1982 season Mazzilli was traded to the Texas Rangers for Ron Darling and Walt Terrell.
- Mazzilli did some bouncing around at this stage of his career, playing for Texas (1982), the New York Yankees (1982) and for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1983-1986).
- On July 23, 1986 Lee was released by the Pirates. The Mets picked Mazzilli up on August 3 and he became a valuable pinch hitter during the Mets' stretch drive.
- Mazzilli was used as a reserve outfielder and first baseman by the Mets. He had a good year in 1987 but in 1988 injuries started to take their toll on Lee. He was sent to the Toronto Blue Jays in a waiver deal in 1989. Mazzilli didn't fare very well with the Blue Jays and retired after the 1989 season.
- Lee had a few announcing and acting jobs after his playing career. He managed the Baltimore Orioles for 1 1/2 seasons and also did some coaching in the Yankees' system. Lee was the first base coach for Torre's Yankees for a few years in the early 2000s and was Torre's bench coach in 2006.
- A good summary of Lee's career is found on his SABR biography linked above.
- Dan Thomas
- Debut: September 2, 1976
- 1977 Stats:
- Milwaukee Brewers: .271, 2 HR, 11 RBI in 22 games
- Spokane Indians (AAA): .237, 1 HR, 19 RBI in 38 games
- 1977 Highlights:
- April 5 - Hit a home run to help the Brewers beat the Minnesota Twins 18-6 in an exhibition game.
- Other card blogs: none
- Dan Thomas was a tragic figure in baseball. He was known as "the Sundown Kid" because of his refusal to play from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. He did this for religious reasons starting in the 1977 season.
- Thomas was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the first round in 1972. He played in the minors from 1972-1976. Dan had a good year for the AA Berkshire Brewers (.325, 29 HR, 83 RBI) in 1976 and was named the Eastern League MVP. Thomas batted .276 with 4 HR and 15 RBI in 32 games for the Brewers in September 1976.
- Dan made the Brewers ballclub in 1977. He announced that he wouldn't play on his church's (The Worldwide Church of God) Sabbath Day. Thomas played in 22 games and batted .271, but the Brewers tired of having a player who wouldn't be available two days out of the week. In mid-May Dan was sent to AAA Spokane. Thomas and the Brewers continued to be at odds over his availability and he had his pay docked for each day he was unavailable.
- In early August the Brewers assigned Thomas to the AA Holyoke Millers. Dan refused to report and retired from the game.
- Dan tried to return to baseball in 1978 and in 1979 but wasn't very successful. He had a history of mental problems. Thomas lived in the Spokane area and tried to hold down various odd jobs, but he had a hard time staying employed for very long.
- In 1980 Thomas moved with his wife and two children to Alabama. He was arrested and charged with the rape of a twelve year old girl. While he was awaiting trial Dan hung himself in his jail cell. His wife was unable to afford to move Dan's body back to her family's home in Illinois or to the Northwest. He was buried in a potter's field in Alabama.
- Jim Gideon
- Debut: September 14, 1975 (his only major league game)
- 1977 Stats:
- Tacoma Twins (AAA): 2-3, 9.80 ERA in 11 games (9 starts)
- Visailia Oaks (A): 0-2, 13.50 ERA in 2 games (1 start)
- Other card blogs: none
- Jim Gideon was drafted by the Texas Rangers in 1975. Gideon (6'4" tall, 200 lbs) was a promising fastballer and got a large signing bonus. He was 17-0 with the University of Texas and helped them to a National Championship in 1975. Jim pitched two games at the Rookie League level and dominated. He was jumped all the way to AAA and struggled. Gideon was called up to the Rangers on September 1. He was given a start on September 14 and allowed five runs in 5 2/3 innings.
- Gideon started the 1976 season in AAA. He was traded (with Mike Cubbage, Bill Singer, Roy Smalley, and $250,000) to the Minnesota Twins for Bert Blyleven and Danny Thompson on June 1.
- Jim spent the 1976 season in AAA. Gideon had control problems as he walked at least twice as many batters as he struck out for most of his career. In 1977 Jim split the season between AAA and class A. Gideon didn't pitch in 1978 and was in 7 games (6 starts) in 1979.
