#126 Doug Bair, Reds

Card Front: Here we see Doug doing the standard pitching pose for a spring training shot. He was early in the start of a long major league career that would have see the dugouts of many teams. I wonder what his teammates in the background walking away are thinking of Doug right now....

Card Back: It is pretty obvious that Doug took the slow road to get to the big leagues. After being drafted in 1971 he saw 4 games at the end of 1976 before being dealt to Oakland, only to land in Cincinnati. Doug would travel well, playing for seven teams in 15 seasons including St. Louis twice and Pittsburgh to bookend his career start and end.

Six degrees or less to Seattle: Doug did spend a few seasons in the Queen City. While a member of the 1980 season in Cincinnati, Doug played with Bruce Berenyi. Bruce would eventually hook up with the World Champion version of the 1986 New York Mets with every one's teammate in Jesse Orosco. Jesse being the ageless wonder that he was would be part of the 2003 San Diego Padres with little known catcher Wiki Gonzalez. Wiki was part of a six player dealer to come to Seattle to see time in 14 games behind the plate during the 2005 season at Safeco Field.

Next Card: #127 Thad Bosley, White Sox

#125 Rick Burleson, Red Sox

Card Front: Obviously Rick is at the cage wondering how do I hit ball that far so I can get HR's too. I have to say that the classic look of the Red Sox wearing the red caps is timeless. I love today's navy blue look too but red does make them different from everyone else.

Card Back: How awesome would it have been to be in your second year with Boston and almost win the World Series in 1975? For a shortstop to have 285 putouts in 1977, you have to have pitchers that play to contact and let the defense do the work. I will always Rick more for his time when he was a California Angel since I would see him during the springs.

Six degrees or less to Seattle: Rick did have a long career in the majors. Close to the end was a season in 1987 as a part of the Baltimore Orioles. Another man on that Baltimore club was ex-Angel teammate Don Aase. Move on to 1990, and Don would find himself back in So Cal as part of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and would team with Lenny Harris. Lenny would make his rounds through the league, and in 1999 was a Colorado Rockie with Henry Blanco. Henry has been many places and seen many teams including this 2013 version of the Mariners.

Next Card: #126 Doug Bair, Reds



#124 Dan Schatzeder, Expos

Card Front: A standard spring training pose from Dan. It doesn't get more 70's than the longer hair and the bad moustache. I guess I would rather have the ugly upper lips of yesteryear than the god awful lazy beards of today's players.

Card Back: it is cool to see a team have it's minor league team also been in Canada and close to the big team. I sometimes wonder if Topps had some kind of crystal ball. Is it coincidence that an Expos card would talk about the Washington Senators  as a premonition the team would eventually be in DC?

Six degrees or less to Seattle: Dan would make a few teams and bounce around. In 1987, Dan went to be part of the Bash Brothers team of Oakland A's with Billy Beane. Billy had spent a quick stop in Queens as a member of the 1985 New York Mets. Another of those '85 Mets was the ageless wonder that I think everyone had as a teammate in Jesse Orosco. Jesse would make it to the 2003 version of the San Diego Padres. Another of those Friars was Humbeto Quintero back 10 seasons ago. Humberto was recently signed by the Mariners in 2013 after being DFA'd by the Phillies.

Next Card: #125 Rick Burleson, Red Sox