no. 731 - jim qualls

Who is the man: Jim Qualls spent most of 1970 in the minors in the Cubs and Expos organizations. He was then traded to the Reds on March 31, 1971.

Can ya dig it: I'm certain that on a clear day you can spot this card from 10 miles away.

Right on: I just love this card for the ludicrously loud airbrushed cap. Yep, that's definitely a RED(s) hat!

You see that cat Qualls is a bad mother: Qualls is known in Mets history as the guy who broke up Tom Seaver's perfect game with a one-out single in the ninth inning in July, 1969.

Shut your mouth: Qualls said he received hate mail after breaking up Seaver's no-hitter -- from kids. "You could tell by the handwriting it was just kids, little Mets fans: 'You bum, don't show up in New York.'" Qualls said.

No one understands him but his woman: Qualls played two years in Japan after his major league career ended in 1972. He said he enjoyed playing there, but once when he was asked to play right field in Hiroshima, he said, "No way, not a white guy, not there. There were bottles coming out of the stands!'"

(A word about the back): The late trade has Topps all confused: "Jim is Expos' only switch-hitter." The bright red cap says otherwise.

no. 688 - sparky anderson

Who is the man: Sparky Anderson was the toast of the town after the 1970 season, leading the Reds to the World Series in his first season as manager. But when this card was issued, Cincinnati was struggling and wound up finishing fourth in the NL West in 1971.

Can ya dig it: Anderson looked managerly right from the start.

Right on: I've known most of my life that Anderson's given first name was George, but it still looks odd written out.

You see that cat Anderson is a bad mother: The first manager to win the World Series in both leagues. That's all I gotta say.

Shut your mouth: Anderson liked to talk and reporters liked him because he liked to talk. I remember being taken aback, reading my Bill James Baseball Abstract in either 1983 or 1984 and James criticizing Anderson (probably over using Enos Cabell). It was the first time I read an unkind sports word about Anderson! Anderson's response to James was that James was "a little fat guy with a beard ... who knows nothing about nothing."

No one understands him but his woman: Anderson met his wife, Carol, in the fifth grade. They were married for 57 years.

(A word about the back): That is an impressive line for your first year managing. I'd say he's a fine leader.

no. 644 - jim stewart

Who is the man: Jim Stewart produced in his usual role as a "super sub" for the Reds, playing in the outfield, infield and even catching one game in 1970.

Can ya dig it: Stewart's giving you the ol' bunting pose but he doesn't seem completely sure of himself.

Right on: Stewart is referred to as "Jim" on all of his Topps cards until his final card in 1973, when he's listed as "Jimmy". I guess by then, Topps was certain no one would confuse him with the actor.

You see that cat Stewart is a bad mother: Stewart was the best pinch-hitter (13-for-39) for the National League champion Reds in 1970.

Shut your mouth: Stewart was part of the Reds' 1969 backup crew that called themselves the "Red Raiders". Stewart, and players like Woody Woodward and Chico Ruiz, would pride themselves on being able to fill in capably for the stars on the team. Reds manager Dave Bristol said: "I love them all. They're always pulling for the other guy. Never griping."

No one understands him but his woman: Stewart married his wife, Donna, when she was 19. They stayed married for 51 years, right until Stewart's death in 2012.

(A word about the back): Stewart's catching appearance was actually on Aug. 9th, the first game of a doubleheader against the Dodgers in L.A. It was in the eighth inning and the Dodgers had just gone ahead 4-3 against the Reds' Don Gullett. Stewart caught Gullett and Gullett's replacement John Noriega in what turned out to be a four-run inning for the Dodgers.

no. 632 - darrel chaney

Who is the man: Darrel Chaney's average increased 41 points in 1970 over his rookie year in 1969, but he played in just 57 games, mostly because a young player named Dave Concepcion had taken over at shortstop.

Can ya dig it: That appears to be artificial turf. I'm not used to seeing artificial turf anymore. It looks weird.

