There were 16 different players receiving Rookie of the Year votes in 1980 and not a single one of them was included in the 1980 Topps set. So I am continuing my flood of 1980 rookie cards.
Joe Charboneau was the American League Rookie of the Year in 1980. He had a batted .350 in single A ball in 1978, .352 in AA ball in 1979. In 1980 he skipped right over AAA to opening day starter in left field. He homered in his first ballgame. He continued to have success, hitting .289 with 23 homers, and received a 73 percent share of the R.O.Y. votes. His next 2 seasons would be plagued by back injuries. In the strike shortened 1981 season Joe hit a meager .210 and had back surgery following the season. 1982 was no better. He hit .214 in only 22 MLB games and underwent a second surgery. He never played another game in the Bigs. He holds the record for the fewest Major League games by a Rookie of the Year with only 201 games over 3 seasons.
Go! Joe! Char-bon-eau!
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