Thursday, August 17, 2017

no. 692 - rookie stars a.l. pitchers


Who is the man: Each of these pitchers made their major league debut in 1970. Hal Hayden appeared in four games in relief with the Twins; Rogelio Moret pitched in three games, one start, for the Red Sox; and Wayne Twitchell two games in relief for the Brewers.

Can ya dig it: I'm curious about the airbrushed cap that Twitchell is wearing. Could it be a Seattle Pilots hat? He was traded to Seattle in early 1969 but played in the minors.

Right on: This is yet another variation on the rookie stars cards in this set. Let's review what we have so far:

Team-oriented, two-player
Team-oriented, three-player
National League-three-player
American League, three-player
Pitchers, three-player
American League pitchers, three-player

You see these rookies are bad mothers: Even though two of them appeared in the glorious 1975 Topps set, no, they are not bad-ass.

Shut your mouth: Twitchell was already a member of the Phillies when this card appeared in packs. He was traded to the team for which he'd spend most of his career in April of 1971.

No one understands him but his woman: Haydel never appeared on his own Topps card. He showed up again in the 1972 set as one of three Twins rookie stars.


(A word about the back): The pitchers' heights get taller as you progress down the card.

6 comments:

  1. I remember hearing about Haydel's debut game and TV announcer being very excited about it. I thought he started and won the game. Upon further investigation, he relieved Luis Tiant after 1 inning, pitched 5 inning, and hit a home run. He got the win. Over two years had 6-2 record and should had a 1972 card over Pete Hamm.

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    1. I agree with Douglas. I still have nightmares over the dreaded Pete Hamm card!

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    2. Thanks for your support. While did not suffer the dreaded Pete Hamm card, I have no recollection of him playing for the Twinks. Barely remember Steve Lubber, too although I did have his card and see him in AAA Evansville (Detroit) in 1983.

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  2. Twitchell's hat is probably Astro's since he was a farmhand there before the Brewers.

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  3. Pete Ham played for Badfinger with a great lineup. They had many hits in the early 7os. LOL

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  4. No mention of Moret’s catatonic state incident? It was the first time I’d ever heard that term as a kid and was fascinated by it.

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