#327 Ray Fosse

Who is this player?Ray Fosse, reserve catcher, Milwaukee BrewersAs the 1980 season got underway, Ray Fosse was not on a major league roster. Six days before the Brewers broke camp, Fosse was cut in favor of Ned Yost. The free agent contract that he sig…

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Who is this player?Bo McLaughlin, relief pitcher, Atlanta BravesInterestingly, Michael Duane “Bo” McLaughlin did not appear in a major league game in 1980 despite appearing in a career-high 59 games the previous year in split duty between the Braves an…

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A brief look back in team form at the last 25 player cards in the 1980 set (#300 through #325) as if constructing a fantasy league team.Manager – Tom Lasorda1B – Keith Hernandez 2B – Mike EdwardsSS – Chris Speier 3B – Denny WallingOF – Dave Parker OF -…

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Who is this player?Dan Driessen, first baseman, Cincinnati RedsAs the regular first sacker of the defending National League West champions, Dan Driessen had a secure position with the Cincinnati Reds. The left-handed hitter had established a reputation…

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Who is this player?Mick Kelleher, utility infielder, Chicago CubsThe current first base coach of the New York Yankees, in 1980 Mick Kelleher had a reputation as a tremendous glove man. He appeared in 105 games, primarily as a defensive specialist. His …

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Who is this player?Tom Underwood, starting pitcher, Toronto Blue JaysWhen this card was being pulled from packs during the 1980 season, Tom Underwood was already long gone from Toronto. The lefthanded pitcher was traded as part of a package to the New …

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Who is this player?Claudell Washington, rightfiedler, Chicago White SoxSpring Training for Claudell Washington began with a contract dispute, and the miserly White Sox were not about to sign him to the multimillion dollar deal he was seeking. Already u…

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Disclaimer: This post has nothing to do with the 1980 Topps set, rather a small baseball tale that my father talked about for much of my life. Periodically, I will include these as a tribute to the man who started my card collection and my interest in …

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Who is this player?Keith Hernandez, first baseman, St. Louis CardinalsAs one of the reigning co-MVP’s in the National League, Keith Hernandez began 1980 by signing a new five-year contract. Hernandez was also the league’s defending batting champion and…

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Who is this player?Dennis Eckersley, starting pitcher, Boston Red SoxHall of Fame, Class of 2004Only 25 years old during the 1980 season, Dennis Eckersley was already in the midst of his sixth big league season. He was the Red Sox Opening Day starter, …

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A bit of explanation is probably in order…..This blog has not been updated in almost a year. Along the way, there were many friends made and several folks who offered well wishes. I probably should have come on here sooner to update and it is amazing…

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Who is this player?Chris Speier, shortstop, Montreal ExposThe 1980 season was one of ups and downs for Montreal Expos shortstop Chris Speier. He lost his starting position in late April when he wasn’t hitting and wasn’t sharp defensively. After nearly …

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Who is this player?Jerry Reuss, starting pitcher, Los Angeles Dodgers1980 would prove to be a truly memorable year for Jerry Reuss of the Los Angeles Dodgers. While he did not begin the season as a starter, he pitched excellently in relief to earn a re…

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Who is this player?Mike Anderson, reserve outfielder, Philadelphia PhilliesShortly before the 1980 season was to begin, Mike Anderson of the Philadelphia Phillies was sent to the minor leagues. This was not a unique occurrence for Anderson, who had bee…

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Who is this player?Bob Lacey, closer, Oakland AthleticsIn 1980, Bob Lacey may have been the least used closer of the modern era. While Lacey appeared in a team-high 47 games, finishing 31 he only earned six saves. This was due to Oakland’s record-setti…

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Who is this player?Steve Kemp, left fielder, Detroit TigersAs the decade began, Steve Kemp of the Detroit Tigers was generally regarded as one of baseball’s future superstars. Coming off of an All-Star season, Kemp engaged in a salary squabble with the…

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Who is this player?Tim Stoddard, closer, Baltimore OriolesMoved into the role of top fireman with the departure of Don Stanhouse, Tim Stoddard responded by pitching in a career-high 64 games and finishing fourth in the American League with 26 saves. Th…

