no. 242 - jim ray

Who is the man: Jim Ray was becoming a key member of the Astros bullpen when this card was issued. He had just completed his third full season with Houston and appeared in 52 games, all but two in relief.

Can ya dig it: Ladies and gentlemen, this is the first 1971 Topps card I ever saw or owned that did not come from the gutter. As you can tell, it's pretty well worn and I need to upgrade. I wish I knew how I acquired it, but that story is lost forever.

Right on: Ray seems absolutely hypnotized by what's going on in front of him.

You see this cat Ray is a bad mother: Ray struck out 115 batters in 115 innings pitched in 1969. That'll get people's attention.

Shut your mouth: Depending on where you read, Ray's nickname was either "Ray Gun" or "Sting" (as in "sting ray"). I like "sting." That's a fantastic nickname.

No one understands him but his woman: Do a search for Jim Ray and mostly what you come up with are references and stories about Jim Ray Hart, who played at the same time as Ray. Seems everyone wants to talk about players with three names.

(A word about the back): Ray achieved that .800 win percentage with an 8-2 mark in 1969.