- Dave Lemanczyk was chosen by the Toronto Blue Jays off of the Detroit Tigers roster in the 1976 expansion draft. Dave went into the starting rotation and had a pretty solid season, especially considering he was pitching for an expansion team.
- 1977 Stats: 13-16, 4.25 ERA in 34 starts
- 1977 Highlights:
- July 31: Retired the first 17 hitters he faced and was the winning pitcher in Toronto's 4-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. Dave pitched 6 1/3 innings in the win.
- Sept 7: Pitched a six-hitter and earned the win as the Blue Jays beat the Boston Red Sox 3-2.
- Other card blogs: 1975, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1980
- It's too bad that the card that comes up on July 4 is an airbrush job. A player with a 1976 Bicentennial logo on his sleeve would have been cool.
- Alan Ashby was acquired in a trade with the Cleveland Indians on November 5, 1976.
- Ashby became the starting catcher for the expansion Toronto Blue Jays in 1977. He didn't do much at the plate (.210 in 124 games), but he threw out 48% of the runners who tried to steal against him.
- Ashby is now an announcer for the Houston Astros. He got into some trouble early this season (2013) when he remarked, "That'll force him to learn the language." as Yu Darvish was shown cursing in the dugout after losing his perfect game.
- 1977 Stats: .210, 2 HR, 29 RBI in 124 games
- 1977 Highlights:
- Other card blogs: 1976, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1988
- Dave Roberts didn't play for the Toronto Blue Jays in 1977. Roberts had spent the entire 1976 season with AAA Hawaii to learn how to be a catcher and was purchased from the San Diego Padres in October 1976. The Blue Jays traded Roberts back to the Padres in February 1977 for Jerry Johnson.
- Roberts played four different positions in 1977 -- catcher, 2B, 3B, and shortstop. He spent most of his time behind the plate so that the Padres could play new free agent aquisition Gene Tenace more at first base.
- 1977 Stats: .220, 1 HR, 23 RBI in 82 games
- 1977 Highlights:
- Other card blogs: 1973, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1979, 1980, 1983
- Pete Vuckovich was a big dude -- 6'4" tall and 215 lbs. This picture was taken before Pete grew his hair and his intimidating Fu-Manchu mustache. Vuckovich was known for his ultracompetitiveness on the monund and for his mannerisms between pitched.
- Pete was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 1974. Vuckovich pitched in the minors in 1974 and in 1975. Pete was called up at the end of the 1975 season and was 0-1 with a 13.50 ERA in four games.
- Vuckovich was a middle reliever and a spot starter for the White Sox in 1976. He went 7-4 and had a 4.65 ERA in 33 games (7 starts).
- After the 1976 season Pete was chosen by the Toronto Blue Jays in the expansion draft. Vuckovich started the season in the bullpen. He started one game in May and then joined the Toronto rotation for five weeks in June and July. Vuckovich recorded the first save in Blue Jays history on April 7 and pitched the first Toronto shutout on June 26. Pete ended up with one of the better records for the expansion club (7-7, 8 saves, 3.47 ERA). After the 1977 season Vuckovich was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals.
- Vuckovich talks about some of his 1977 Blue Jays memories here.
- Pete had three pretty strong seasons for the Cardinals. In 1978 he went 12-12 and had a 2.54 ERA in 34 games (32 starts). Pete was 15-10 with a 3.59 ERA in 1979. Vuckovich had a 12-9 record with a 3.40 ERA in 1980. After the 1980 season Pete was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers as part of a seven-player deal.
- Vuckovich was an integral part of the Milwaukee staff in 1981 and 1982. In 1981 Pete led the NL with 14 wins and a .778 winning percentage. Vuckovich went 14-4 with a 3.55 ERA and finished 4th in AL Cy Young Award voting. In 1982 Pete won the AL Cy Young Award with a record of 18-6 and a league-leading .750 winning percentage.
- Vuckovich started and won game 3 of the 1981 AL Divisional Series. Pete was 0-1 in 2 starts in the 1982 AL Championship Series and 0-1 in 2 starts in the 1982 World Series.
- During spring training in 1983 it was discovered that Vuckovich had a torn rotator cuff. He tried an exercise program and made three starts during the 1983 season (0-2, 4.91 ERA).
