Tuesday, September 24, 2013

no. 216 - cards rookie stars


Who is the man: Both Reggie Cleveland and Luis Melendez were key members of the Cardinals' Triple A team in Tulsa in 1970 and received call-ups during the season. Cleveland got knocked around, going 0-4 with a 7.62 ERA. Melendez hit .300 in 70 at-bats.

Can ya dig it: My, my, this card is lousy shape. I guess I'm not finished with this set after all.

Right on: Both Cleveland and Melendez look hypnotized.

You see these rookies are bad mothers: No way. Rookies were just rookies in 1971. Don't make it a bigger deal than it is.

Shut your mouth: Cleveland battled weight issues during his career and early on with the Cardinals it earned him the nicknames "Double Cheeseburger" and "Snacks."

No one understand him but his woman: Melendez's 1975 Topps card features one of the best cartoons ever, especially for Melendez.


(A word about the back): Cleveland's father was in the Canadian military and he played for the Canadian forces' high school in Alberta, where he lettered in baseball, hockey ... and curling.

1 comment:

  1. Stroud passed away last year, a day after his 1971 White Sox teammate Mike Hershberger.

    ReplyDelete