‘Same Card, Different Paths’ – Card #57

‘Same Card, Different Paths’ – Card #57

1963 Topps – Card #537 – AKA – ‘The Pete Rose Rookie Card’

Pedro Gonzalez – Gonzalez played in the big leagues for 5 seasons.  A utility player, he played all defensive positions with the exception of catcher.  Gonzalez amassed 264 hits during his playing days and he sports a .244 batting average.  He also scored 99 runs, hit 8 homers, stole 22 bases and drove in 70.

Ken McMullen – McMullen enjoyed a 16-year major league career in which he suited up for 5 teams.  A third baseman, McMullen displayed quite a bit of pop in his bat during his prime.  Collecting 156 home runs in his career, he hit double-digit homers during 8 different seasons. 

Pete Rose – The game’s all-time leader with 4,256 hits, Pete Rose was as well-rounded of a player as there was during his era.  Rose was able to hit for a high average while also dominating the base paths.  The 17-time All-star has a .303 lifetime batting average along with 198 stolen bases and 2,165 runs scored.  Rose won the Rookie of the Year award in 1963, the MVP in 1973, and he owns 1 Silver Slugger trophy and 2 Gold Glove awards.  Rose is a 3-time World Series champion.

Al Weis – Weis split time between the New York Mets and Chicago White Sox during his 10-year career.  A talented fielder, Weis spent a majority of his time playing second base and shortstop based on his team’s needs.  He has a lifetime batting average of .219.  In 10 years, collected 346 hits, 7 home runs, and 55 stolen bases.  Weis was part of the 1969 World Series winning ‘Amazin Mets’.

‘Same Card, Different Paths’ – Card #56

‘Same Card, Different Paths’ – Card #56

1975 Topps – Card #622 – AKA – ‘The Fred Lynn Rookie Card’

Ed Armbrister – a 5-year veteran, Armbrister suited up for the ‘Big Red Machine’ from 1973-1977.  Winning 2 World Series championship rings in the process, Armbrister played all three outfield positions for the team.  A career .245 hitter, he collected 65 hits in 265 at-bats.  Other notable offensive stats include his 46 runs scored and 15 stolen bases. 

Fred Lynn – Lynn played for 5 teams over the course of his 17-year major league career.  A 9-time All-star and winner of three Gold Glove awards, Lynn sported an all-around game that was to be envied.  His best season in the majors was his rookie year – 1975.  During that season Lynn hit .331 while collecting 175 hits that included 47 doubles, 7 triples, and 21 home runs.  He also scored 103 runs while driving in another 105.  Lynn’s performance was so dominant that he won the Rookie of the Year and MVP awards in that year. 

Tom Poquette – Poquette was used as a utility outfielder during his 7-year big league career.  During that time, he played for 3 different teams and managed 3 post-season appearances(all losses in the ALCS).  Poquette has a lifetime batting average of .268 that includes 329 career hits.  He also amassed 127 runs scored, 10 home runs, 136 RBI, and he struck out just 82 times in 1,350 plate appearances.

Terry Whitfield – Whitfield played for 3 of the most historic franchises in major league baseball during his 10-year career – the Yankees, the Giants, and the Dodgers.  In that time, he managed just one trip to the post-season.  Using mostly as a defensive replacement, Whitfield appeared in 730 games.  He has a career batting average of .281 and he scored 233 runs, drove in 179, and collected 537 hits.

‘Same Card, Different Paths’ – Card #55

‘Same Card, Different Paths’ – Card #55

1982 Topps – Card #766 – AKA – ‘The Kent Hrbek Rookie Card’

Lenny Faedo – Played played just 5 seasons in major league baseball – all with the Twins.  A shortstop, he was the primary back-up, and appeared in 174 games.  Faedo had a solid 96.1% fielding percentage for the Twins, while his offensive output was below par.  A lifetime .251 hitter, Faedo collected 133 hits in the big leagues, that included 17 doubles, 1 triple, and 5 home runs. 

Kent Hrbek – Hrbek was the anchor of the Twins’ infield during the 1980’s.  A big guy, Hrbek blended contact and power hitting well and had a 14-year big league career as a result.  Able to hit the long ball with ease, Hrbek hit double-digit home runs in each season from 1982-1994.  He tallied 293 career home runs, including 6 seasons of at least 25.  Hrbek was a 1-time All-star and finished in second place for the 1982 ROY and 1984 MVP awards.  He was a member of both Twins World Series winners in 1987 and 1991. 

Tim Laudner – Launder played 9 years with the Twins, appearing in 734 games.  A catcher, that spent some time at both DH and first base, he was a solid contributor to the team’s winning ways.  While his offense was sub-par, including a .225 career batting average, his work with the pitching staff was magnificent.  Catching close to 5,000 innings, Laudner has a career fielding percentage of 98.1%.  During the 1987 World Series, which his team won, Laudner appeared in all 7 games and hit .318 with 1 homer, 4 RBI, and 4 runs scored.

‘Same Card, Different Paths’ – Card #54

‘Same Card, Different Paths’ – Card #54

1970 Topps – Card #539 – AKA – ‘The Larry Bowa Rookie Card’

Dennis Doyle – Doyle, an 8-year veteran that suited up for 3 teams during his playing days, was a nice defensive player.  For his career, he was a .250 hitter.  He collected 823 hits during his career, including 113 doubles and 16 homers.  Doyle scored 357 runs, drove in 237, and was able to swipe 23 bases.  He played for the Boston Red Sox in the 1975 World Series.  He hit .267 while tallying 8 hits and scoring 3 runs in the 7-game series.