- Pete missed the entire 1984 season and then attempted comebacks in 1985 (6-10, 5.51 ERA in 22 starts) and in 1986 (2-4, 3.06 ERA in 6 starts).
- Vuckovich was released after the 1986 season and retired.
- After his retirement Pete worked as an announcer (1989-1991) for the Brewers. He also had a role in the movie Major League (Yankee slugger Clu Haywood).
- Pete was a pitching instructor and a pitching coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates for several years. He then worked as a special assistant in the Pirate front office. After the 2011 season Vuckovich was hired by the Seattle Mariners as a special assistant to the General Manager.
- Pete liked to wear two different brands of cleats during his games.
- 1977 Stats: 7-7, 8 saves, 3.47 ERA in 53 games (8 starts)
- 1977 Highlights:
- Other card blogs: 1979, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986
- 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"
- Larry Anderson
- Larry Anderson never pitched for the Blue Jays. He was sent to the Chicago White Sox as the player to be named later in an earlier deal for Phil Roof. Larry pitched for AAA Wichita for most of the 1977 season. He spent most of June with the White Sox but went back to Wichita after having some rough outings (9.35 ERA in 6 games). In August Larry was sent (with cash) to the Chicago Cubs for Steve Renko. He finished the season pitching for AAA Iowa.
- Debut: September 5, 1974
- 1977 Stats:
- Iowa Oaks (AAA) / Wichita Aeros (AAA): 5-2, 3.36 ERA, 3 saves in 42 games (6 starts)
- Chicago White Sox: 1-3, 9.35 ERA in 6 games
- 1977 Highlights:
- Other card blogs: 1976
- Ed Glynn
- Debut: September 19, 1975
- 1977 Stats:
- Evansville Triplets (AAA): 6-8, 4.96 ERA in 28 games (27 starts)
- Detroit Tigers: 2-1, 5.27 ERA in 8 games (3 starts)
- 1977 Highlights:
- Other card blogs: 1979, 1980, 1983
- The Detroit Tigers signed Ed Glynn as a free agent in 1971. Ed pitched in the minors from 1972-1975 and earned a September call-up in 1975 after going 11-7 with a 2.96 ERA for two minor league teams. Glynn pitched in three games (1 start) for the Tigers in 1975 and was 0-2 with a 4.30 ERA.
- Glynn spent most of the 1976 and 1977 seasons in AAA Evansville. He had September call-ups in 1976 (1-3, 6.08 ERA in 5 games/4 starts) and in 1977 (2-1, 5.27 ERA in 8 games/3 starts).
- Ed started the 1978 season in Evansville but was called up in July. Glynn had a 3.07 ERA in 10 games for the Tigers.
- During spring training in 1979 Glynn was traded to the New York Mets for Mardie Cornejo. Ed spent the first two months of the 1979 season in AAA Tidewater. He was brought up in June. Ed was 1-4 with 7 saves and had a 3.00 ERA in 46 games.
- Glynn stayed in the majors for the entire 1980 season. He had a 3-3 record and a 4.13 ERA in 38 games.
- Just before the 1981 season Glynn was traded to the Cleveland Indians for a minor leaguer. Ed spent the season in AAA Charleston. The Indians called him up in September and he had a 1.17 ERA in 4 games.
- Ed was in Charleston for the first six weeks of the 1982 season and then was with Cleveland for the rest of the year (5-2, 4 saves, 4.17 ERA in 47 games).
- Glynn started the 1983 season in Cleveland but was sent back to Charleston in May after having a 5.84 ERA in 11 games.
- In 1984 Ed split the season between Charleston and Tidewater. The Mets purchased Glynn in June.
- Glynn was sold to the Boston Red Sox before the 1985 season. He pitched for AAA Pawtucket until May 1, when he was sent to the Montreal Expos as part of a conditional deal. Ed made three appearances for the Expos and had a 19.29 ERA. He pitched for AAA Indianapolis for the rest of the season.
- Ed became a free agent at the end of the 1985 season. He pitched for Tidewater in 1986 and in 1987 but never made it back to the majors. Glynn tried a brief comeback for Tidewater in 1990 but it lasted only one game.
