1977 Topps Baseball #502 - Randy Hundley

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• This was Randy Hundley's final season as a player. Hundley was the Cubs' bullpen coach and made two playing appearances in September. Randy was released after the season.
• 1977 Stats: .000 (0 for 4) in 2 games.
• Other card blogs: 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976

1977 Topps Baseball #493 - Rookie Pitchers - Mike Krukow / Jim Otten / Gary Wheelock / Mike Willis

• Mike Krukow
• Debut: September 6, 1976
• 1977 Stats: 8-14, 4.40 ERA in 34 games (33 starts)
• 1977  Highlights:
• May 6 - Earned his first major league victory by allowing 2 runs in 7 1/3 innings. The Cubs beat the Atlanta Braves 7-2.
• Aug 19 - Allowed two runs in seven innings and got the win as the Cubs beat the LA Dodgers 6-2.
• 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:
• April 14 - Earned his second win by allowing 3 runs in 8 innings as the Mariners beat the Minnesota Twins 4-3.
• July 23 - Pitched a complete game and earned the win as the Mariners beat the Oakland A's 10-3.
• 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.

1977 Topps Baseball #501 - Jim Bibby

• Jim Bibby was the third starter for the Cleveland Indians in 1977. Jim made some occasional relief appearances between starts.
• During spring training in 1978 Bibby was declared a free agent due to breach of contract. The Indians failed to pay him an incentive bonus. Jim eventually signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
• Jim Bibby's SABR biography
• 1977 Stats: 12-13, 2 saves, 3.57 ERA in 37 games (30 starts)
• 1977 Highlights:
• March 28 - Not exactly a highlight -- Jim gave up 11 earned runs and 12 hits in less than two innings pitched in a spring training game against the Milwaukee Brewers. The game was played in a stiff breeze and the final score was Milwaukee 16, Cleveland 9. Good thing spring training games don't count!
• May 22 - Gave up one run on seven hits in a complete game 7-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals.
• June 24 - Went the distance and allowed two runs on eight hits as the Indians beat the Detroit Tigers 4-2.
• Other card blogs: 1972, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1979, 1980, 1983

1977 Topps Baseball #500 - Dave Kingman

• If Topps would have done a traded set, they would have had a lot of fun keeping up with Mr. Kingman in 1977. Dave played for four different teams in 1977, one in each division.
• On June 15 Kingman was traded from the Mets to the San Diego Padres for Paul Siebert and Bobby Valentine. Dave was waived on September 6 and selected by the California Angels. Kingman was unsigned for 1977 and the Padres wanted to at least get something for him (they ended up getting the waiver price of $20,000). Nine days later Dave was sent to the New York Yankees for Randy Stein and cash. 
• After the 1977 season Kingman became a free agent and signed with the Chicago Cubs.
• 1977 Stats:
• TOTAL: .221, 26 HR, 78 RBI in 132 games
• New York Mets: .209, 9 HR, 28 RBI in 58 games
• San Diego Padres: .238, 11 HR, 39 RBI in 56 games
• California Angels: .194, 2 HR, 4 RBI in 10 games
• New York Yankees: .250, 4 HR, 7 RBI in 8 games
• 1977 Highlights:
• Aug 5 - Hit two home runs (including a grand slam) and had 7 RBI as the Padres beat the Chicago Cubs 11-8.
• Sept 18 - Hit his second home run in two days to help the Yankees beat the Detroit Tigers 6-5.
• Other card blogs: 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1976, 1979, 1980, 1980, 1983, 1985, 1986

