Who is the man: Rich Hand had just completed his first year in the major leagues in 1970, pitching in more games -- 35 -- then he ever did in his career.
Can ya dig it: This is the first solo card of a player wearing glasses in the set. Chuck Brinkman appears with glasses on a two-player rookie stars card at no. 13.
Right on: Rookie card, baby!
You see this cat Hand is a bad mother: Hand started 25 games in his rookie year. Then, when he wasn't starting, he'd pitch in relief of Indians ace Sam McDowell who was trying to win 20 games in 1970. It eventually led to elbow trouble for Hand, but it probably seemed pretty bad-ass at the time.
Shut your mouth: When Hand was with the Rangers and had Ted Williams as a manager, Williams would sit down on the bench next to Hand and say, "I hate pitchers." Hand responded by saying, "Ted, I've heard that all year, and I've never met a manager I liked."
No one understands him but his woman: Hand quit his baseball career after just four major league seasons. He was sick of being in pain and medical advances hadn't arrived yet that could extend his career.
(A word about the back): Hand looks drugged in his photo.
Hey, it's a former Ranger. Good on him for not giving in to Ted Williams.
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