- Glynn was a hot dog vendor at Shea Stadium in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
- Joe Henderson
- Debut: June 7, 1974
- 1977 Stats:
- Indianapolis Indians (AAA): 5-5, 5.23 ERA in 29 games
- Other card blogs: none
- Joe Henderson was drafted by the California Angels in 1965. Henderson pitched in the minors for the Angels from 1965-1970, except in 1967 (possibly due to military service). Joe was released by the Angels at the end of spring training in 1971. He went to the Mexican League and then was acquired in a trade with the Chicago White Sox for a minor leaguer.
- Henderson was in AAA from 1972-1974. He had two good seasons (1973 and 1974) and finally got the call to the majors in June 1974. Joe had a 1-0 record with an 8.40 ERA in 5 games (3 starts) for the White Sox in '74 and went back to the minors at the end of June.
- The Cincinnati Reds purchased Henderson from the White Sox after the 1974 season.
- Joe pitched for AAA Indianapolis for most of the next three seasons. Henderson was converted to a reliever and had good years in 1975 and in 1976. He was the ERA champion of the American Association in 1976. Joe had two brief stints in Cincinnati in 1976 (2-0, 0.00 ERA in 4 games) and in 1977 (0-2, 12.00 ERA in 7 games).
- After the 1977 season Henderson was sold to the Toronto Blue Jays. He didn't make the club in 1978 and was released. Joe pitched in the Mexican League from 1978-1981.
- Greg Terlecky
- Debut: June 12, 1975
- 1977 Stats:
- Iowa Oaks (AAA): 0-1, 3.75 ERA in 5 games (1 start)
- Columbus Clippers (AAA): 8-5, 4.88 ERA in 19 games (16 starts)
- Other card blogs: none
- Greg Terlecky was a 6'3" 200 lb pitcher who was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1970. Greg put up good numbers in AA in 1971 (3-2, 2.71 ERA in 15 games/12 starts). That would be the best season of his career. Terlecky spent 3 1/2 seasons in AAA (1972-1975) before being called up in the middle of the 1975 season. Terlecky appeared in 20 games for the Cardinals and had an 0-1 record with a 4.45 ERA.
- Terlecky was traded (with Buddy Bradford) to the Chicago White Sox for Lee Richard after the 1975 season. Greg spent the 1976 season with AAA Iowa. He started the 1977 season with Iowa but then moved to the Pittsburgh Pirates organization and pitched for AAA Columbus.
- Greg was back in the Cardinals' organization in 1978 and spent the next two seasons in AAA Springfield. Terlecky didn't get the call back to the majors. He finished his career with two seasons (1980 and 1981) in the Mexican League.
- After his playing career Greg became a financial planner. He is now the managing director for The Principle Financial Group in San Diego.
- Brian Asselstine
- Debut: September 14, 1976
- 1977 Stats:
- Richmond Braves (AAA): .276 in 27 games
- Atlanta Braves: .210 in 83 games
- 1977 Highlights:
- Other card blogs: 1979, Cardboard Gods
- Brian Asselstine was the first round pick of the Atlanta Braves in 1973. Brian worked his way up the ladder from 1973-1976. Asselstine was called up in September 1976 after batting .293 in 122 games for AAA Richmond. Brian batted .212 in 11 games for the Atlanta Braves in 1976.
- Asselstine started the 1977 season with the Braves, but he struggled at the plate. Brian was demoted to Richmond at the end of May and spent the entire month of June there.
- Brian was starting regularly in either CF or RF for the Braves for the first two months of the 1978 season. On May 31 Brian lost a battle with the outfield fence while trying to rob Mike Lum of a home run. Brian broke a bone in his leg and dislocated his ankle. Asselstine was out for the rest of the year. Brian batted .272 in 45 games.
- Asselstine had a hard time coming back in 1979. He played in only 8 games for the Braves (1 for 10) and in 27 games (.276) for Richmond.
- In 1980 Brian was a reserve outfielder and a pinch hitter. Brian batted .284 in 87 games. Asselstine had a similar role in 1981 and batted .256 in 56 games.
- Brian didn't make the Atlanta ballclub in 1982. He was released in late March and took the year off. In 1983 Asselstine tried to come back with the San Francisco Giants. He played for AAA Phoenix and batted .313 in 116 games. But the call to the majors never came and Brian retired after the season.
