Minnie Minoso's career began in 1949 with the Cleveland Indians and played major league ball until 1964 when he was released by the White Sox. He continued to play in the minors and the Mexican leagues through 1969. In 1976 Minoso came out of retirement and became the oldest player to hit safely in a Major League game. A feat that was documented on a 1977 Topps card.
In 1980 Minnie Minoso came out of retirement again to play for the White Sox. He had 2 pinch hit at bats in the final 2 games of the season. The Sox were over 20 games out of first place as were the Angels. Minoso grounded out in both at bats. It was another Bill Veeck stunt, I know but isn't that what made him who he is? With 3 different card companies producing baseball card in 1981, I'm surprised that none of them recognized this achievement, manufactured or not.
Minoso also incredibly repeated this feat in the minors in '93 and again in '03. Age is what you make of it I guess. http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=minoso001sat
ReplyDeleteNicely done. Btw I gave you some props on my site yesterday.
ReplyDeleteGreat card! I have been wanting to do this one myself.
ReplyDeleteMLB denied an attempt by a minor league team in Miami to play him in 1990.
However, the independent St. Paul Saints (owned and operated by Bill Veeck's son) let him get at bats in 1993 and 2003 (he walked). Minnie is now the only ball player to appear professionally in seven different decades.
I think you answered your own question at the very end: It wasn't an "achievement" because it WAS manufactured.
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