no. 287 - mike fiore

Who is the man: Mike Fiore was a back-up first baseman for the Red Sox in 1971 after being acquired from the Royals in May of 1970.

Can ya dig it: The first-base pose isn't as common as the catcher, shortstop or pitcher pose, so when you see it, it really stands out.

Right on: Fiore has three solo Topps cards, in the 1970, 1971 and 1972 sets. In every one, he is in this pose.

You see this cat Fiore is a bad mother: Fiore hit the first home run in Kansas City Royals history, launching a blast off of the A's John "Blue Moon" Odom in April 1969.

Shut your mouth: Fiore got off to a hot start in spring training in 1971. He was so hot that reporters started asking manager Eddie Kasko if George Scott's starting job at first base was in danger. An intrigued Kasko was non-committal. But when Scott was asked, he said: "No way it's going to happen." And it didn't.

No one understands him but his woman: Fiore is not to be confused with the late 1980s University of Miami player and school Hall of Famer of the same name. That Mike Fiore played for the U.S. Olympic team and works with agent Scott Boras.

(A word about the back): Yeah, looking at those stats, I don't think Scott's job was ever in doubt.