no. 303 - lindy mc daniel

Who is the man: Lindy McDaniel was entering his 17th season in the major leagues after setting a career record with 29 saves for the Yankees in 1970.

Can ya dig it: This is one of the most pleasing cards in the entire set. It's in the Cardboard Appreciation Hall of Fame over on my other blog.

Right on: I'd love to know which pitch McDaniel was about to throw. Curve? Forkball?

You see this cat McDaniel is a bad mother: McDaniel is the first relief pitcher to receive a Cy Young Award vote. It happened in 1960 when he was with the Cardinals.

Shut your mouth: Slugger Willie McCovey once said, "I'd rather face a number of (left-handers) than ... Lindy McDaniel."

No one understands him but his woman: McDaniel was an ordained minister who preached at his congregations near his hometown of Hollis, Okla., as well as churches in Missouri and Texas, when he played for the Cardinals. When he was with the Yankees years later, he requested a trade so he could be closer to his ministerial responsibilities. The Yankees sent him to Kansas City in the deal that brought Lou Piniella to New York.

(A word about the back): The record of 32 straight batters retired tied Vic Raschi's record. It was later broken in 1974 when McDaniel was with the Royals ... by his teammate Steve Busby.