Right on: The position designation says "infield," but Chaney played the vast majority of games (all but three) at shortstop or second.

You see that cat Chaney is a bad mother: Chaney played in three World Series with the Reds, 1970, 1972 and 1975.

Shut your mouth: During the early 1980s, Chaney rigged the doorbell to his home so that when it was pressed, it would air Reds announcer Marty Brennaman's excited calling of Chaney's grand slam for the Reds during a game in 1974. "When you don't hit many homers in the big leagues, you have to cherish one like that," Chaney said.

No one understands him but his woman: Chaney and his wife, Cindy, are closing in on their 50th wedding anniversary. They've been married 49 years.

(My observation on the back): All I can think of when I see that Juan Marichal gave up Chaney's first home run is the famous Bob Gibson line about how he knew it was time to retire when he gave up a home run to Pete LaCock.

no. 613 - pedro borbon

Who is the man: Pedro Borbon appeared in just 12 games in 1970, his first season with the Reds. He spent most of the year in Triple A Indianapolis.

Can ya dig it: Borbon looks like he means business, and if you know anything about Borbon's career, he meant business.

Right on: Dig the accent mark over the "o" in "Borbon". It's more pronounced than on some of his later cards, where it's just a dot.

You see that cat Borbon is a bad mother: Borbon famously chomped down on a Mets cap during the 1973 NLCS brawl initiated by Pete Rose's slide into Bud Harrelson. He also bit the Pirates' Daryl Patterson in the side during another brawl.

Shut your mouth: Borbon was charged with assault during an incident at a Cincinnati disco in 1979 in which he bit (yes, again) a bouncer. The Reds' GM at the time, Dick Wagner, publicly criticized Borbon's behavior, prompting Borbon to respond in the papers by saying, "Tell Dick Wagner to keep his mouth shut before I break his face." Borbon was traded to the Giants a couple months later.

No one understands him but his woman: Borbon returned to baseball as a replacement player in 1995 at the age of 48. He joined the Reds in spring training and struck out the only batter he faced in an exhibition game, but the Reds released him one game later.

(A word about the back): Look! Borbon is smiling! I made a big deal on another set blog about how Borbon never smiled on his cards and that prompted a comment from one of his daughters. Turns out all I had to do was turn over one of his cards.

no. 580 - tony perez

Who is the man: Tony Perez had just completed arguably his best season when this card was issued. In 1970, he hit a career-high 40 home runs, drove in a career-high 129 runs and batted .317.

Can ya dig it: Perez has some terrific cards. This one may not rank up there with his '66, '67, '70, '76 or '77 cards, but it's a nice reflective shot. I enjoy the bat on the shoulder, the helmet and the batting glove.

Right on: This would be the last time that Perez would be listed as a third baseman on the front of his card (he was still a third baseman for the '72 Topps set, but there are no positions on the front of that set). He would move to first base full-time in 1972, and his 1973 Topps card is his first at first base since the 1967 set.

You see that cat Perez is a bad mother: The Hall of Famer won the 1967 All-Star Game with a home run off of Catfish Hunter in the 15th inning.

Shut your mouth: When Perez was traded to the Expos, Perez's wife said that their sons, Victor and Eduardo, wanted to know if the Expos catcher (Gary Carter) could hold as many balls in one hand as Johnny Bench. (Both sons would go on to play professionally, and Eduardo reached the majors and then became an ESPN broadcaster).

No one understands him but his woman: Perez's wife's name is either Petuka or Pituka. I've seen it spelled both ways multiple times.

(A word about the back): Albert Pujols now holds the NL mark for most homers in April with 14, set in 2006.

no. 556 - jim mc glothlin

Who is the man: Jim McGlothlin had just compiled the best season of his career when this card was issued. In 1970, McGlothlin won a career-high 14 games in a career-best 210 innings and started Game 2 of the World Series for the Reds.