1977 Topps Baseball #492 - Rookie Outfielders - Tony Armas / Steve Kemp / Carlos Lopez / Gary Woods

• Tony Armas
• Debut: September 6, 1976
• 1977 Stats: 
• Oakland A's: .240, 13 HR, 53 RBI in 118 games
• 1977 Highlights:
• Sept 11 - Knocked in three runs with a home run and a double to help the A's beat the Milwaukee Brewers 5-3.
• 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:
• April 12 - Hit a 3-run home run to help the Tigers beat the Toronto Blue Jays 6-1. It was his first major league home run.
• July 11 - Singled in the winning run in the 7th inning of Detroit's 9-7 win over the Blue Jays.
• 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:
• May 3 - Had three hits, three RBI, and three runs scored to help the Mariners to a 10-8 win over the Boston Red Sox
• June 8 - Hit a 2-run homer to lead the Mariners to a 3-2 win over the Detroit Tigers.
• 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:
• Sept 7 - Singled in the winning run in the sixth inning of Toronto's 3-2 victory over the Boston Red Sox.
• 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"

1977 Topps Baseball #491 - Rookie Pitchers - Mike Dupree / Denny Martinez / Craig Mitchell / Bob Sykes

• Mike Dupree
• Debut: April 13, 1976
• 1977 Stats:
• Hawaii Islanders: 3-5, 5 saves, 4.27 ERA in 36 games (3 starts); .352 average in 70 games (108 at bats)
• 1977 Highlights:
• Aug 29- As a DH he went 2 for 3 with a run scored and a run batted in to help Hawaii beat Spokane 5-3.
• Other card blogs: none
•  Mike Dupree was drafted by the San Diego Padres in 1973. He was an outfielder and a first baseman in the minors from 1973-1975. Mike tried out pitching in AA in 1975 and was 5-0 with a 2.18 ERA in 14 games.
• Dupree made the San Diego club in 1976, but he didn't have much success in the majors. Mike spent one month with the Padres and had a 9.19 ERA in 12 games. Dupree was sent back to AAA in mid-May.
• Dupree pitched for the AAA Hawaii Islanders from 1976 through the 1979 season. He spent more time in the outfield and at DH than he did on the mound.
• In 1980 Dupree played in Japan. That was it for his professional baseball career.
• Denny Martinez
• Debut: September 14, 1976
• 1977 Stats: 14-7, 4 saves, 4.10 ERA in 42 games (13 starts)
• 1977 Highlights:
• May 25 - Allowed two runs (one unearned) in a complete game 4-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals.
• June 14 - Pitched the 10th and 11th innings and allowed one unearned run to earn the win as Baltimore beat the Milwaukee Brewers 8-5.
• Other card blogs: 1979, 1980, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1988
• Dennis Martinez enjoyed a 23-year career as a major league pitcher. Martinez was signed by the Baltimore Orioles from his native Nicaraugua in 1973. Dennis rose quickly through the crowded Baltimore farm system. He had a brief trial in 1976 (1-2, 2.60 ERA in 4 games/2 starts) and then joined the Oriole staff full time in 1977.
• Martinez had several good seasons with the Orioles, especially in 1979 (AL leader in complete games) and in 1981 (AL leader in wins)
• Dennis had some injury problems in 1980 (missed about 2 months with tendonitits). He wasn't as effective in his final few seasons in Baltimore. After the 1983 season Martinez underwent an 8-week treatment program for alcoholsim. During the 1986 season Dennis was traded with John Stenfro to the Montreal Expos for Rene Gonzalez.
