1967 Topps AL Leading Firemen: Jack Aker, Ron Kline, Larry Sherry

The 1967 Topps leaders cards are incredibly boring. Just 3 boxes and block lettering. It was the players that made these cards great. The subset was filled with Hall of Famers like Koufax, Aaron, Mays, Gibson, Kaline etc. This card is not. 

Jack Aker was the "Sporting News Fireman of the Year" in 1966 with 32 saves. It was a career year for the 25 year old reliever. He pitched for 6 different clubs during his MLB career, then manged in the Minors.

Ron Kline led the AL in saves in 1965 but did not receive the Fireman of the Year award. In 1966 he would finish 2nd in save with 23. Another well traveled player, Ron played on 9 different clubs in his 17 MLB seasons.

Larry Sherry was the 1959 World Series MVP with 2 wins and 2 saves. In 1966 Sherry had 20 saves with the Tigers.

1966 Topps AL Leading Firemen: Kline, Fisher, Miller

Once again the pitcher with the most saves was not the "Fireman of the Year". I've given up trying to figure out how The Sporting News determined the leaders. So I've ranked them once again strictly by save totals.

 In 1965 Ron Kline led the AL with 29 saves but the Sporting News Fireman of the Year award went to Eddie Fisher. Fisher had 5 fewer saves but also had 4 fewer blown saves. He had the most pitching appearances and a 15-7 won-loss record compared to Kline's 7-6. Fisher also pitched the final 2 innings of the 1965 All Star Game. He surrendered a single hit to crosstown rival Ernie Banks. Rounding out the top 3 was Stu Miller. Miller was tied with Fisher with 24 saves but had 14 relief wins compared to Fisher's 15.