Can ya dig it: This is McGlothlin's first card as a Cincinnati Red, as he was traded by the Angels to the Reds in November 1969 and appears as an Angel on his 1970 Topps card.

Right on: Check out what appears to be a gloved hand in the lower right. Is it possible someone is winding up behind McGlothlin? Odd.

You see that cat McGlothlin is a bad mother: McGlothlin tied for the league lead with six shutouts in 1966. He pitched in the All-Star Game that year, getting Orlando Cepeda to hit into a double play and striking out Dick Allen.

Shut your mouth: At one point in '66, McGlothlin pitched 36 straight innings without giving up a run, but shrugged off compliments. "I'm just a hillbilly," he said. "I like John Wayne and country music."

No one understands him but his woman: McGlothlin died from a rare form of leukemia at age 32, less than two years after his career ended. His wife, in this article, published 40 years after his death, remembered the time when her husband playfully brushed her off the plate during an exhibition game between players and their wives.

(A word about the back): That period between May 16 and June 24, with the four complete games and three shutouts -- that's about three years' worth for a lot of pitchers today.

no. 538 - angel bravo

Who is the man: Angel Bravo had completed his first season with the Reds as a role-playing, pinch-hitting outfielder when this card was issued.

Can ya dig it: This is one of Bravo's two Topps cards. He was actually a member of the Padres by the time the card was issued. He was sent to San Diego in mid-May of 1971 for Al Ferrara.

Right on: Look at that choking up on his final card!

You see that cat Bravo is a bad mother: Bravo was an outfielder in a Wright State University German professor's all-religious team, compiled in the early 1990s. The team in its entirety: C Steve Christmas; 1B Luke Easter; 2B Johnny Temple; SS Jose Pagan; 3B Tim Teufel; OF Jesus Alou, Angel Bravo, Bob Christian; P Preacher Roe; RP Jim Gott; Manager Harry Lord

Shut your mouth: When Bravo was with the White Sox in 1969, he received criticism, along with some of the other young White Sox from veteran players who thought they were playing too deep. One unnamed White Sox player in a Sports Illustrated article said: "There seem to be a few people on this club who don't have any pride. Maybe they should send some of these young hotshots back to the minors and let them ride buses for a month."

No one understands him but his woman: This is a great story, also from Sports Illustrated. The story goes that Bravo left the Reds to play in Mexico. But he left no way for Reds traveling secretary Paul Campbell to contact him. Campbell was trying to get into Bravo's company-owned suitcase to which only Bravo knew the combination. Campbell kept the suitcase in his office and randomly tried to open the three-digit lock, attempting one of the 1,000 possible combinations. Then, one day, someone suggested Campbell try Bravo's best seasonal batting average. They looked it up and Bravo batted .342 in 1969 in the Pacific Coast League. Campbell tried 3-4-2 and the suitcase opened. And it was empty.

(A word about the back): This doesn't prove whether he was actually an outstanding base-runner, but Bravo stole two bases in his big-league career and was caught stealing twice. He did steal 60 bases in two separate seasons in Class A ball.

no. 496 - woody woodward

Who is the man: Woody Woodward was entering his final major league season when this card was issued. He would play in 136 games in 1971 -- the second most of his career -- but retire at age 29 at the end of the season.

Can ya dig it: Woodward's eyes match the sky.

Right on: I can't imagine how many fans gave him the Woody Woodpecker laugh.

You see that cat Woodward is a bad mother: Woodward was on the field for his glove. In 1967, he led all National League second basemen in fielding percentage.

Shut your mouth: Woodward hit the only home run of his nine-year career in 1970, a two-run shot off the Braves' Ron Reed. Afterward, teammate Wayne Granger said, "We figured out that if he keeps hitting home runs at this pace, it will only take him 4,198 years to catch Babe Ruth."

No one understands him but his woman: Woodward's only four-hit game came in the same game that pitcher Tony Cloninger hit two grand slams.

