#361 Wayne Garland

Who is this player?
Wayne Garland, starting pitcher, Cleveland Indians
The 1980 season for Wayne Garland began much as the previous three; frustrating and in pain. So much so, that as Spring Training wore on, his future with the Cleveland Indians seemed questionable. Likely due to his historic contract, Wayne earned the final spot on the Indians' staff and was used sporadically to start the season. He even tried adding a knuckleball to his repertoire in an effort to earn a spot back in the starting rotation. Garland was given his first start on June 16th and he responded with a complete game victory against the Chicago White Sox. Three weeks later, he fired a two-hit shutout against the New York Yankees before 73,096. Naturally, the optimists hailed a return to form, but Garland was still cautious. He was unable to build upon these performances and lost his final five decisions of the season. Garland finished 1980 with a 6-9 record and a 4.61 ERA.

A native of Nashville, Tennessee, Wayne Garland was drafted as a 18-year old graduate of Cohn High School by the Baltimore Orioles in 1969. During this period, the Orioles farm system was one of the finest in Major League Baseball, with an emphasis on signing and developing young pitchers. Garland was certainly no exception. He had a fabulous 1971 season at Double-A Dallas-Fort Worth, winning 19 games, posting a 1.71 ERA and leading the Spurs to the Junior World Series. However, he was unable to crack the Orioles deep pitching staff during a times when the O's owned the American League East. When he fired a no-hitter at Triple-A Rochester early in the 1974 season, he was brought up to the Orioles for good.

Wayne spent the 1974 and 1975 seasons in the Orioles bullpen, occasionally given a shot as a spot starter and occasionally earning a save or two. More importantly, Garland established a pattern by hiring an agent and not quickly signing a contract for 1974 as well as 1975. At this time in the game's history, players who had agents were treated with skepticism and criticism by management. By the time 1976 rolled around, Garland again did not sign a contract and since he was not an integral part of the Orioles, it did not appear to be their top priority.

As is now well known, Garland took advantage of the opportunity presented to him in 1976 when the Orioles had a shortage of starting pitchers early in the season. He would go on to win 20 games and post a 2.67 ERA and was among the league leaders in nearly every pitching category. At 25 years old, the righthanded Garland was widely acknowledged as as a coming star and since he finished 1976 without a contract, one of the most desirable free agents. Free agency was new that winter and was by no means as routine as it was today. What happened would stun the media, the baseball world and even Garland himself.

The Cleveland Indians signed Garland to a $2.3 million dollar contract for ten years and the entire landscape changed for major league baseball. Although most point to this contract as an example of free agent "busts" Garland blazed a new trail that generations following him would benefit from. As he often said that year and after why would he turn it down?

However, Garland received criticism from the moment he signed the deal, even from former teammates such as Jim Palmer. He was even criticized for wearing number 23, which was a constant, unfortunate reminder of his contract. Needless to say he was eager to prove that he was "worth it." Unbeknownst at the time, Garland suffered a shoulder injury in his first Spring Training game with the Indians. It was later revealed that he tore his rotator cuff, a death knell for pitchers during this era. Nonetheless, he played through the injury, trying to earn his contract; pitching 282 inning with 21 complete games. However, his cast behind him in Cleveland wasn't the same as Baltimore and he lost 19 games.

The following year, he attempted to again pitch through the pain until he succumbed to surgery. Instead of taking time off to heal, he returned 10 months after surgery in what proved to be a mistake as he never again was able to pitch consistently effectively. It was a testament to his will and courage that he was even able to return to pitch at all even with the added pressure of "the contract" and the fans of Cleveland which by now had grown impatient. So too did Cleveland management, who released him after the 1981 season, effectively ending his 9-year career. He attempted a comeback with Nashville in the Yankees organization, working on his knuckleball with Hoyt Wilhelm. Eventually though, Garland decided to retire outright.

Garland worked in the Milwaukee Brewers farm system as a coach and was named the head coach at Aquinas Junior College in Nashville in 1984. He also coached in the Cincinnati Reds organization. However, health issues continued to plague Garland as six back surgeries by 2003 curtailed his coaching career as well. Today, Wayne Garland is living the Lakeland, Florida area.