• In 1987 Martinez had a huge revival as a pitcher. Dennis had six good years with the Expos from 1987-1992, including three All Star selections and an ERA title in 1991. On July 28, 1991 Martinez pitched a perfect game against the LA Dodgers.
• Dennis' stats fell off a bit in 1993. After the 1993 season Martinez became a free agent and signed with the Cleveland Indians. Dennis pitched for the Indians from 1993-1996. He had some injury problems in 1996 and after the season he became a free agent and signed with the Seattle Mariners. After struggling with the Mariners in 1997, Dennis retired after being released in  June. The next season Martinez signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves. Dennis won a job with the Braves, broke the record for the all-time winningest Latin-American pitcher, then retired at the age of 44 with 245 career victories.
• Dennis is now the bullpen coach for the Houston Astros.
• Craig Mitchell
• Debut: September 25, 1975
• 1977 Stats:
• San Jose Missions (AAA): 10-11, 1 save, 4.48 ERA in 32 games (30 starts)
• Oakland A's: 0-1, 7.94 ERA in 3 games (1 start)
• 1977 Highlights:
• July 8: Pitched a complete game shutout against the Phoenix Giants.
• Other card blogs: 1976.
• Craig Mitchell was drafted by the Oakland A's in 1973. He spent most of his career in the minors. Mitchell had brief stints with the A's in 1975 (0-1, 12.27 ERA in 1 start), 1976 (2.70 ERA in 1 game) and in 1977 (0-1, 7.94 ERA in 3 games).
• Mitchell pitched in AAA through the 1979 season.
• Bob Sykes
• Debut: April 9, 1977
• 1977 Stats: 5-7, 4.41 ERA in 32 games (20 starts)
• 1977 Highlights:
• July 24: Allowed two runs in a 6-2 complete game victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.
• Aug 15: Pitched a complete game and got the win as the Tigers hammered the Seattle Mariners 13-1.
• Other card blogs: 1979, 1980
• Bob Sykes was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 1974. Bob was 11-0 in Rookie League ball in 1974. He pitched in the minors in 1975 and in 1976.
• Sykes made the Detroit roster in 1977 because Mark Fidrych was to start the season on the disabled list. Bob managed to stay with the Tigers for the entire season. Bob split time between the bullpen and the starting rotation, going 5-7 with a 4.41 ERA in 32 games (20 starts).
• Bob spent the first month of the 1978 season in AAA Evansville. He was brought up to the Tigers after winning all four of his starts in Evansville (4-0, 1.41 ERA). Sykes was a spot starter and a long man for Detroit in 1978 (6-6, 2 saves, 3.94 ERA in 22 games /10 starts).
• After the 1978 season Sykes was traded with a minor leaguer to the St. Louis Cardinals for Jerry Morales and Aurelio Lopez.
• Sykes had a tough time for the Cardinals in 1979. Bob was in the starting rotation until mid-June, but he went down with a blood clot in his shoulder. Bob rehabbed in the minors and then came back to the Cardinals to pitch in two games in September. Overall Bob was 4-3 with a 6.18 ERA in 13 games (11 starts).
• Bob stayed with the Cardinals for all of 1980 (6-10, 4.64 ERA in 27 games/19 starts) and 1981 (2-0, 4.58 ERA in 22 games/1 start). Sykes was the Cardinals' player rep in 1981 during the strike.
• After the 1981 season Sykes was traded to the New York Yankees for Willie McGee. It was thought to be a minor deal at the time, but McGee paid big dividends for the Cardinals in their World Championship season in 1982. Bob spent the 1982 season on the disabled list and in the minors. Sykes retired after the 1982 season.

