Who is the man: George Stone was entering his third season in the Braves' starting rotation when this card was issued. Stone enjoyed his first full season in the rotation in 1970 after switching between the rotation and the bullpen in 1969.
Can ya dig it: Still liking those old Braves pinstripe uniforms.
Right on: Stone's 1971 card is similar to his 1970 card.
You see that cat Stone is a bad mother: Stone is remembered by Mets fans for his 1973 season. In his first year with the team, he won his final eight decisions, helping New York into the postseason.
Shut your mouth: In one of the more disputed World Series decisions of the '70s, Mets manager Yogi Berra passed over a well-rested Stone in order to start Tom Seaver on short rest for Game 6. The Mets were ahead 3-2 in the Series and Berra wanted to finish off the A's with his ace. But the A's beat Seaver and then won Game 7 to take the title. Years later, Berra insisted he had no regrets about his decision.
No one understands him but his woman: Stone was the first Louisana Tech player ever drafted by a major league team. He still holds several La Tech records.
(A word about the back): Stone's home run came against the Astros' Tom Griffin in the seventh inning of game Sept. 12, 1969 in Atlanta. The two-run homer put the Braves ahead 4-0 and it proved crucial as Atlanta ended up winning the game 4-3.
I'd go with Seaver over George in the WS too. But I'd would have given Stone one the three starts Jon Matlack got. Jon pitched great but got in trouble early in game 7. Tough call there were no slackers on either staff in the series.
ReplyDeleteEven as a young rabid Mets fan in '73, I thought that Yogi should have started Stone in Game 6 and then had Seaver on regular rest if Game 7 was necessary. Didn't happen that way, though, so what are you gonna do?
ReplyDeleteI’ve read that Seaver forced Berra’s hand. He wanted to win a WS clincher, since he hadn't gotten to in 69. Hard to deny your superstar pitcher that start if he lobbies for it that hard.
ReplyDeleteWith 20/20 hindsight, I sure wish stone had started! How differently is he remembered if he started and won a WS for the Mets!?
The story I’ve heard over the years, all rumors, of course, but it was widely speculated in the papers, that Seaver went over Yogi's head to get the start in game 6. There was some talk that this was the very origin point of the falling out between Seaver and Donald Grant. Grant backed Seaver, Seaver didn’t win game 6, Grant was unhappy with Seaver. Mrs. Payson might also have been involved. Who knows? New York tabloid stuff. Met fans blame Yogi because Yogi was a Yankee.
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