Who is the man: George Thomas was in his final season in the majors when this card was issued. He was signed as a free agent by the Twins in June of 1971.
Can ya dig it: This card is in great shape for a high number, probably one of the finest I own.
Right on: Final card.
You see that cat Thomas is a bad mother: Thomas was a valuable bench player for the Red Sox during their Impossible Dream season in 1967. He played every position except pitcher during his career.
Shut your mouth: Like the best bench players, Thomas possessed a great Uecker-esque sense of humor. When an injury to a starter put Thomas in the lineup for four straight games, he joked to his manager, "I can't play all these games. Bench me or trade me!" Another time, during spring training, he spotted Johnny Bench and told him, "Oh, I see we both play the same position, only you have it written on (the back of) your uniform."
No one understands him but his woman: Thomas' daughter, Kristin, was shown on television while in the stands during the 2004 World Series, displaying a sign that said "Impossible Dream" and "George Thomas Fan Club".
(A word about the back): Thomas indeed was made a coach during the 1970 season after he was sidelined with a broken wrist, but was also eligible to play after his injury healed.
His final card..or the final card of the Topps '71 set?
ReplyDeleteHis final card. There will be a lot more noise when the last card in the set is shown.
ReplyDeleteThomas was an intriguing in that many times his card would say Minneapolis as his hometown. The backside of this card sheds light on his U of Minnesota career. Another case of the Twins acquiring home state player be it in the beginning (Hrbek, Mauer. Goltz) or end of their career (Koosman, Jack Morris, Molitor, Winfield)
ReplyDelete