1977 Topps Baseball #499 - Pablo Torrealba

• Pablo Torrealba was sold to the Oakland A's in late March 1977. Pablo was a reliever until late July. He was placed in the rotation and made ten starts between July 24 and the end of the season. Torrealba had a 1.80 ERA as late as September 10, but he allowed some runs in his last few starts and the ERA went up to 2.62.
• 1977 Stats:
• Oakland A's: 4-6, 2 saves, 2.62 ERA in 41 games (10 starts)
• 1977 Highlights:
• June 14 - Earned the victory by pitching 2 2/3 shutout innings as the A's beat the Seattle Mariners 6-3.
• Aug 26 - Pitched 4 2/3 innings of shutout ball to earn the win as the A's beat the Toronto Blue Jays 8-4.
• Other card blogs: 1976, 1978, 1979

1977 Topps Baseball #498 - Sal Bando

• After the 1976 season Sal Bando joined the exodus of players from the Oakland A's and signed a 5-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. Sal displaced Don Money from the starting third base job, but Money got plenty of playing time by playing several different positions. Bando was a solid starter for his first two seasons in Milwaukee but by 1979 he started to slow down.
• 1977 Stats: .250, 17 HR, 82 RBI in  159 games
• 1977 Highlights:
• June 24 - Hit a 2-run homer and knocked in three runs in all as the Brewers beat the Seattle Mariners 7-1.
• Aug 23 - Homered to help the Brewers beat the Texas Rangers 3-1.
• Other card blogs: 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1980

1977 Topps Baseball #490 - Rookie Shortstops - Billy Almon / Mickey Klutts / Tommy McMillan / Mark Wagner

• Billy Almon
• Debut: September 2, 1974
• 1977 Stats: .261 in 155 games
• 1977 Highlights:
• Aug 7: Had three hits and 2 RBI to help the Padres beat the Chicago Cubs 8-6.
• Aug 17: Singled, doubled, homered, and had 5 RBI in San Diego's 7-4 win over the Cincinnati Reds
• 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.

1977 Topps Baseball #497 - Clay Carroll

• Clay Carroll was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals for Lerrin LaGrow during spring training in 1977. Clay spent most of the year with the Cards but the White Sox reacquired him on August 31 for Nyls Nyman, Dave Hamilton, and Silvio Martinez. The White Sox needed arms for the stretch drive. Clay pitched well for the Cardinals in 1977, but he was roughed up a bit in September when he pitched for the White Sox.
• 1977 Stats:
• St. Louis Cardinals: 4-2, 4 saves, 2.50 ERA in 51 games (1 start)
• Chicago White Sox: 1-3, 1 save, 4.76 ERA in 8 games
• 1977 Highlights:
• May 14 - Picked up the win in relief of starter Pete Falcone by pitching 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief. The Cardinals beat the Atlanta Braves 7-6.
• May 21 - Pitched four innings and got the save as the Cardinals beat the San Francisco Giants 8-5.
• Other card blogs: 1976, 1976, 1976 Kellogg's, 1975, 1974, 1973, 1973, 1972, 1971, 1970, 1969, 1968, 1967, 1966, 1965

1977 Topps Baseball #488 - Rookie Outfielders - Jack Clark / Ruppert Jones / Lee Mazzilli / Dan Thomas

• Jack Clark
• Debut: September 12, 1975
• 1977 Stats: .252, 13 HR, 51 RBI in 136 games
• 1977 Highlights:
• June 8: Homered and doubled to lead the Giants to a 3-2 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
• Aug 23 - Scored the winning run in the 13th inning as the Giants beat the Chicago Cubs 4-3.
• 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.

1977 Topps Baseball #496 - Gary Thomasson

• For various reasons time has been an issue with me lately. For the next couple of weeks I'm going to skip around and do posts on cards that I already have scanned (mostly SF Giants). Hopefully in a few weeks I'll be able to scan the other cards and get back to normal.
• This was Gary Thomasson's last year as a Giant and it was also his best. Gary was the regular left fielder and set career highs in most categories.
• During spring training in 1978 Thomasson was included in the big trade that the Giants pulled off with the Oakland A's to acquire Vida Blue
• 1977 Stats: .256, 17 HR, 71  RBI in 145 games
• 1977 Highlights: 
• May 25 - Hit a 3-run home run  off of the rim of the upper right field grandstand at Candlestick Park in the first inning to help the Giants beat the Cincinnati Reds 6-5.
• Sept 26 - Went 3 for 4 with a home run and 4 RBI as the Giants beat the LA Dodgers 9-1.
• Other card blogs: 1974, 1975, 1976, 1979, 1980

