Who is the man: Steve Hargan was one of the best pitchers in baseball the final two months of the 1970 season. He went 10-1 with eight complete games during that span and approached the 1971 season as the Indians' Opening Day starter. Quite a turnaround for someone who spent the first half of 1970 in the minors, with the Indians hoping they could unload him on somebody.
Can ya dig it: I have been fascinated with this card since I was youngster. Why on earth are Hargan's eyes so big? What did he spot? Or is he just goofing around and the photo made it in the set anyway? Strange, strange photo.
Right on: That's a nice view of the way ballparks looked back then. They're fun to sit in -- you can appreciate how much you are a part of history.
You see that cat Hargan is a bad mother: Hargan, in his first full season in 1966, made a relief appearance in the seventh inning of a 4-4 game against the Angels. He proceeded to pitch the next 10 innings without allowing a run. The Indians won in 17 innings.
Shut your mouth: Hargan received national attention in 1966 after pitching his first career shutout, which was against Boston. The media found out that Hargan went to see a hypnotist two days before his shutout in order to try to quit smoking.
No one understands him but his woman: Hargan was the oldest pitcher on the first Toronto Blue Jays pitching roster in 1977. He was 34.
(A word about the back): That All-Star Game selection was the only one of Hargan's 12-year career.
On that "oldest player" note, Seattle filled out their expansion roster by bringing back former 1969 Pilots star Diego Segui. At age 39, he was 7 years older than the next-oldest guy on the roster and still made 40 appearances. Not sure how many teams have even seen such an age gap, outside of those with Paige and Moyer.
ReplyDeleteHe followed up that 10-1 second half of 1970 by going 1-13 with a 6.19 ERA in 1971. Ouch.
ReplyDeleteHargan looks undead here. Creepy.
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