no. 416 - gene alley

Who is the man: Gene Alley produced another rather unspectacular season in 1970, batting .244 in 121 games with mediocre numbers in every category. But he was in there for his glove, you know.

Can ya dig it: Apparently, Alley has spotted a bird with a freakishly large wingspan.

Right on: Alley's eyes are bluer than the word "shortstop" on this card.

You see that cat Alley is a bad mother: The two-time Gold Glove winner helped the Pirates turn 215 double plays in 1966, a National League record that still stands.

Shut your mouth: Sometimes second baseman Bill Mazeroski would field a ball and flip it to Alley at shortstop instead of throwing to first because he knew Alley's arm was better. Alley would then rifle it to first for the out, causing teammate Jose Pagan to say, "They can make double plays with nobody on!"

No one understands him but his woman: Alley went 0-for-5 with three strikeouts as the starting shortstop in the All-Star Game in 1967. That might be something you never see again. Players aren't allowed to even come to the plate five times in an All-Star Game anymore.

(A word about the back): "A veteran of Pony League and American Legion ball" ... whoop-di-doo. I'm a veteran of swimming classes at the Y. I don't want to see it on my list of accomplishments.