1977 Topps Baseball #489 - 1977 Rookie Pitchers - Len Barker / Randy Lerch / Greg Minton / Mike Overy

• Len Barker
• Debut: September 14, 1976
• 1977 Stats:
• Texas Rangers: 4-1, 1 save, 2.66 ERA in 15 games (3 starts)
• Tucson Toros (AAA): 9-7, 5.70 ERA in 20 starts
• 1977 Highlights:
• July 15 - Pitched five innings and got his first win of the season as the Rangers beat the Cleveland Indains 8-1.
• Other card blogs: 1979, 1980, 1983, 1985, 1986
• Len Barker was drafted by the Texas Rangers in 1973 at the age of 17. He pitched in the  minors exclusively from 1973-1975 and then got a September call-up in 1976 (1-0, 2.40 ERA in 2 starts).
• Barker started the 1977 season in the minors, was called up in July, sent back down in August, and then finished the season with the Rangers in September. Len was 4-1 with 1 save and had a 2.66 ERA in 15 games (2 starts).
• In 1978 Barker was used as a reliever by the Rangers. He started the season with Texas and then was sent down for about five weeks in May/June. Len then came back to the Rangers and finished hte season with them. Barker was 1-5 with 4 saves and had an ERA of 4.82 in 29 games.
• After the 1978 season Len was traded with Bobby Bonds to the Cleveland Indians for Jim Kern and Larvell Blanks. In 1979 Barker was a reliever until June and then went into the Cleveland starting rotation. Len was a starter (except for a few spot relief appearances) for the rest of his career. Barker went 6-6 and had a 4.92 ERA in 29 games (19 starts).
• Barker had his best year in 1980. He led the AL with 187 strikeouts and was 19-7 with a 4.17 ERA in 36 starts.
• Len made the AL All Star team in 1981 (he pitched two scoreless innings). His stats didn't exactly reflect this All Star status - Len was 8-7 with a 3.91 ERA in 22 starts and led the AL with 127 strikeouts. On May 15, 1981 Barker pitched a perfect game against the Toronto Blue Jays.
• A video of the last part of Len's 1981 perfect game is above. For some reason blogger kept putting the video up there instead of down here where I wanted it.
• Despite a high (3.90) ERA, Len had a solid year in 1982, going 15-11 in 33 starts.
• In 1983 Barker was with Cleveland for the first part of the season (8-13, 5.11 ERA). He was traded to the Atlanta Braves on August 28 for $150,000 and players to be named later. The players were Rick Behenna, Brett Butler, and Brook Jacoby. The Braves wanted Len for the stretch run. Barker started six games for the Braves and was 1-3 with a 3.82 ERA.
• After the 1983 season Barker signed a big 5-year, $4.5 million contract with the Braves. 
• Len started to have arm problems in 1984. He only pitched until late July in 1984 (7-8, 3.85 ERA in 21 games/20 starts) and then had elbow surgery. The 1985 season was Barker's last full season in the majors. He was 2-9 with a 6.35 ERA in 20 games (18 starts) and had a stint on the disabled list.
• Barker struggled in spring training in 1986. Len was released at the end of spring training and the Braves ate the rest of his contract. Barker signed with the Montreal Expos. He pitched in the minors in 1986 but he didn't make the club in 198s and was cut at the end of spring training.
• Len signed with the Milwaukee Brewers and started 11 games for them in 1987 (2-1, 5.36 ERA).
• After his playing career Barker had a construction business. He is now the coach of the Division II Notre Dame College baseball team.
• Here is a "where are they now" article about Barker published in 2009.
• Randy Lerch
• Debut: September 14, 1975
• 1977 Stats: 10-6, 5.07 ERA in 32 games (28 starts)
• 1977 Highlights:
• May 16 - Won his fifth game of the year. Randy allowed three earned runs in seven innings pitched as the Phillies beat the LA Dodgers 10-6.
• July 12 - Finally won his sixth game after 10 no-decisions in a row. Manager Danny Ozark stayed with Lerch during a tie game in the 8th inning and the Phillies rallied in the 9th to beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-4. Randy went the distance for the win.