Why I love this card
I have mentioned this before, but this card reminds me of Sunday, August 24, 1980. My grandpa had been sick for some time and died that day. I had just bought a pack at the 7-11 and was sitting on the curb with some buddies and this card was inside. My dad and uncle came around the corner in my dad's huge 1978 Buick and gave me the "better get home" look. There are a handful of cards from this pack that I associate with that day and Garland is one. Sorry to be so morbid, but Garland reminds me of Grandpa today.

Something else....
Three of the top pitchers in 1976 were Mark Fidrych, Randy Jones and Wayne Garland. Before Opening Day 1977, all three would have suffered injuries that significantly shortened and ultimately ended their careers. Interesting to ponder what the late 1970s would have been like had all three remained healthy and had longer careers.

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#360 Darrell Porter

Who is this player?
Darrell Porter, catcher, Kansas City Royals
After posting one of the best offensive seasons by a catcher up to that point, Darrell Porter of the Kansas City Royals shocked the baseball world during Spring Training 1980 when he disclosed substance abuse problem. Initally, only alcohol was cited as a problem, but Porter also acknowledged a cocaine addiction. He spent the next six weeks in a rehabilitation facility and his return to the diamond was seen as an example of his will and courage. However, his performance was effected by the lack of Spring Training, hostile opposing fans and a brief hospitalization. Despite this adversity, he was still able to help the Royals advance to their first World Series in franchise history. When the season ended, Porter followed former manager Whitey Herzog to St. Louis when he signed a large free agent contract with the Cardinals.

A Midwestern boy, Darrell Porter was born in Joplin, Missouri and became a prep star at Southeast High School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. A standout on the diamond and the gridiron, Porter received scholarship offers from 40 schools as a football candidate. Blessed with a powerful throwing arm, he initially signed a letter of intent with to quarterback at the University of Oklahoma before deciding on a baseball future. The Milwaukee Brewers made him their first selection of the amateur player draft in June 1970 and offered him a reported $70,000, a large sum for its time. The left-handed hitting Porter homered in his first professional at bat later that summer and was immediately tabbed as a major league prospect.

Darrell made his major league debut the following season and lived up to his billing by crashing a home run against AL MVP and Cy Young Vida Blue. At the time, he was the youngest player in the major leagues. However, he required some more seasoning in the minor leagues before returning to the bigs for good in 1973. That rookie season his .257 batting average and 16 home runs, placed him third in the Rookie of the Year voting and he was named to the American League All-Star team in 1974. However, Porter began to be plagued by the pressure to live up to his advance billing, and this ultimately was a major part of his substance abuse issue. He was traded to the Kansas City Royals following the 1976 season in a curious move, partly because of Brewers' owner Bud Selig decision to rid the team of a potential problem.

Blessed with a new start in Kansas City, Porter's offensive production increased. He was named an All-Star three seasons in a row (1978-1980) and helped the Royals reach the postseason three out of the four seasons he was a Royal. The one season Kansas City didn't reach the playoffs was Porter's finest (1979) which saw Darrell become only the sixth catcher in Major League history drive in and score 100 runs in the same season. He also led the American League with 121 walks and reached base a league-leading 284 times. For good measure, he also placed among league leaders in sacrifice flies, hit by pitches and triples.

While with the Cardinals, Porter was never able to regain his offensive production of 1979, but he was still a solid catcher able to draw walks and get on base. Despite this, he was given a hard time by the St. Louis fans, even as the Cardinals drove towards a postseason appearance in 1982. Porter rewarded them with a scintillating performance in the NLCS, batting .556 (5 for 9) in the Cardinals three game sweep of the Atlanta Braves. He followed that with a similar performance in the World Series against Milwaukee. With several timely hits, including the game-winner in Game 7, Porter was again named the Most Valuable Player. He was also an inspirational figure, often re-telling the story of his addictions and his conversion to a born-again Christian. His autobiography, Snap Me Perfect! was released prior to the 1984 season.