- Brian is now a contractor in Santa Ynez, CA.
- Wayne Gross
- Debut: August 21, 1976
- 1977 Stats: .233, 22 HR, 63 RBI in 146 games
- 1977 Highlights:
- Other card blogs: 1978, 1980
- Wayne Gross was drafted by the Oakland A's in 1973. He played in the minors from 1973-1976 and batted .222 in 10 games in a late 1976 call-up.
- Gross became the starting third baseman for a depleted Oakland ballclub in 1977. The A's had to send someone to the All Star game (pitcher Vida Blue was injured), so Wayne was selected to his only All Star team. Gross was the team leader in home runs (22) but batted only .233 on the season.
- In 1978 Wayne split time between 3B and 1B. He hit seven home runs and batted .200 in 118 games. He spent a few weeks in the minors during the season.
- Wayne's numbers rebounded a bit in 1979 (.224, 14 HR, 50 RBI in 138 games). He had his best year in 1980, batting .281 with 14 HR and 61 RBI in 113 games.
- Gross slipped to .204 with 10 HR and 31 RBI in 1981. Wayne's home run led the A's to a win in game 1 of the AL Divisional Series. Wayne was 2 for 5 in the ALDS and went 0 for 5 in the AL Championship Series.
- Wayne had slightly better years in 1982 (.251, 9 HR, 41 RBI) and in 1983 (.233, 12 HR, 44 RBI).
- After the 1983 season Wayne was traded to the Baltimore Orioles for pitcher Tim Stoddard. Gross started at 3B for the Orioles in 1984 and had one of his better years (.216, 22 HR, 64 RBI). In 1985 Wayne backed up at 3B and 1B and batted .235 with 11 HR and 18 RBI.
- The Orioles released Gross at the end of spring training in 1986. Wayne signed with the A's and played for AAA Tacoma for most of the season. Gross was recalled to Oakland in September but was hitless in three pinch hitting appearances. Wayne was released after the season.
- Sam Mejias
- Debut: September 6, 1976 (my 10th birthday)
- 1977 Stats: .228 in 74 games
- 1977 Highlights:
- June 5 - Knocked in the go-ahead run in the 7th by hitting a pinch homer as the Expos beat the St. Louis Cardinals 7-5.
- July 4 - Had three hits (a double, a triple, and a home run) to lead the Expos to a 7-6 win over the Chicago Cubs.
- In June 1976 Sam was the player to be named later in a trade with the Montreal Expos for Danny Frisella. He batted .323 for AAA Tulsa during the remainder of the 1976 season and then batted .143 in 18 games for the Cardinals in September.
- After the 1976 season Sam was traded to the Montreal Expos in a multi-player deal. Mejias was used as a pinch hitter and backup outfielder in 1977. He appeared in 74 games but only had 104 plate appearances (.228, 3 HR, 8 RBI).
- Sam's 1978 season resembled his 1977 season, but he played less (.232 in 67 games, 59 plate appearances).
- Mejias was traded to the Chicago Cubs after the 1978 season for Rodney Scott and Jerry White. Sam played in 31 games for the Cubs but only got to the plate 14 times (2 for 11, .182). On July 4 Sam was sold to the Cincinnati Reds. He was assigned to Cincinnati's AAA Indianapolis club but was brought back to the majors in late August (1 for 2 in 7 games).
- The next two seasons followed the pattern Sam had in Montreal. In 1981 he batted .278 in 71 games (117 plate appearances) and in 1982 he batted .286 in 66 games (56 plate appearances).
- The Reds released Mejias during spring training in 1982. Sam played in the Mexican League in 1982 and retired after the season.
- Other card blogs: 1979
- Alvis Woods
- Debut: April 7, 1977
- 1977 Stats: .284, 6 HR, 35 RBI in 122 games
- 1977 Highlights:
- Other card blogs: 1979, 1980, 1983, Cardboard Gods
- Alvis Woods was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in 1972. He spent the next several seasons in the minors and was picked by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 1976 expansion draft.
- Woods made the Blue Jays squad in 1977 and homered in his first major league at bat (which also happened to be Toronto's first game). Alvis was the regular in left field and batted .284 with 6 HR and 35 RBI in 122 games.