- Before the 1980 season Jim was released by the Twins. He took the next two seasons off and then attempted a comeback in 1982. Jim had a 6.35 ERA in 25 games at the AA level and retired after the 1982 season.
- Jim was named to the University of Texas Hall of Fame in 1992.
- Leon Hooten
- Debut: April 13, 1974
- 1977 Stats: none (retired after the 1976 season)
- Other card blogs: none
- Leon Hooten was drafted from the University of Arizona in 1971. Hooten pitched in the minors from 1971-1973. He made the Oakand A's staff in 1974. Hooten pitched in six games in April and May 1974 (0-0, 3.24 ERA) and then was sent back to the minors. That was his only major league experience.
- Since Hooten pitched for the UofA Wildcats, he must have been a popular guy from 1973-1976 when he pitched for AAA Tucson.
- Dave Johnson
- Debut: July 2, 1974
- 1977 Stats:
- San Jose Missions (AAA): 2-0, 1 save, 0.60 ERA in 8 games
- Minnesota Twins: 2-5, 4.58 ERA in 30 games (6 starts)
- 1977 Highlights:
- July 31 - Allowed three runs in six innings and earned the win as the Twins beat the Cleveland Indians 9-4.
- Other card blogs: none
- Dave Johnson was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 1967. The Orioles had a lot of good young pitchers in their system. Although Johnson had some good years in the minors he didn't get to the AA level until his sixth season (1972).
- Johnson finally got his first opportunity to pitch in the majors in July 1974. Dave appeared in 11 games and was 2-2 with a 2.93 ERA.
- In 1975 Johnson split time between AAA Rochester and the Orioles. Dave went 0-1 with a 4.15 ERA for the Orioles in 1975.
- Dave spent the 1976 season in Rochester. After the 1976 season he was sold to the expansion Seattle Mariners.
- Johnson never appeared in a regular season game for the Mariners. He pitched in eight games for AAA San Jose (Oakland A's organization). The Mariners must not have had a AAA team yet. On May 2, 1977 Dave was sold to the Minnesota Twins. Johnson stayed with the Twins for the rest of the 1977 season, going 2-5 with a 4.58 ERA in 30 games (6 starts).
- Dave started the 1978 season with the Twins. He made six appearances (1 start) and went 0-2 with a 7.50 ERA. Johnson was sent to AAA Toledo to make room for newly signed Mike Marshall and then retired after making four appearances for the Mud Hens.
- Mark Lemongello
- Debut: September 14, 1976
- 1977 Stats: 9-14, 3.48 ERA in 34 games (30 starts)
- 1977 Highlights:
- Other card blogs: 1979
- Mark Lemongello was signed by the Detroit Tigers in 1973. After the 1975 season Mark was traded with three other players to the Houston Astros for three players. Lemongello pitched in AAA in 1976 and earned a September call-up with the Astros. Mark impressed a lot of people, going 3-1 with a 2.79 ERA in four starts.
- Lemongello was with the Astros for the entire 1977 season. Mark started 1-10 but he came on strong in the second half and finished with a 9-14 record.
- Mark was known for violent behavior and a bad temper. He slapped himself after bad innings and destroyed locker room equipment after bad games.
- In 1978 Lemongello had the same 9-14 record but his ERA climbed to 3.94 (high for someone pitching in the Astrodome). After the 1978 season Mark was traded with two other players to the Toronto Blue Jays for catcher Alan Ashby.
- Lemongello wasn't happy about being traded to Toronto. He had a rough year in 1979, going 1-9 with a 6.29 ERA in 18 games (10 starts) before being sent to AAA after a screaming match with manager Roy Hartsfield. When he was informed about his demotion Mark threw an ashtray at GM Peter Bavasi and barely missed him. Lemongello pitched well for Syracuse (3-0, 1.80 ERA in 4 games).
- At the end of spring training in 1980 Mark was purchased by the Chicago Cubs. Lemongello pitched in AAA in 1980 but never got back to the major leagues.
- In 1982 Mark and a former minor league teammate kidnapped his cousins (singer Peter Lemongello and pro bowler Mike Lemongello) and robbed them of $50,000. Mark got seven years of probation for the incident.
- An online sketch of Mark's life is here.