Porter had his best statistical season in St. Louis in 1983 but the Cardinals were unable to return to the postseason. Injuries began to take their toll as he fractured a finger in '83 and suffered a broken collarbone and thumb in 1984. St. Louis returned to the World Series again in 1985, with Porter again having a good NLCS, this time against the Dodgers. However, Darrell and the Cardinals struggled offensively in the World Series against Porter's old team the Royals, and St. Louis came up short in seven games. Porter would spend the final two seasons as a part-time player with the Texas Rangers before retiring after the 1987 season and 17 major league campaigns.

In retirement, Porter, like many of his contemporaries became a broadcaster for a time, was heavily involved in charity world and dabbled in antiques. On August 5, 2002, Porter was found dead in Sugar Creek, Missouri outside of his vehicle. It was initially believed that Porter's car was stuck on a tree stump and the high heat and humidity played a role in his death when he attempted to push the car. An autopsy concluded that he died of "toxic effects of cocaine" consistent with recreational use and induced a condition called excited delirium that caused his heart to stop. He was only 50 years old.

Why I love this card
First, any All-Star card commanded my immediate respect. Something about the All-Star banner that was on these cards elevated the players in my young mind as a future Hall of Famer. Secondly, I was drawn to the fact that Porter went to bat without any batting gloves. For an aspiring Little Leaguer, this was affirmation, especially during a time when batting gloves were becoming the rage. They are pretty standard now at all levels, but back then it was kind of cool to see an All-Star buck the on-coming trend.

Something else...
Porter and Hall of Famer Mickey Cochrane are the only catchers in American League history to draw 100 walks, score 100 runs and drive in 100 RBI in the same season. Porter of course in 1979, Cochrane in 1932.

Also included below is Porter's 1980 Topps Super card. Unfortunately, this was not something that I obtained during the summer of 1980, rather it was something that I stumbled across years later when I stumbled across the whole set.

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#359 Randy Moffitt

Who is this player?
Randy Moffitt, relief pitcher, San Francisco Giants
After spending most of the 1970s as one of the San Francisco Giants' most reliable relief pitchers, Randy Moffitt entered 1980 battling a mysterious ailment. He had lost nearly 25 pounds since the start of the 1979 season and doctors had been telling him that it was all in his head. Others thought that his arm simply went dead. He went through frequent bouts of vomiting, bleeding ulcers and had difficulties with his stamina. However, Randy was found to be suffering from a rare and frequently fatal intestinal parasite, Cryptosporidia enteritis.  Only 100 humans are known ever to have contracted this lethal disease which is typically found in barnyard animals. Moffitt was told that, if he lived, it might take him two years to recover and was advised to rest and return for periodic tests. The Giants put him on the disabled list and he appeared in only 13 games in 1980.

Randy Moffitt came from an athletic family as his older sister was tennis star Billie Jean King. He was a prep star in Long Beach, California, winning the Connie Mack World Series. Randy was a two-time all league choice in three seasons at Long Beach State University where he set career records for innings pitched and strikeouts. The Giants made him their first pick of the 1970 amateur draft.

As a slider-sinker specialist, Randy's reputation was a ground ball pitcher. He also was known to deliver his pitches from a variety of angles, including sidearm. He was converted into a reliever after his first professional season and within two years he was in the major leagues. Moffitt quickly became the Giants' most reliable short reliever. In an era where saves are not as emphasized as much as today, he notched 54 in a four year stretch (1973-1976) that saw him place in the top ten in the league each season. For example, his fifteen saves in 1974 was second best in the National League.

He was also a very durable pitcher, averaging 61 appearance a season between 1973 and 1978. However, most of these achievements were done in anonymity as the value of a reliable late inning reliever would not be recognized often during Randy's career. By the time it began to, he began to fall ill with the fungus that would essentially cost him three seasons of his career. Moffitt, a horse enthusiast, surmised that he contracted the virus hot walking racing horses. At one time, he worked on the backstretch of Bay Meadows track near San Francisco and also earned a groom's licence.

While still on the disabled list during the 1981 season, the Giants released him, figuring his career was over. But he signed a minor-league deal with the Houston Astros and made a comeback with them late in the 1982 season. The Astros did not keep him as they were going towards younger players and he was recommended to the Toronto Blue Jays. He had a fine season with Toronto in 1983, appearing in 45 games and saving 10. Curiously, he did not appear again in a major league uniform after that season, ending his 12-year major league career.