- Alvis got off to a rough start in 1978 and was sent to AAA Syracuse for a couple of months. The assignment did Woods some good and he hit better when he came back in July. Alvis batted .241 in 62 games for the Blue Jays in 1978.
- Woods got his starting LF job back in 1979. He batted .278 with 5 HR and 36 RBI in 132 games.
- Alvis had his best offensive year in 1980, batting .300 with 15 HR in 109 games. Woods played in only 8 games in April but he regained his starting job in May.
- The 1981 season was Woods' last one as a starter. He slumped to .247 in 85 games. Woods was the fourth outfielder in 1982 and batted .234 in 85 games. After the 1982 season the Blue Jays traded Woods to the Oakland A's for Cliff Johnson. Alvis was released during spring training in 1983 and signed a minor league contract with the Blue Jays.
- Alvis spent the 1983 and 1984 seasons in Syracuse. Woods was released in 1984. He signed with the Twins and played for AAA Toledo in 1985 and in 1986. Alvis had a couple of short stints with the Twins in 1986 (.321 in 23 games). He retired after the 1986 season.
- Alvis now does appearances for Sports Celebrity Marketing.
- Doug Ault
- Debut: September 9, 1976
- 1977 Stats: .245, 11 HR, 64 RBI in 129 games
- 1977 Highlights:
- Other card blogs: 1979, Cardboard Gods
- Doug Ault was signed by the Texas Rangers in 1973. He was 6'3" tall and weighed 200 pounds. Doug started his playing career at the age of 23. He played in the minors from 1973-1976 and had a good year with AAA Sacramento (.313, 25 HR) in 1976. Ault had a brief stint in Texas at the end of the 1976 season and batted .300 in 9 games.
- Ault was chosen by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 1976 expansion draft. Doug started at first base for most of the 1977 season and batted .245 with 11 HR in 129 games. Ault hit the first home run in Toronto Blue Jays history in the first game of the 1977 season.
- In 1978 Doug backed up at 1B and OF and was a pinch hitter. He batted .240 in 45 games.
- Ault was back in the minors in 1979. He started the 1980 season in AAA and was recalled in June. Doug batted .194 in 64 games. That was it for his major league career.
- Ault played in Japan in 1981. He played for AAA Syracuse and also in the Mexican League in 1982. Doug retired after the 1982 season.
- After his playing career Ault was a coach and a manager in the minor leagues in the 1980s and 1990s. His coaching/managing career was derailed by an addiction to pain killers that he took for a chronically sore shoulder.
- In the 2000s Doug was a car salesman.
- Doug died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound on December 22, 2004. He and his second wife had been having financial and other problems -- she was a obstetrician-gynecologist but she had lost her medical license in Florida in 2002 due mainly to a drug and alcohol addiction.
- Rich Dauer
- Debut: September 11, 1976
- 1977 Stats: .243, 5 HR, 25 RBI in 96 games
- 1977 Highlights:
- Other card blogs: 1979, 1980, 1983, 1985, 1986
- Rich Dauer first appeared on the baseball scene with the USC Trojans. He helped them to two College World Series victories in 1973 and in 1974. Dauer was the #1 draft pick of the Baltimore Orioles in 1974. He spent some time in the minors from 1974-1976 and had a great year for AAA Rochester in 1976 (.336 in 132 games). Rich earned a September call-up in 1976 (.103 in 11 games).
- In 1977 Dauer split time with Billy Smith at second base. Rich had a bit more offense (.243 to Smith's .215). The two players were used similarly in the next two seasons, but Dauer started to get larger and larger shares of the playing time. Rich batted .264 in 133 games in 1978 and .257 in 142 games in 1979. Dauer batted .182 (2 for 11) in the 1979 AL Championship Series and .294 (5 for 17) in the World Series. Rich holds the record for consecutive errorless games at second base (82 in 1978).
- Rich became the full-time second baseman for the Orioles in 1980. Dauer batted .284 in 152 games in 1980 and .263 in 96 games in the strike-shortened 1981 season.
- Dauer had his best season in 1982, batting .280 with a career-high 8 home runs.
