Who is the man: On the strength of his 13 starts in the 1969 season, Casey Cox became a full-time member of the Senators' rotation for the 1970 season. When this card hit store shelves, Cox had just gone 8-12 in 37 games, including 30 starts, with a 4.45 ERA.
Can ya dig it: This card was part of a 1971 lot that I received in a trade as a young teenager, hoodwinking a Yankee fan I knew for some well-loved '71s that were once his older brother's. The Cox card was one of my favorites and is truly one of the best cards in the set.
Right on: Cox is pitching in Yankee Stadium, I do believe. Before the renovation of the mid-1970s.
You see this cat Cox is a bad mother: Cox had a relief outing that lasted 8 2/3 innings against the Indians in 1969. You sure don't see that anymore. If you did, the pitcher would be an instant hero.
Shut your mouth: Cox battled alcohol addiction during his playing career (his career had an abrupt ending after being traded to the Yankees -- I wonder if alcohol played a part). But according to a story in the St. Petersburg Times from nine years ago, he hasn't had a drink since about 1983.
No one understands him but his woman: Despite his success as a starter in 1970, Cox asked Senators manager Ted Williams if he could return to the bullpen in 1971.
(A word about the back): Cox lasted 5 1/3 innings in his start against the Orioles on June 23, 1969, allowing no runs on five hits. Darold Knowles came on in relief and promptly blew the game, surrendering five runs in the seventh and eighth as the Orioles won 5-3.
That is one of my favorite Senators cards.
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