1972 Topps Rookie of the Year Award - Earl Williams

In 1972 Topps released 6 "Awards" cards. These cards had pictures of the trophies on them.  I always thought that was kind of strange. Over the next few posts I will be putting pictures of the award winners on the cards.  I added facsimile autographs to identify the players while trying to keep the original look of the cards.

Earl Williams was a pitcher in high school when he was drafted by the Braves in the first round of the 1965 draft. As a minor leaguer in the Braves' system he would pitch only 8 games before becoming a position player. He played first, third, and the outfield. He even played a game at shortstop but he didn't play catcher until the 1971. His began his MLB career in 1970 platooning at 1st and 3rd. By June of 1971 he had found a home behind the plate. He hit .260 with 33 homeruns making the Braves opening day catcher, Hal King, expendable.