Who is the man: Tom Kelley spent all of the 1970 season in the Braves' minor league system after being acquired by Atlanta in May of that year. The Braves and Topps must have known something because in 1971, he would pitch in 28 games, his first significant major league work since 1966.
Can ya dig it: Kelley is wearing an Indians jersey, and the photo, at the most recent, is from 1969. But I suppose it could be as early as 1967 as that's the last time Kelley actually played for Cleveland in a major league game.
Right on: Kelley's hair is much too neat. Go run some wind sprints, sir.
You see that cat Kelley is a bad mother: Kelley's 1965 season for the Triple A Portland Beavers was something to behold. He went 16-3 with a 2.38 ERA, struck out 190 and pitched a no-hitter.
Shut you mouth: Kelley died just 21 days ago. At age 71.
No one understands him but his woman: Look up Tom Kelley and you're going to get more than enough references to the former Twins manager, which is not spelled the same way.
(A word about the back): Look at that sterling 1970 record. Kids pulling this card must have wondered what the hell.
And check out the bad airbrush on that hat.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like they airbrushed in an Atlanta "A" while he was wearing an Indians uniform.
ReplyDeleteThis card would fit nicely with your Hatless players on topps card post
ReplyDelete