(A word about the back): Something happened between 1971 and now because Woodward's .984 fielding percentage in '67 is now listed at .982.

no. 478 - bernie carbo

Who is the man: Bernie Carbo finished second in the NL Rookie of the Year voting in 1970 but was entering what would be a sophomore slump of a season.

Can ya dig it: This was one of the prized cards of my budding 1971 collection when I was a teenager.

Right on: I believe I can see a catcher crouching for a pitch in the batting cage behind Carbo.

You see that cat Carbo is a bad mother: Carbo's three-run pinch-hit homer in the eighth inning of Game 6 of the 1975 World Series set up Carlton Fisk's famous game-winning blast in the 12th inning.

Shut your mouth: When Carbo was traded to the Indians by the Red Sox in 1978, Carbo's good pal Bill Lee staged a walkout, calling Red Sox management "gutless" for not informing Carbo of the trade before he left the park after the game. This was also the same conversation in which Lee called manager Don Zimmer "a gerbil."

No one understands him but his woman: After his career, Carbo went to cosmetology school and operated a hair salon for eight years.

(A word about the back): The Sporting News named Expos pitcher Carl Morton the Rookie of the Year in 1970, so "Rookie Player of the Year" must have been something different.

no. 457 - willie smith

Who is the man: Willie Smith spent another season as mainly a pinch-hitter in 1970. He appeared in 87 games for the Cubs, but with just 167 at-bats.

Can ya dig it: Smith, who was traded to the Reds on Nov. 30, 1970, is wearing a Cubs jersey in this picture. Topps has cropped the image closely so all you notice is Smith's far-away brown eyes.

Right on: Second straight card featuring a player's final card.

You see that cat Smith is a bad mother: Smith hit a walk-off home run in the 11th inning on Opening Day for the Cubs on April 8, 1969. The Phillies had tied the game in the top of the ninth when Don Money hit a three-run home run. Then the Phillies went ahead 6-5 in the top of the 11th on Money's run-scoring double. But Smith responded with the real money hit when he sent a Barry Lersch pitch over the right-center field fence with Randy Hundley on base to give the Cubs the victory.

Shut your mouth: Smith was the first of four Willies to reach the upper deck at old Atlanta Fulton-County Stadium. The other three were Willie Stargell, Willie McCovey and Willie Mays.

No one understands him but his woman: Smith started his major league career as a pitcher, throwing for the Tigers in 1963 and the Angels in 1964. Angels manager Bill Rigney converted Smith to an outfielder because his bat was too good to leave out of the lineup. But Smith did pitch three more times in 1968 for the Indians and Cubs.

(A word about the back): Smith's baseball-reference.com page does not list his birth date for whatever reason. But his birthday -- Feb. 11, 1939 -- is on this card.

no. 420 - jim merritt

Who is the man: Jim Merritt was coming off a 20-win season for the Cincinnati Reds. He also started the final game of the World Series against the Orioles, but was yanked in the second inning after giving up four runs. Baltimore would go on to beat the Reds, 9-3, and win the Series.

Can ya dig it: I don't know where Merritt is, but he looks like he's practicing in a coliseum.

Right on: Despite Merritt's success with the Reds and the Twins, I always think of him as a Ranger, because his 1975 Topps card -- his final card -- was the first one of his I pulled.

You see that cat Merritt is a bad mother: Merritt won 17 games in 1969 despite leading the league in earned runs and home runs allowed.

Shut your mouth: Merritt was fined for allegedly throwing spitballs during a victory against the Indians in 1973. After the game, Merritt said he threw about 25 "Gaylord fastballs," in reference to noted baseball lubricator Gaylord Perry.

No one understands him but his woman: Merritt struck out seven straight batters in 1966, which at the time tied an American League record. It was surpassed by the Yankees' Ron Davis in 1981, which I just mentioned on my most recent post on the 1985 Topps blog.

