Friday, October 12, 2012
no. 102 - astros rookie stars
Who is the man: Ken Forsch kicked off what would we be one of the greatest brother pitching tandems in major league history with his first four major league appearances in 1970, going 1-2. Larry Howard would play in 31 games during his first major league season, batting .307. It's a bit surprising he didn't get his own card, considering how many players did get their own cards in the '71 set.
Can ya dig it: You can barely see the old Astros' shooting star logo on Forsch's uniform. Love the little shooting star.
Right on: A little bit of free advertising behind Howard. But I can't make out what it says.
You see these rookies are bad mothers: Sorry, rookies. You have to earn your bad mother status.
Shut your mouth: Forsch pitched a no-hitter against the Braves on April 7, 1979, what was then the earliest no-hitter in a season. Forsch's spring training was a wreck, full of injuries that included getting bit by an insect that caused his left elbow to swell up. After pitching the no-hitter, teammate Joe Niekro said, "I want to find that spider that bit Kenny. Maybe it'll help me, too."
No one understand him but his woman: Howard played in the major leagues through the 1973 season, including 157 at-bats with the Astros in 1972. But he never received a solo card from Topps.
(A word about the back): Forsch struck out 189 batters in 207 innings pitched for Houston's Double A and Triple A teams in 1970.
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Forch appeared 27 games in 1970 and had 26 decisions. You never see that anymore.
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