Who is the man: Nate Colbert was becoming the first big slugger in Padres history at the time this card appeared. He slammed a career-high 38 home runs for San Diego in 1970.
Can ya dig it: The crop job on this card is a little odd to me. It makes me wonder what is on the ground by Colbert's feet that we aren't supposed to see.
Right on: I know I'm done with this set, but seeing a card in such great condition like this one makes me want to upgrade a bunch of the '71s I have. And that would get expensive.
You see this cat Colbert is a bad mother: All these years later, Colbert still holds the Padres' mark with career home runs with 163.
Shut you mouth: When Colbert was playing for the Astros near the start of his career in 1966, Houston was playing the Yankees in an exhibition game in the Astrodome. Mickey Mantle was taking batting practice and it was Colbert's first time seeing The Mick. "Oh, my gosh, hey guys, that's Mickey Mantle!" Colbert said to his teammates. His teammates replied calmly, "I know."
No one understands him but his woman: Colbert retired at age 30 because of back problems. If not for that, he could have become one of the great sluggers of the 1970s and '80s.
(A word about the back): I would assume setting the record for games played is like getting the perfect attendance certificate in school. You're not turning down the award, but you're not exactly bragging about it either.
Also, the "Nate enjoyed by far his best big league season, 1970, topping his previous highs" comment is a little strange, given that 1970 was only his 2nd season in the bigs (excluding various cups of coffee with the Astros).
ReplyDeleteGiven free agency and the small market of SD, Colbert may be the Padres HR leader for some time. It is also interesting to note that the 1970 Padres still have the franchise record for home runs.
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