- Rich slumped to .235 in 1983. He went 0 for 14 in the AL Championship Series and batted .211 (4 for 19) in the World Series.
- Dauer's last year as a full-time player was in 1984. He batted .257 in 127 games.
- Rich lost his 2B job to Alan Wiggins toward the end of the 1985 season. Dauer batted .202 in 85 games and became a free agent at the end of the season.
- After his playing career Rich was a coach and a manager in the minor leagues. He was a coach for four major league teams as well. Dauer is now the manager of the AA San Antonio Missions (San Diego Padres affiliate).
- Orlando Gonzalez
- Debut: June 7, 1976
- 1977 Stats:
- Toledo Mud Hens (AAA): .306, 1 HR, 43 RBI
- Other card blogs: none
- Orlando Gonzalez was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in 1974. He spent most of his career in the minors. Gonzalez put up good numbers in the minors -- his lowest average was .279 in 1974. He didn't have power, but he had good batting averages and was a pretty good base stealer.
- Orlando had a brief look at the end of the 1976 season and batted .250 in 28 games.
- Gonzalez was not satisfied with his contract offer for the 1977 season and was a holdout. Indians owner Phil Seghi renewed Orlando's (and several other player's) contract at a 20% pay cut in early March. He spent the 1977 season in AAA Toledo and batted .306 with 28 stolen bases.
- After the 1977 season Gonzalez became a free agent and signed with the Philadelphia Phillies. He played in AAA Oklahoma City until mid-July and then was called up to the Phillies. Orlando was mostly used as an outfield defensive replacement and a pinch hitter. Gonzalez batted .192 in 26 games and struck out in his only at bat in the NL Championship Series.
- Orlando was in Oklahoma City for the entire 1979 season. In 1980 Gonzalez was in Oklahoma City until July 25, when the Phillies sold him to the Oakland A's. The A's brought Orlando up to the majors and he batted .243 in 25 games.
- Gonzalez was released by the A's at the end of spring training in 1981.
- Phil Mankowski
- Debut: August 30, 1976
- 1977 Stats: .276, 3 HR, 27 RBI in 94 games
- 1977 Highlights:
- Other card blogs: 1979, 1980, Cardboard Gods
- Phil Mankowski was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 1970. Phil spent six seasons (1971-1976) in the minors before coming up at the end of the 1976 season. In 1976 Mankowski started at third base for the Tigers for about a month and batted .271 in 24 games.
- Mankowski backed up at 3B and 2B for the Tigers in 1977, batting .276 in 94 games.
- Phil had a similar role in 1978 (.275 in 88 games) and in 1979 (.222 in 42 games). After the 1979 season Mankowski was traded (with Jerry Morales) to the New York Mets for Richie Hebner.
- Mankowski was hurt for much of the 1980 season. He had tendonitis in his right shoulder and missed May, June, and much of July. The Mets sent Phil to their AAA Tidewater club in July on a rehab assignment. Phil was reactivated in late September. He batted .167 in eight games in 1980.
- Phil didn't make the Mets in 1981 and was assigned to Tidewater. He played in only 55 games in 1981. I'm not sure, but I think that may have been due to the major league strike.
- Mankowski started the 1982 season in Tidewater. He had a brief stint with the Mets in June/July and batted .229 in 13 games. Phil retired after the 1982 season.
- In 1984 The Natural was filmed in Phil's hometown of Buffalo, NY. Phil was in the movie -- his major scene was when he gazing in the stands at an attractive female and a ball hit him below the belt.
- Mankowski was named to the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.
- 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.
- Bob Bailor
- Debut: September 6, 1975
- 1977 Stats: .310, 5 HR, 32 RBI in 122 games
- 1977 Highlights:
- Other card blogs: 1979, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986
- Bob Bailor was signed by the Baltimore Orioles in 1969.
- Bob played in the minors from 1970-1976, spending the last four of those seasons in AAA Rochester. He had two brief trials with the Orioles in 1975 (1 for 7 in 5 games) and in 1976 (2 for 6 in 9 games)
- Bailor was the first player picked by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 1976 expansion draft.
- In 1977 Bailor didn't have a regular position, but he led the Blue Jays in hits, stolen bases, and runs scored. Bob actually appeared in more games as an outfielder than he did as a shortstop.