(A word about the back): I see that Merritt has something in common with Steve Garvey, also a former bat boy for the Dodgers.

no. 394 - clay carroll

Who is the man: Clay Carroll maintained his reputation as one of the top relievers in baseball in 1970, not only posting a 2.60 ERA in 65 games, but shutting down the Orioles over four appearances and nine innings in the World Series.

Can ya dig it: Carroll is working over some tobacco in that photo. It's the second time in six cards that a player's featured a chaw.

Right on: Carroll was nicknamed "Hawk" because of his profile, but I've always thought he looked more like a gremlin.

You see that cat Carroll is a bad mother: Carroll saved 37 games in 1972, which was a major league single-season record at the time. It remained the National League record until Bruce Sutter broke it in 1984.

Shut your mouth: When Bob Gibson complained in '72 that pitching in the All-Star Game would interfere with his role in the Cardinals' starting rotation, Carroll reportedly told a Reds official, "give me the ball, I'll go 9."

No one understands him but his woman: Carroll's second wife, Frances, was shot and killed by his stepson. Carroll was injured in the shooting and the stepson is serving a life sentence.

(A word about the back): Geez, he hit a game-winning home run against Gibson, too? Gibson must hate this guy.

no. 379 - wayne granger

Who is the man: Wayne Granger was a relief pitcher extraordinaire when this card was created. In 1970, he set a major league record for saves in a season (35), one year after setting an MLB mark for appearances in a season (90).

Can ya dig it: Granger appears to be saying "so you're a wise guy, eh?" out of the side of his mouth.

Right on: That's a nice look at Granger's three-quarters arm motion.

You see that cat Granger is a bad mother: Granger finished eighth in the Cy Young Award voting in 1970, which was pretty good for a relief pitcher back then.

Shut your mouth: Granger was known for his scrawny stature. Reds teammate Pete Rose said he looked like "a professional blood donor."

No one understands him but his woman: Granger gave up a grand slam to Orioles pitcher Dave McNally in the 1970 World Series. It's the only time a pitcher has given up a grand slam to another pitcher in a Series.

(A word about the back): I wonder if collectors who know nothing about past baseball terminology read a card like this and wonder how a baseball pitcher could be a fireman, too.

no. 377 - greg garrett

Who is the man: Greg Garrett had thrown his final major league pitch by the time this card was pulled out of packs. His last game for the Reds was in late April 1971, he was then sent down to the minors and never returned.

Can ya dig it: Garrett is wearing an Angels cap and uniform. He was traded to the Reds in December, 1970.

Right on: This is Garrett's only solo card. He appears as a rookie star with two other Angels prospects in the 1970 Topps set.

You see this cat Garrett is a bad mother: Oh, brother, is he. Garrett retired from baseball before he hit age 25 because he kept getting in disagreements with management. He won All-America honors in badminton at Cal State Fullerton after his baseball career ended. From there, he played professional slo-pitch softball and was known for blasting enormous home runs. After that, he began powerlifting and won three world champions after hitting age 40.

Shut your mouth: Garrett's career went south when he was in the Reds' minor league organization. Garrett once pitched a game where he went eight innings and the team lost in extra innings. The manager, Vern Rapp, spotted Garrett in the clubhouse with a beer and chewed him out for having a beer after a loss. Garrett told Rapp that he was going to enjoy the beer. A week later, Garrett found himself in the Giants organization.

No one understands him but his woman: Garrett was forced to give up his weightlifting career after both kidneys started failing and he needed a kidney transplant (after a successful transplant, he won gold medals in bowling and softball toss in the National Transplant Olympics). In 2001 he was diagnosed with pancreatic and liver cancer and died in 2003 at age 56. Rumors circulated that Garrett's illnesses were related to steroid use, which family members denied.