Why I love this card
At the time, I loved the idea of an All-Star jersey like the one shown on the back of Moffitt's card, but I'm glad I changed my mind about that. I also had no idea about the Billy Jean King connection at the time, not that it would have mattered to me, though. In looking at this card today, and knowing what I know about what he went through during this period, he does look like he was ill when this picture was taken. However, I could say the same about alot of players who have made ugly faces elsewhere in this set.

Something else....
At the time of Randy Moffitt's release from the Giants in 1981, only two other pitchers in franchise history (Christy Mathewson and Carl Hubbell) appeared in more games than Moffitt. He has since been passed by Greg Minton and Gary Lavelle, but that is still impressive nonetheless. I definitely would have got the trivia question wrong.

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#358 Lou Whitaker

Who is this player?

Lou Whitaker, second baseman, Detroit Tigers

After the trade of Ron LeFlore, Sparky Anderson tabbed second baseman Lou Whitaker to be the Detroit Tigers' leadoff batter. Whitaker had difficulty adjusting to the role and slumped badly. He was moved to the ninth position in the order when his average dropped under .200 in early June and the chants of "Loooo" at Tiger Stadium turned into boos. The slump and vision problems kept in out of the lineup for two weeks and he was momentarily replaced in the hearts of fans by Stan Papi. This bothered the normally affable Whitaker who displayed his frustration by hinting at a trade. "Sweet Lou" had modest improvement for the remainder of the season, but his 1980 season was clearly the most disappointing of his career to that point.

Louis Rodman Whitaker was born in Brooklyn, New York but raised in Martinsville, Virgina where he had some success in high school initially as a pitcher. As an 18-year old high school senior, he was selected by the Tigers in the June 1975 amateur draft. The left-hand hitting Whitaker played third base for Lakeland in 1976, earning Most Valuable Player honors. The following year he was promoted to Montgomery, Alabama, where he was switched to second base to team with Alan Trammell. The two would spend the next 19 years as double play teammates. After a solid season with Montgomery, both Whitaker and Trammell made their major league debuts and got their first hits in the same game on September 9, 1977.

The following season, Whitaker broke camp with the Tigers and won the second base job outright before April ended. That first year he demonstrated excellence in the field, a quick bat and speed on tha basepaths. At season’s end, Lou finished the season batting .285 with 71 runs scored and led the league in double plays with Trammell. Whitaker was named American League Rookie of the Year, edging out future Hall of Famer Paul Molitor. Another solid season followed in 1979 and the Tigers, in part because of Whitaker, was considered one of the best young teams in baseball.

After a 1980 setback, Lou settled into the bottom of the Detroit batting order and slowly rebuilt his confidence at the plate. By mid-1982, the Tigers, and Whitaker in particular were ready to rise to prominence. Now moved to the leadoff position, Whitaker had arguably his best statistical season in 1983, banging out 206 hits and finishing third in the American League with .320 batting average. He was named an All-Star and won a Gold Glove for the first time in his career. The Tigers meanwhile, won the most games since winning the World Championship in 1968 and great things seemed to be on the horizon.

Whitaker was the catalyst for the 1984 World Series champions and although it appeared that his statistics did not match the previous year, he started his first All Star Game, provided excellent defense and clutch hitting and saved his best for the postseason. That fall, Whitaker showed the nation his skills as a leadoff batter, reaching base six times in the first inning of the Tigers' eight postseason games. He was also a tremendous fan favorite in Detroit, receiving thunderous ovations of "Looooo" on each trip to the plate. His popularity transcended Detroit, as he even appeared on an episode of "Magnum P.I."

For the remainder of the decade, Whitaker was one of the premier second basemen in the game. During one of his All-Star appearances, he forgot to pack his uniform and had to make due with a substitute that is now in the Smithsonian Museum. His power numbers peaked during the middle and late 1980s, averaging 20 home runs a season from 1985-1991. In 1987 the Tigers returned to the postseason, as Lou set a career-high with 110 runs scored. However, Detroit lost the ALCS to the Minnesota Twins. The Tigers contended late into the 1988 season, when an ill-fated dance move cost Whitaker the remainder of the season and the Tigers an opportunity at the post-season.

