Who is the man: Don Hahn had completed his rookie season in 1970, appearing in 82 games and hitting .255, which would be the highest season batting average of his seven-year career.
Can ya dig it: Hahn was traded to the Mets probably before most collectors pulled this card in 1971. Montreal shipped him to New York on March 31, 1971.
Right on: Rookie card, baby!
You see this cat Hahn is a bad mother: Hahn led indirectly to the premature ending of fellow Mets outfielder George Theodore's career. During a game on July 7, 1973, Hahn and Theodore collided as they hit the wall together, chasing a hit by the Braves' Ralph Garr. Theodore dislocated his hip on the play and was never able to run like he did before, exiting pro ball after the 1975 season. Hahn, apparently, was shook up on the play, but walked away unscathed. Garr finished with an inside-the-park home run.
Shut your mouth: In a story for the San Francisco Chronicle, Hahn said his son, Dustin, was a more advanced ball player than he was at the same age. Dustin was signed by the Orioles but only made it to Class A ball.
No one understands him but his woman: Hahn came over to the Mets in a deal that sent 1969 World Series hero Ron Swoboda to the Expos. A lot of fans never forgave Hahn for that.
(A word about the back): I think it's pretty impressive that Topps had Hahn's spring training stats from 1969. Those probably aren't mentioned very much on card backs ... or so I assume.
It wasn't Don fault about Ron. Oddly Topps showed Ron Swoboda as an Expo too (because his card was a high number). The 1971 Expo set consisted of 31 cards, that's a lot of players!
ReplyDeleteI always love this card. Something about the Expos uniforms and the 1971 Design.
ReplyDeleteGreat batting glove. Too bad about Theodore.
ReplyDelete