(A word about the back): Except for 8 2/3 innings, 2 games, a loss and a handful of other stats, those are Garrett's complete "life" numbers.

no. 357 - reds

Who is the man: The Reds won their first pennant since 1961, setting a franchise record for victories with 102 in 1970. They lost to the Orioles in five games in the World Series.

Can ya dig it: I do believe the team photo was taken in Riverfront Stadium, which was brand-spanking new in 1970. You can see the pride on all of their faces.

Right on: You know, I respect the job that trainers/doctors/clubhouse men do to keep the team operating, but if I was one of them, I wouldn't want to join a bunch of strapping players in uniform for a group picture. There's just no way you're going to look as good as them.

You see that cat Anderson is a bad mother: I believe manager Sparky Anderson is sitting in the center of the first row (just to the right of Pete Rose, who is No. 14 and sitting on the ground). Anderson kicked off a Hall of Fame managing career with this team.

Shut your mouth: Let's ID some people besides Rose and Anderson. Sitting on the ground at the far right is young outfielder Bernie Carbo. Sitting in the first row, second player from the right, I believe, is Bobby Tolan. Standing in the second row, the last player on the right, is pitcher Wayne Granger. Next to him is infielder Woody Woodward and next to Woodward is shortstop Davey Concepcion. On the other side of that row, pitcher Jim McGlothlin is the second player in from the left. Up top, the second player on the left is pitcher Gary Nolan. Next to him, I believe, is first baseman Lee May. Two players over from May is pitcher Wayne Simpson.

No one understands him but his woman: I don't have a good idea where Johnny Bench is in this photo. It's possible he's sitting next to Rose. But he could have missed the shoot for all I know.

(A word about the back): Notice it doesn't say "Black Sox" under the Reds' Series opponent in 1919. It's kind of a pet peeve of mine when people refer to the 1919 White Sox as the "Black Sox" in official stats or stories of record.

no. 339 - wayne simpson

Who is the man: Wayne Simpson was indeed the man in 1970 until the end of July. He won 13 of his first 14 decisions until tearing his rotator cuff on July 31, 1970 in the first game of a doubleheader against the Cubs.

Can ya dig it: Simpson has already appeared in this set on the National League ERA Leaders card.

Right on:  First solo card! He first appeared in the 1970 Topps set on a Reds three-player rookie card with Hal McRae.

You see this cat Simpson is a bad mother: Simpson pitched a complete-game, two-hit shutout in his major league debut on April 9, 1970 against the Dodgers. He outpitched Don Sutton, who gave up just three runs in 8-plus innings.

Shut your mouth: Because of Simpson's terrific start, his strong arm and the fact he was black, he was often compared to Bob Gibson.

No one understands him but his woman: Simpson endured arm problems for the rest of his career and was often told by the Reds that his ailments were all in his mind. He played for several other teams and later suffered blood clots in his arm, coming dangerously close to losing a limb.

(A word about the back): According to Simpson's SABR bio, the pass he completed was actually 88 yards and it was indeed all in the air, from his hands to the hands of receiver Mickey Cureton, who would play for UCLA. Considering that the average NFL quarterback is supposed to be able to throw, on average, up to 60-to-70 yards in the air, that's impressive. Which probably explains why this is the first time I remember seeing an exclamation point in any of these '71 bios.

no. 319 - ty cline

Who is the man: Ty Cline was entering his final season in the big leagues when this card arrived in packs. He had participated in his first season with the Reds -- his sixth major league team -- in 1970.

Can ya dig it: That's a rather heroic pose for a role player. The blue sky, the shot from underneath.

Right on: Final card of his career.

You see this cat Cline is a bad mother: This is the last of three cards of Cline in the 1971 set. The other two came in the NLCS subset.