As the 1990s began, Whitaker remained a fixture in Detroit as his playing time slowly began to diminish. He retired after the 1995 season after speculation that he may return for one final season with teammate Alan Trammell, but the two had already set a major league record by appearing in 1,918 games together. but the two had already set a major league record by appearing in 1,918 games together. He joined Rogers Hornsby and Joe Morgan as the only second basemen to score 1,000 runs, drive in 1,000 runs, and collect 2,000 hits and 200 homers. Incredibly, he received virtually no support for the Hall of Fame and he was dropped from the writer's ballot after only one season.

Whitaker has periodically returned to Detroit for special appearances and even served as a Spring Training instructor at Alan Trammell request when Tram managed the Tigers in 2003.

Why I love this card

A great shot of Whitaker at Tiger Stadium, apparently during pregame warmups. As a kid growing up in the Detroit area in 1980, all Tiger cards were special, but getting a Whitaker was like having a second birthday.

Something else....

Two things actually, Whitaker became a Jehovah's Witness midway during his career; introduced to the religion by teammate Chet Lemon. As part of these beliefs, Lou would not stand for the national anthem. I found a video of this here:

Secondly, it boggles my mind that Whitaker was not seriously considered for the Hall of Fame. He did nearly everything a middle infielder from his era could do, with the exception of being named MVP. His numbers are very similar to contemporary Ryne Sandberg, who did win the MVP. It is a shame that he is so overlooked.

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#357 Bob McClure

Who is this player?

Bob McClure, relief pitcher, Milwaukee Brewers

It is difficult to imagine now, but in 1980, when Bob McClure was was the de facto closer of the Milwaukee Brewers, he still hankered to be used as a starting pitcher. The Brewers were without a "fireman" in the traditional sense, McClure performed the best in that role, saving 10 games and posting an ERA below 3.00 for most of the season. With Milwaukee out of the race late in the season, the left-handed McClure was given an opportunity to start for the first time in his career. He pitched a complete game, six-hitter in defeating his old team, the Kansas City Royals. Bob won four of his five starts down the stretch, giving Milwaukee management new ideas about his versatility.

A three-sport athlete at Terra Nova High School in Pacifica, California, Bob McClure began to attract attention from major league scouts after being named All-American at San Mateo Junior College. He was selected by the Kansas City Royals in June 1973 and reported the Billings Mustangs of the Pioneer Rookie League. He led the loop with 10 wins and fired three shutouts. The following year, he was moved to Triple-A ball in Omaha and he picked off an astounding 17 enemy baserunners. By the end of the 1975 season, he was promoted to the major leagues and made his debut with the Royals.

The final month of the 1975 season was a fabulous one for McClure. In 15.1 innings covering 12 appearances, he did not allow a run. It was this performance that defined him as a relief pitcher in the major leagues. The Royals used him exclusively out of the bullpen, but he was moved quickly, traded to Milwaukee in a package deal that landed Kansas City catcher Darrell Porter. It was during this time that McClure established a reputation as a reliable reliever who was tough on left-handed batters. For example, Rod Carew and Fred Lynn, two stars of the era, batted only .227 and .240 respectively against McClure.

McClure led the Brewers twice in saves (1978 and 1980), but the acquisition of Rollie Fingers and Bob's performance as a starter had him moved to the starting rotation. However, tendinitis caused him to miss much of the 1981 season. He did pitch in three games in relief in the Brewers first ever post-season appearance, a ALDS loss to the New York Yankees in five games.

In Milwaukee's pennant-winning 1982 season, Bob was the #3 pitcher in the rotation and won a career high 12 games and 172 innings. He again pitched in the postseason for the Brewers, winning the clinching Game 5 in relief. Bob and the Brewers were not as fortunate in the World Series, however, as McClure lost two games in relief and Milwaukee the Series in seven games. Bob would spend 10 years in a Milwaukee uniform, and by the time of his departure in 1986, he was among the career leaders in several team pitching categories.

As the emphasis on relief pitching accelerated into the 1980s and 1990s, McClure settled into a role a left-handed specialist for several teams. Beginning with the Montreal Expos in 1986, he pitched with the New York Mets, California Angels, St. Louis Cardinals and Florida Marlins before he closed out his 19-year career in 1993.

