#7 1978 ERA Leaders

Card Front: New York, New York. We aren't just talking about the city. Obviuosly pitching in the heat of the Big Apple in 1978 was to the advantage of the guys on the mound. It is not too normal to find guys from two teams in the same city being leaders in a statistical category.

Card Back: Guidry had a monster season. While not quite in Bob Gibson ERA numbers, I would take one under 2 any day. He was almost a whole run better than Swan for the season. I would think that anyone would gladly take the numbers of any of these top 10 guys from either league.

Six degrees or less to Seattle: While we looked at how Ron could hook to Seattle on a previous card, let's try #2 Jon Matlack. One of Jon's teammates in Texas in 1978 was Danny Darwin. Danny was a White Sock in 1997 with Greg Norton, and Greg would see time in 2008 with Tug Hulett as a Mariner. Craig had to take longer route to get here. One of his 1981 teamers in New York was Ray Searage. Ray was a Brewer in '86 with Chris Bosio. Bos would be a good Mariner, and spend 1996 with a young Raul Ibanez.

Next Card: #8 1978 Leading Firemen

#5 1978 Victory Leaders

Card Front: The Yankees make their first appearance in the 1979 set with the "Louisiana Lightning" in Ron Guidry. Nice also to see an appearance by the brown and yellow of the Padres. Perry would make many stop in his career including Seattle for his 300th win.

Card Back: Look at the names on this bad boy. Lots of stars from both leagues, and a few that who would ask who by looking at the last name. Four out of the ten in the NL are in the Hall, and three for the AL are represented. Even the bottom 5 in each league would be welcome on just about any roster today.

Six degrees or less to Seattle: Obviously Gaylord would spend some time in Seattle. How about Guidry to the Mariners? Ron would play with Tommy John in New York in 1980, Tommy would team with future Mariner Mike Blowers in 1989 with the Yankees. Also Angel Frank Tanana played with Bill Bean in Detroit in 1988, Bill would team up with Rich Rodriguez in San Diego in '93, and play alongside Chone Figgins in Anaheim in 2003. Another is Phil Niekro who was with Jeff Burroughs in Atlanta in '79, Jeff played with Mariner broadcaster Bill Krueger in Oakland in 1983, and Bill was part of the magical 1995 run along with Arqumediez Pozo. Lastly, Vida Blue spent 1970 in Oakland with Diego Segui. Diego was the only player to be with both the Pilots and Mariners, throwing the first pitch in Mariners history.

Next Card: #6 1978 Strikeout Leaders