Shut your mouth: Cline did enjoy a fine NLCS against the Pirates in 1970, but in the World Series, he and his team were on the wrong end of one of the more notable blown calls in history. In Game 1, with the score between the Reds and Orioles tied 3-3 and runners on first and third in the sixth inning, Cline hit a high chopper in front of the plate. Bernie Carbo ran in from third and Orioles catcher Elrod Hendricks fielded the ball and tagged Carbo with an empty glove while holding the ball in his bare hand. Umpire Ken Burkhart, who had fallen to the ground with his back to the play, called Carbo out.

No one understands him but his woman: After his career, Cline became a baseball club owner, taking over the Pirates' affiliate in his hometown of Charleston, in the Western Carolina League. Cline, who went in on the project with friend Bill Edwards, was told at the time that he was the first former MLB player to own a minor league team.

(A word about the back): Nice work by Topps getting in Cline's feats from the postseason. You'd think they would have that anyway because of the NLCS cards that appeared earlier in the set, but sometimes I think bios were written super early in the process.

no. 293 - pat corrales

Who is the man: Pat Corrales was entering his fourth year as the Reds' backup to Johnny Bench in 1971.

Can ya dig it: I daresay the chest protector is the star of this card show.

Right on: Those soft caps that catchers wore really demonstrate what a different game it was then. It also makes me feel old because I remember catchers wearing soft caps.

You see this cat Corrales is a bad mother: Corrales was voted to the Topps' All-Rookie team in 1965 despite hitting .224 and striking out 42 times in 174 at-bats.

Shut your mouth: Sports Illustrated famously declared the Indians the "Best Team in the American League" in their preseason issue in 1987. By the end of June, the Indians were in last place. But Corrales said, "Sports Illustrated hasn't been getting my hitters out, and it hasn't been getting hits off my pitching staff." Corrales, the Indians' manager, was fired less than a month later.

No one understands him but his woman: Corrales, managing the Indians in 1984, was explaining his "hot and mad" theory on deciding who to start. He said if it worked out right, the whole lineup would be hot and mad at him. "I think I'm losing my sanity," Corrales said. "I started explaining this to my wife the other day. Finally, she looked at me and said, 'how old are you?'"

(A word about the back): I'd like to see this ratings system of No. 2 catchers.

no. 272 - tommy helms

Who is the man: Tommy Helms was entering his final season with the Reds in 1971 before heading off to the Astros in the deal that brought Joe Morgan to Cincinnati.

Can ya dig it: Helms has posed with hands on hips a few different times on his cards (1974 and 1975 Topps, too). This is the first ... and the most wistful.

Right on: Helms featured a few distinctive hairstyles on his cards. This, obviously, is the sideburn phase.

You see this cat Helms is a bad mother: Helms forced Pete Rose to move from second base to left field. Helms was trained as a shortstop, but started his MLB career as a third baseman. In 1967, the Reds put Tony Perez at third and moved Helms to second. Helms also replaced Rose as a manager -- twice -- when Rose was suspended for bumping an umpire in 1988 and when he was suspended from baseball for accusations of gambling on the sport.

Shut your mouth: Helms on the 1970 Reds team that made the World Series: "You've heard of the Big Red Machine? I'm just a hubcap."

No one understands him but his woman: Helms hit one home run in 1970 (and 34 in his 14-year MLB career). His homer bounded off the left field foul pole and when he arrived back at the dugout, two of his teammates were on the floor, pretending to have fainted, while other teammates fanned them with towels.

(A word about the back): Sorry, the editor is annoyed with the first sentence. So many extra words. It should say, "Tommy's great defensive play saved first game of 1970 NL playoffs for Reds." Actually, it'd be better to describe the defensive play rather than just call it "great."

The play happened in the third inning. In a scoreless game, with Pirates Matty Alou and Gene Alley on second and third, respectively, Pittsburgh's Dave Cash rocketed a shot to the right of Helms at second base. Helms dove to stop the ball and then threw out Cash at first for the third out. The Reds would prevail in 10 innings with three runs in the 10th.

I guess Topps couldn't get all that in the write-up. Thus, "great."