Who is the man: Duke Sims arrived in spring training of 1971 fresh off his most productive season. He established career highs in home runs, RBIs, batting average and hits.
Can ya dig it: Sims was already a member of the Dodgers when this card appeared in packs. He was traded by the Indians in December 1970.
Right on: Sims is posing in his future home. He played for the Yankees briefly in 1973 and 1974, hitting the last home run in Yankee Stadium before its renovation after the '73 season.
You see this cat Sims is a bad mother: Sims holds the record for the most career home runs by someone born in Utah. He hit 100 in 11 seasons.
Shut your mouth: Sims seems like a character, judging by this interview. "What do you remember most about Cleveland?" "I don't know. I drank a lot then and I don't remember a whole lot."
No one understands him but his woman: Sims is the most recent major leaguer to go by the first name "Duke." You'd think there'd be more, but there isn't.
(A word about the back): The write-up ain't lying. Among Sims' achievements against the Yankees in 1970: A 3-for-5, two-home run performance in a 4-3, 13-inning win on May 23; and another two-home run performance, including the game-winning shot in the 11th, in a 4-3 win on Sept. 12.
Sims was the subject of an absolutely priceless scouting evaluation in 1970:
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Sims' 1971 O-Pee-Chee card is identical to this one except that the word "Dodgers" appears in place of "Indians" at the top on the front. It does not appear to be a recent remake, as it shows obvious wear. He is pictured in full Indians uniform and cap just as he appears here.
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