• Other card blogs: 1976, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1985
• Randy Lerch had his rookie season in 1977 after brief trials in 1975 and in 1976. The 22-year-old rookie was the third starter for the NL East Champion Phillies, but he wasn't used in the postseason.
• Greg Minton
• Debut: September 7, 1975
• 1977 Stats:
• Phoenix Giants (AAA): 14-6, 4 saves, 4.86 ERA in 26 games (20 starts)
• San Francisco Giants: 1-1, 4.50 ERA in 2 starts
• 1977 Highlights:
• Sept 21 - Earned his only win of the season by allowing 4 runs in 7 innings as the Giants beat the LA Dodgers 5-4.
• Other card blogs: 1979, 1980, 1983, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1988, A Giant Blog, Cardboard Gods
• Greg Minton was originally drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 1970. He pitched in the Royals' system from 1970-1973 before being traded to the San Francisco Giants for Fran Healy.
• Minton pitched in the Giants' system for the next few seasons. Greg had short stints with the Giants in 1975 (1-1, 6.88 ERA in 4 games/2 starts), 1976 (0-1, 4.93 ERA in 10 games/2 starts), and in 1977 (1-1, 4.50 ERA in 2 starts).
• Greg's career seemed to be topping out in 1978. He went back and forth between AAA Phoenix and the Giants. Greg had a few rough outings in August and September which caused his ERA to balloon. Minton ended up with an 0-1 record and an 8.04 ERA in 11 games. 
• In 1979 Greg had an injury and decided to alter his pitching motion. The change resulted in a much improved sinkerball and Minton started to find success. From 1979-1981 Minton didn't allow a single home run. Greg teamed with lefty Gary Lavelle to form a great lefty/righty closer combination for the Giants.
• 1979 - 4-3, 4 saves, 1.81 ERA in 46 games
• 1980 - 4-6, 19 saves, 2.46 ERA in 68 games
• 1981 - 4-5, 21 saves, 2.88 ERA in 55 games
• 1982 - 10-4, 30 saves, 1.83 ERA in 78 games.
• Minton made his only All Star team in 1982 (he walked one batter in 2/3 of an inning). He also finished 6th in NL Cy Young Award balloting and 8th in NL MVP voting.
• Starting in 1983 Greg wasn't as effective. He started to hear some boos at Candlestick Park from the few people who still attended games. 
• 1983 - 7-11, 22 saves, 3.54 ERA in 73 games
• 1984 - 4-9, 19 saves, 3.76 ERA in 74 games (1 start)
• 1985 - 5-4, 4 saves, 3.54 ERA in 68 games
• 1986 - 4-4, 5 saves, 3.93 ERA in 48 games
• Minton started the 1987 season with the Giants (1-0, 1 save, 3.47 ERA in 15 games). The Giants released Greg on May 28. Minton signed with the California Angels and had a few good seasons with them, especially in 1989.
• 1987 - 5-4, 10 saves, 3.08 ERA in 41 games
• 1988 - 4-5, 7 saves, 2.85 ERA in 44 games
• 1989 - 4-3, 8 saves, 2.20 ERA in 62 games
• In 1990 Minton had some injuries. He was still an effective pitcher but the injuries limited him to 11 games (1-1, 2.35 ERA). Greg retired after the 1990 season.
• Minton was nicknamed "Moon Man." He was known for his practical jokes and his enjoyment of hobbies such as deep sea fishing that weren't typical hobbies for atheletes.
• After his playing career Greg did some coaching and then was the General Manager at Extra Innings East Valley, a batting cage and sports instruction center in Arizona.
• Mike Overy
• Debut: August 14, 1976
• 1977 Stats:
• Salt Lake City Gulls (AAA): 7-5, 8 saves, 4.33 ERA in 39 games (12 starts)
• Other card blogs: none
• Mike Overy was drafted by the California Angels in 1973. Overy was used almost exclusively as a reliever as he moved up the Angels system from 1973-1976. Mike was called up in early August 1976 to replace the injured Bobby Bonds. Overy appeared in five games for the Angels and was 0-2 with a 6.14 ERA.
• That was Mike's only experience in the major leagues. Overy was a fixture for the AAA Salt Lake City Gulls, pitching there from 1976-1980. Mike retired after the 1980 season.