McClure almost immediately transitioned into a coaching career after his playing days, in both the major and minor leagues. He was the Royals pitching coach for six seasons (2006-2011) where he oversaw the development of Cy Young winner Zack Grienke. He was named pitching coach of the Boston Red Sox for the 2012 season.

Why I love this card

Quite possibly, McClure's card has the best fact on the back. To read that McClure made his major league debut at 1AM was stunning to me. At this point in my life, I don't think that I had ever stayed up later than 10PM. To think that major league baseball games were being played at such a late hour was beyond comprehension. Nobody was ever out that late were they? That was something that was reserved for Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy. Or burglers. They were out late too. As I may have mentioned, mine was an odd childhood.

Something else....

McClure and Keith Hernandez were teammates in Little League. Even more importantly, this McClure card was a 1980 original from my collection.

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#356 Jerry Coleman San Diego Padres Team Card

What is this card?
Team Card, San Diego Padres, Jerry Coleman Manager

Certainly, whenever a team announces a new manager, there is excitement for the upcoming season. When Jerry Coleman was named as manager of the San Diego Padres on October, 1979, the word most associated with the decision was shock. In an unexpected move, Padres' GM Bob Fontaine fired manager Roger Craig and replaced him with Coleman, who at the time was the team's play-by-play announcer.

While Coleman had a nine year career with the New York Yankees championship teams of the 1950s, he had never before piloted a baseball team. Despite concerns about their depth, the Padres began the 1980 season optimistically after signing free agent pitchers Rick Wise and John Curtis to bolster the starting rotation and trading for nearly an entirely new infield in first baseman Willie Montanez, second baseman Dave Cash and third baseman Aurelio Rodriguez.

San Diego also had the talents of three future Hall of Famers on the squad (Ozzie Smith, Rollie Fingers and Dave Winfield). However, the Padres were beset by injuries and a lack of depth to finish 73-89 and a last place finish in the National League West.

The Winfield saga alone was one that hung over the Padres all season. Big Dave was in the final year of his contract and Padre management had hoped to resign him but talks stalled. It seemed clear as the year went on that the Padres best player would be moving on.

Predictably, Coleman's inexperience caused problems with several veterans who criticized him in the press, most notably Rollie Fingers and Gene Tenace. By mid-season Fontaine was fired and replaced by Jack McKeon.

However, there was some standout performances on the 1980 Padres, including:

Leftfielder Gene Richards, who finished second in the NL with 193 hits and stole 61 bases,
Rightfielder Winfield, who was the club's lone All Star representative and led the club in HR and RBI,
Centerfielder Jerry Mumphrey, who batted .298 and stole 52 bases, and
Shortstop Ozzie Smith who set a major league record  for most assists by a shortstop (621).

The Padres set a team record and led the National League with 287 stolen bases, led by Richards, Mumphrey and Smith (57 SB).

At season's end, the Padres lost Winfield via free agency and "Trader Jack" McKeon earned his reputation by dealing most of their veterans including Fingers, Tenace, Bob Shirley and Randy Jones. In return, they would receive catcher Terry Kennedy among others, who would be one of the cornerstones of the 1984 National League champions. Coleman was fired as manager and returned to the broadcast booth, his one year adventure in the dugout over.

Why I love this card
This one is fairly obvious. The fact that there are elephants in a major league team's picture is pretty awesome. Taken at the San Diego Zoo, the elephants detract from the Padres horrible home unis.

Something else....
Former Padre pitcher John Curtis wrote a review about Jerry Coleman's book, which can be found here.

Coleman incidentally, has led a very intriguing life. In addition to being named the 1948 AL Rookie of the Year, he won four world titles as a player and was named an All-Star. He was also 2008 Hall of Fame broadcaster inductee, with more than 50 years of broadcast experience. Coleman also served in the armed forces in World War II and the Korean conflict. While a Marine Corps aviator he flew 120 combat missions, receiving numerous honors and medals including two Distinguished Flying Crosses.

