1977 Topps Baesball #33 - Wayne Garland

• After having a career year (20-7, 2.67 ERA) for the Baltimore Orioles in 1976, Wayne Garland signed one of the first big free agent contracts on November 18, 1977. It was a 10-year, $2.3 million deal.
• Wayne was never able to live up to the big deal. He led the AL with 19 losses in 1977 and injuries shortened his career.
• 1977 stats:
• 13-19, 3.60 ERA, 38 starts, 21 complete games
• He did all of that while trying to pitch through a rotator cuff injury that would require surgery in 1978.
• 1977 highlights:
• June 23 - Shut out the Toronto Blue Jays on four hits. It was Cleveland's sixth straight win since Dave Garcia took over as manager.
• Aug 10 - Allowed one run and five hits in a complete game victory over the Chicago White Sox
• Sept 29 - Went the distance as the Indians beat the New York Yankees 4-1, preventing the Yankees from clinching the AL West.
• Other baseball card blogs: 1980, 1979, 1976, 1975 (Orioles Card "O" the Day)