#146 Duane Kuiper, Indians

 

Card Front: There are so many things going on with this card that catch my eye. One of the things that you didn't see much of in the 70's was black batting gloves. Duane's look like the infamous OJ Simpson black gloves, but I'm sure Kuip is a much nicer guy. My other issue is with Topps using a pic of a uniform that was last worn in the 1977 season. With all the flack the Tribe has caught for Chief Wahoo, this would be a good compromise look to bring back full time.

Card Back: I don't think you could say these are any kind of eye popping stats, but they are definitely solid. Duane definitely was no power hitter with only one HR, but sometimes you need guys to get on base and Kuip did that. It looks like George Hall was able to get hit more homers in one game in 1876 than Duane could in five seasons.

Six degrees or less to Seattle: Duane would eventually move on to be with the San Francisco Giants, a team that he continues to be with today as a broadcaster. During his time in Candlestick, one of his 1983 teammates was Atlee Hammaker. Atlee would spend time in the 1995 season on the south side of Chicago as a White Sox with Roberto Hernandez. Roberto would be part of the 2006 Pittsburgh Pirates with Oliver Perez. Both Oliver and Roberto would be traded together to the New York Mets during that season. Before the 2012 season, Oliver signed with the Mariners and spent two seasons in the M's bullpen before being let go to find a new team for 2014.

Next Card: #147 Dave Hamilton, Pirates

#145 Rick Rhoden, Dodgers

 

 

 

Card Front: As the old movie line went, "I'm ready or my close up Mr. DeMille." Even though it is a fairly close up of a young Rick, it is a very timeless and classic look. There is just something about the Dodgers uniforms. It is sad to know that the Dodgers left their long time home of Dodger Town as a complex in Vero Beach to get some nice new digs in Arizona.

 

Card Back: I guess it's safe to say that in Topps' mind the only real significant season that Rick has had was in 1977. I think that 2 hit performance is noteworthy, but I think you could do better than a relief appearance in the playoffs. I wouldn't mind being Gene Tenace and homering in what would be the start of a three-peat in the World Series.

 

Six degrees or less to Seattle: I know that some lovers of the Dodger blue might disagree with me, but I think Rick is most known for his time in the Steel City. While Rick was with the Pirates during the 1986 campaign, another of those Buccos was Rich Sauveur. Rich wasn't much of a big league guy seeing time in 34 games in six spread out seasons with six teams from 1986-2000. Rich's final season was with Oakland in 2000, and another of those Athletics was Omar Olivares. Omar came to Seattle in July of 1997 with Felipe Lira for the playoff run of 1997. Omar started 12 games and relieved another and wasn't great but did help the M's make the post season.

 

Next Card: #146 Duane Kuiper, Indians