More 1973 Alt-Topps

Traded, Rookies and Managers

Filling out the set, here are some rookie cards, traded cards and manager/coaches cards.

On November 27, 1972 the Mets dealt Tommie Agee to the Astros for two minor leaguers.  The Mets GM didn't sugar-coat it, telling the press, "We were dissatisfied with Agee's playing."  Agee looks a little dissatisfied himself.  One day later, Frank Robinson was involved in a seven-player deal that sent him 30 miles Southeast from Chavez Ravine to the big "A" in Aneheim. 

The 1973 NL Rookie of the Year was Gary Matthews Sr. He batted an even .300 and had 58 RBIs.  A couple other notable debuts in 1973 were made by Dave Winfield and Dave Parker.  With the benefit of 20-20 hindsight, I included them on this card.

In the AL it was Al Bumbry or as Topps called him on his rookie card, "Alonza".  I also included Jerry Hairston whose father, brother and two sons also played in the MLB. Rounding out the trio is Gorman Thomas who was a first round pick of the Seattle Pilots but didn't make the majors until 1973.

In the early years (through 1956) Topps included both managers and coaches in the regular set.  There have been a few exceptions since, notably Yogi Berra listed as catcher/coach in 1965 and the Cubs failed experiment with the "College of Coaches" in the early 1960s. Bob Kennedy was listed as "Head Coach" of the Cubs in 1964 & 1965. With a wealth of MLB retired stars coaching, I wouldn't mind seeing cards of them included.

********************************************

Just as I've done in previous Alt-Topps posts, I'll make as many request as I can. Hopefully, I'll post them in a few weeks. Just post your requests (or even ideas for other subsets, etc) in the comment section.  Thanks.

1981 Donruss Gary Matthews

In the spring of 1981 the Phillies traded Bob Walk to the Braves for Gary Matthews. Bob Walk was 11-7 as a rookie pitcher on the 1980 Championship Phillies and showed promise. However in 1981 Walk would just win a single Major League game for the Braves. Meanwhile Gary Matthews would hit .301 with 9 homers and 67 RBIs in the strike shortened season of 1981. He would be one of 4 Phillies to receive MVP votes that season along with Pete Rose, Steve Carlton and 1981 NL MVP Mike Schmidt.

1975 Topps 1973 Rookies of the Year

1973 marked the last year that Topps release cards in multiple series. Most of the Rookie of the Year candidates were immortalized on cardboard that year. That is no small task as there were 14 different players receiving  ROY votes. (15 if you include Richie Zisk who is included on the Baseball-Reference.com NL ROY list despite apparently receiving no votes?) Of the 14 (or 15) only 4 didn't have a card in 1973. All 11 appeared on cards in the 5th and final series.

In 1974 the Topps baseball wax packs declared "All 660 Cards in One Series". That year only 3 of the 8 ROY candidates would have cards. That trend would continue with only 21 of 46 ROY candidates having cards in their rookie season from 1974-1979. But in 1980 there were 16 different players receiving ROY votes and not a single one of them had a 1980 Topps card.

In 1981 Topps would add a "Traded Series" but it wouldn't be until the 1983 that Topps would fully use the potential of the Traded set to include rookie stars. 10 of the 13 ROY candidates had cards in the 1983 Traded set. 1983 coincidentally (or not) would also be the first year since 1960 that Topps would not have multi-player rookie cards.

1973 Topps Gary Matthews

Gary Matthews was the Giants 1st round pick in the 1968 draft. He steadily progress from A to AA to AAA from 1969-1972 and was a September call-up in 1972. He was the Giant's opening day left fielder in 1973 and put up some very respectable numbers for the season. He hit .300 with 12 homers and 17 stolen bases. He was awarded the Rookie of the Year ahead of several solid players including Ron Cey, Davey Lopes, Bob Boone, and Richie Zisk. There is a phrase among card collectors "Stars and Semi-Stars". The list of Rookie of the Year candidates in 1973 seemed to define "Semi-Stars" of that era. All solid players, occasional but not perennial All Stars. All of them are fan favorites and a nice pull from a fresh pack when we were still young enough to enjoy that stick of gum that came along with them.

Broadcasters Playoff Edition: Cardinals vs. Phillies

The post season is upon us and here is how the ex-players match up in the broadcast booths.

The "Mad Hungarian" vs. "Sarge"

2 great nicknames and the closest match-up as far as playing careers. Hrabosky is remembered for his intimidating ritual on the mound and his Fu-Man-Chu mustache. He was a solid reliever in the mid '70's and led the NL in saves in 1975. But Matthews was Rookie Of the Year in 1973, NLCS MVP in 1983 and was an All Star in 1979.