- For the next two seasons Bailor was the main starter in right field. In 1978 he batted .264 in 154 games and in 1979 Bob batted .229 in 130 games.
- Bailor lost his starting right fielder job to Lloyd Moseby in 1980 and was used as a fourth outfielder and a utility man. He batted .236 in 117 games. After the 1980 season Bob was traded to the New York Mets for Roy Lee Jackson.
- Bob played five different positions for the Mets in each of the three seasons he spent there. In 1981 Bob batted .284 in 51 games. Bailor batted .277 in 110 games in 1982 and in 1983 he batted .250 in 118 games.
- After the 1983 season Bailor was traded (with Carlos Diaz) to the New York Mets for Sid Fernandez and Ross Jones.
- Bailor spent his last two season with the Dodgers. In 1984 Bob batted .275 in 65 games and in 1985 he batted .246 in 74 games. Bailor missed the first month of the 1984 season with a shoulder injury and he had knee surgery in August that shelved him for the rest of the year.
- Bailor was released during spring training in 1986. After his retirement Bob coached and managed in the minors for a few years. Bailor coached with the Blue Jays from 1992-1995.
- Kiko Garcia
- Debut: September 11, 1976
- 1977 Stats: .221, 2 HR in 65 games
- 1977 Highlights:
- Other card blogs: 1979, 1980, 1983, 1985
- Kiko Garcia was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 1971. He played in the minors from 1971-1976. Kiko was called up in September 1976 and batted .219 in 11 games.
- In 1977 (.221 in 65 games) and in 1978 (.263 in 79 games) Garcia backed up Mark Belanger at shortstop.
- Kiko won the starting shortstop job in 1979 and batted .247 in 126 games. Garcia batted .273 (3 for 11) in the AL Championship Series and batted .400 (8 for 20) in the World Series.
- Garcia split time with Belanger at shortstop in 1980. His offensive numbers slipped -- Kiko batted .199 in 111 games.
- During spring training in 1981 the Orioles traded Kiko to the Houston Astros for Chris Bourjos and cash. Garcia was a utility infielder for the Astros in 1981 (.272 in 48 games) and in 1982 (.211 in 34 games).
- After the 1982 season Kiko became a free agent. He signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies' AAA Portland club during spring training in 1983. After Garcia batted .345 in 35 games, the Phillies bought his contract in mid-May. Kiko played well for the Phillies as a utility man (.288 in 84 games) but he didn't appear in the post season.
- Garcia batted .233 in 57 games in 1984.
- Kiko was released and then re-signed in early April 1985. He wasn't used much (0 for 3 in four games) and he was released again in mid-May.
- After his retirement Garcia went into coaching high school and travel baseball teams in California. He is now the president of KG Hitters.
- Craig Reynolds
- Debut: August 1, 1975
- 1977 Stats: .248, 4 HR, 28 RBI in 135 games
- 1977 Highlights:
- Other card blogs: 1976, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1988
- Craig Reynolds actually played for the Seattle Mariners in 1977. Craig was traded (with Jimmy Sexton) to the Mariners for Grant Jackson in December 1976.
- Reynolds was given a chance to play for the expansion Mariners and was their starting shortstop.
- Alex Taveras
- Debut: September 9, 1976
- 1977 Stats:
- Columbus Astros (AA) - .216 in 49 games
- Charleston Charlies (AAA) - .149 in 47 games
- 1977 Highlights:
- Other card blogs: none
- Alex Taveras was signed by the Houston Astros from the Dominican Republic in 1974. Taveras played in the minors from 1974-1976 and then batted .217 in 14 games as a September call-up in 1976.
- Taveras split the 1977 season between AA and AAA. He didn't hit well at either level and was traded (with Bob Detherage) to the LA Dodgers for Danny Walton
- Alex spent the next seven seasons (1978-1984) shuttling between AA San Antonio and AAA Albuquerque. Taveras had brief stints with the Dodgers in 1982 (1 for 3 in 11 games) and in 1983 (0 for 4 in 10 games).
- In 1985 Alex played for AAA Buffalo (Chicago White Sox organization). Taveras batted .218 in 109 games and retired after the season.
- Alex currently coaches for Aguilas Cibaenas of the Dominican Winter League.