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#355 Gary Matthews

Who is this player?
Gary Matthews, right fielder, Atlanta Braves
Coming off one of the most productive seasons of his career, for Gary Matthews of the Atlanta Braves, 1980 would prove to be difficult. When the Braves started the year 1-9 and Matthews mired in an 0 for 21 slump, Atlanta owner Ted Turner ordered Matthews benched. From there, management attempted to trade Matthews, but a deal could not be consummated. Later, Matthews filed a grievance over a fine he received when he and some teammates were fined for missing a club luncheon. Upon his return to the starting lineup, Gary rattled out three hits and had the game-winning RBI against the first place Houston Astros and went on to bat .342 during the month of May. The right-handed hitting Matthews would have a solid season in 1980 (.278, 19, 75), but he didn't match his previous output and it appeared that his days in Atlanta were winding down.

Gary Mathews was a lightly-regarded high school pitcher when he was first seen by legendary scout George Genovese. Seeing Matthews as hitter, as well as being impressed with his character, Genovese recommended the San Francisco Giants selected Gary, which they did with their #1 selection of the 1968 amateur player draft. His time in the minor league was short as he quickly worked his way up the ladder and impressed when he was called up to the Giants in September, 1972.

Inserted as the Giants left fielder the following year, Gary had an exceptional season, batting an even .300 and was named NL Rookie of the Year. At the time, the Giants' outfield of Matthews, Bobby Bonds and Garry Maddox was one of the fastest and exciting in the game. Matthews in particular, displayed an aggressive style on the field and was known for his takeout slide and tumbling catches. However, they did not last together long and despite some very productive seasons by the Bay, the poor state of team finances soon hastened Matthews' departure from the Giants, as a free agent after the 1976 season.

At the time, free agency was new and its impact was still being felt around baseball. Matthews' transition to the Braves was not a simple one and there were issues regarding Gary's 2-million dollar deal between Braves' owner Ted Turner and commissioner Bowie Kuhn. Turner was suspended one-year for tampering, but Matthews nonetheless became an Atlanta Brave. Gary would spend four years in Atlanta was selected to the All-Star team for the only time in his career in 1979.

With Atlanta unable to trade Matthews during the 1980 season, he was dealt to the Philadelphia Phillies prior to the 1981 campaign. It was during his Philadelphia years that the nickname "Sarge" really stuck with Matthews and his unsung efforts led the "Wheeze Kids" Phillies to the NL flag. For his efforts, Matthews was named MVP of the 1983 NCLS when he batted .429 and clubbed three home runs. The Phillies, however, fell short in the World Series and the process of replacing veterans in Philly began in earnest. Matthews was one of those veterans.

After three years with the Phillies, the Chicago Cubs traded for him in 1984 and he was one of the veteran leaders on a Cub team that made the postseason for the first time in 39 years. For his part, Gary led the National League in walks and on-base percentage and placed fifth in the MVP voting. Matthews even led the attack in the first game of the NLCS by clubbing two home runs. Again, however, Gary's team failed to advance to the World Series as the Cubs lost in five games. Injuries began to take their toll, as Matthews missed much of the 1985 season and he was released by the Cubs midway during the 1987 season. He caught on with the Seattle Mariners, where he would play 45 games to close out his 16-year major league career.

In his post-playing days, Matthews would spend years in the private sector before returning to baseball. He coached for several teams, including the Cubs, beginning in 1995 through 2006. Beginning with the 2007 season, he has served as analyst on Philadelphia Phillies' broadcasts and is noted for some of his sayings as evidenced here. And of course, his son, Gary Jr., had a 12-year major league career from 1999-2010.

Why I love this card:
For the longest time, I had little to no clue what that was on Matthews' sleeve. In the days before WTBS in my home, I had very little interaction with the Atlanta Braves living in an AL town. It was one of those things that didn't bother me enough to ask about it but enough to be puzzled about it when I saw it. For a while, I thought I was reading the letters "V" and "Y" instead of seeing the feather. It became an optical illusion like the old/young woman or the Montreal Expos "M." Those who know me best will insist that I am still that dumb.


Something else....
Matthews penned an autobiography entitled, appropriately "They Call Me Sarge." In it, he lists some of his "Matthews-isms" which I have shared here:

1.	No high-fives until the late innings.
2.	Play to win, but play clean.
3.	Say what you mean, but pick your spots.
4.	Put personal problems aside when you play the game.
5.	Respect and friendships are the key.

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