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Who is this playerJohnny Grubb, rightfielder, Texas RangersNot as heralded as some of his more famous mates in the Texas Rangers outfield, Johnny Grubb was a solid and reliable rightfielder in 1980. The no-nonsense Grubb played all three outfield posit…

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One of the highlights of summer was getting the official All Star ballot. I only went to one game a season from 1979 until 1985 and every single one of them fell either before or after the All Star voting period. Therefore, the only way I ever got a ba…

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Who is this player?Mike Barlow, relief pitcher, California AngelsMidway during Spring Training in 1980, Mike Barlow found himself traded from the defending AL West Champion California Angels to the Toronto Blue Jays. Despite coming off a 109-loss seaso…

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About a month ago, I picked up an unopened pack of three 1980 Topps Superstar Photo Cards via ebay. With the recent posting of Dave Parker, I thought that this feature would be timely, especially since the Cobra is the one on the top:Chet Lemon is the …

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Who is this player?Roger Metzger, utility infielder, San Francisco GiantsIn November 1979, Roger Metzger of the San Francisco Giants was badly hurt when he severed parts of four fingers on his right hand in a sawing accident at his home in Texas. Deter…

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Who is this player?Dave Parker, rightfielder, Pittsburgh PiratesAlthough he was considered one of the best players in the game, Dave Parker was a target for criticism, due to his boastful demeanor and million-dollar-a-year contract. Nevertheless, the “…

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Who is this player?Larry McWilliams, starting pitcher, Atlanta BravesIn his first full season in the Braves starting rotation, Larry McWilliams made 30 starts and won nine games. The lefthander began the year as Atlanta’s #3 starter but he struggled ea…

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Who is this player?Mike Hargrove, first baseman, Cleveland IndiansThe Human Rain Delay. Mike Hargrove’s deliberate routine at the plate before each at-bat belied the fact that the Indian first baseman was an excellent hitter. Playing in 160 games, Harg…

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Who is this player?Rick Honeycutt, starting pitcher, Seattle Mariners1980 was a tale of two seasons for Rick Honeycutt. The lefthander began the season quickly, winning his first six decisions. When the month of June began, his record stood at 7-1 and …

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Who is this player?Denny Walling, utility, Houston AstrosA valuable role player, Denny Walling was a key player off the bench as the Houston Astros won their first ever National League West title in 1980. Playing mostly first base and outfield, the lef…

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Who is this player?Randy Jones, starting pitcher, San Diego PadresOn the morning of May 16, 1980 things were looking up for Randy Jones of the San Diego Padres. He had just pitched his third consecutive shutout, defeating the Chicago Cubs. His record s…

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Who is this player?Butch Wynegar, catcher, Minnesota TwinsAn excellent defensive receiver with a keen batting eye, Butch Wynegar of the Minnesota Twins was seen as a rising star as the 1980 season began. Indeed, The Complete Handbook of Baseball tabbed…

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Who is this player?Bill Castro, relief pitcher, Milwaukee BrewersIn what was generally regarded as a disappointing season for the Milwaukee Brewers, righthanded pitcher Bill Castro had perhaps his finest season. Working in a career-high 56 games, Castr…

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My apologies if this post comes off as egotistical, but we began this Friday with a certain amount of pride regarding this blog.Since it began, I never really considered who read this blog or who it reached. That was never the intent. I guess it is alw…

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What is this card?Team Card, Los Angeles Dodgers, Tom Lasorda ManagerA year after falling out of contention in the National League West, the Los Angeles Dodgers began 1980 intent on reclaiming their status at the premier team in the division. The seeds…

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Who is this player?Mike Edwards, second baseman, Oakland A’sThe year began curiously for the A’s Mike Edwards; he went to salary arbitration with the notorious owner Charlie Finley. Edwards likely became the only player in history to ask for less than …

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It’s been over a year since this blog began and we have just turned the page on card #300. Even though we are not even near the halfway mark, it has been a fun ride and I appreciate the folks that have been following along. I’m glad that we have been a…

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Who is this player?Ron Guidry, starting pitcher, New York YankeesTwo years removed from the best season of his career, Ron Guidry began 1980 as the unquestioned ace of the Yankees staff. In “Bronx Zoo” fashion, he started the year by being fined by the…

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