Larry Bowa – Bowa’s career was punctuated by being named to 5 All-star teams while also winning 2 Gold Glove awards.  A highly skilled defender, Bowa used his speed well on the field.  His fast feet helped him amass 318 stolen bases while also scoring 987 runs.  A lifetime .260 hitter, Bowa collected 2,191 during his playing days.  Bowa was part of the 1980 World Series championship Phillies team.  In that series, he hit .316 while amassing 9 hits and scoring 3 runs for the champs!

‘Same Card, Different Paths’ – Card #53

‘Same Card, Different Paths’ – Card #53

1976 Topps – Card #592 – AKA – ‘The Willie Randolph Rookie Card’

Willie Randolph – A six-time All-star and winner of 1 Silver Slugger trophy, Willie Randolph enjoyed a very successful 18-season major league career.  A solid defender at second base, Randolph used his speed as a weapon on both defense and offense.  A lifetime .276 hitter, Randolph collected 2,210 hits while scoring 1,239 runs, stealing 271 bases, and even homering 54 times.  Randolph played in 4 World Series contests, ultimately winning the prize in 1977 with the New York Yankees.

Dave McKay – An 8-year veteran, Dave McKay suited up for three different teams during his playing days.  Used as a second baseman, third baseman, and shortstop, McKay was a strong defender and played well in a utility role.  McKay’s career numbers include 441 hits, 191 runs scored, 21 home runs, and 170 RBI.

Jerry Royster – Royster’s career spanned 16 seasons.  A skilled athlete, Royster played every defensive position with the exception of first base and catcher.  During his career, Royster amassed a batting average of .249.  He tallied 1,049 hits alongside 552 runs scored, 189 steals, 165 doubles, and 352 RBI. 

Roy Staiger – Staiger played just 4 years in the big leagues, all of them in New York.  Spending 3 years with the Mets and then 1 with the Yankees, Staiger was able to see life from both sides as a big leaguer in ‘The Big Apple’.  He compiled a .228 batting average while appearing in 152 games.  In total, Staiger amassed 104 hits, scored 42 runs, smacked 4 home runs, and drove in 38 RBI.

‘Same Card, Different Paths’ – Card #52

‘Same Card, Different Paths’ – Card #52

1972 Topps – Card #761 – AKA – ‘The Ron Cey Rookie Card’

Ben Oglivie – A 16-year veteran that was a solid contributor for the Red Sox, Tigers, and Brewers, Ben Oglivie had a nice career as a big league player.  An outfielder that could play either in left or right, Oglivie solidified his role with his solid all-around play.  Oglivie was a 3-time All-star.  In his best season, 1980, he finished in 13th place for the MVP Award with his .304 batting average, 41 home runs, and 118 RBI.

Ron Cey – The ‘Penguin’ was as solid as they come during the 1970’s and into the 80’s.  The anchor of the Dodgers star-studded line-up, Ron Cey did it all.  A 6-time All-star, Cey finished his career with 1,868 hits, 316 home runs, and 1,139 RBI.  He played in 4 World Series match-ups with the Dodgers, winning just one title in 1981.  During the ’81 championship, Cey was named World Series MVP with his .350 batting average alongside 7 hits, 6 RBI, 3 runs scored, and 1 home run.  

Bernie Williams – Williams played for 4 seasons in the majors.  During that time he appeared in 102 games for the Giants and Padres.   A utility outfielder, Williams spent time playing all three spots.  Williams compiled a .192 batting average during his career while collecting 33 hits, scoring 23 runs, smacking 4 home runs, and striking out 53 times.

‘Same Card, Different Paths’ – Card #51

‘Same Card, Different Paths’ – Card #51

1963 Topps – Card #228 – AKA – ‘The Tony Oliva Rookie Card’

Max Alvis – Alvis played in the big leagues for 9 years, making the All-star team twice.  A solid thrid baseman, he was good in the field, and steady at the plate.  During his 9-year career, Alvis compiled a .247 batting avergae while collecting 895 hits.  He also rung up 421 runs scored, 111 home runs, and 373 RBI. 

Bob Bailey – Bailey enjoyed a 17-year major league career that saw him call 5 teams ‘home’.  A true role player, Bailey played 6 of 9 defensive positions at some point during his playing days.  Bailey has 1,564 career hits.  Other notable offensive numbers include his 772 runs scored, 189 home runs, 773 RBI, and 85 stolen bases.

Ed Kranepool – A lifetime New York Met, Ed Kranepool called ‘The Big Apple’ home from the team’s debut in 1962 through 1979.  Kranepool was present for each and every win and loss during the team’s first 18 big-league seaons.  He was part of their 1969 World Series championship team too!!  In total, Ed Kranepool tallied 1,418 hits as a Met.  He also made the All-star team during the 1965 season.

Pedro ‘Tony’ Oliva – Oliva had an incredible rookie season, and continued to excel from that point on.  Winning the Rookie of the Year award in 1964 with his 217 hits, 109 runs scored, and .323 batting average, Oliva was right at home playing major league baseball.  A skilled offensive player, Oliva was a great contact hitter and he collected 150 or more hits in 8 of his 15 years as a pro.  Oliva was a 8-time All-star, and he finished in the Top 10 for the MVP five times during his playing days.

‘Same Card, Different Paths’ – Card #50

‘Same Card, Different Paths’ – Card #50

1964 Topps – Card #541 – AKA – ‘The Phil Niekro Rookie Card’

Phil Roof – Roof played in the big leagues for 15 years.  Never staying in one city for more than 6 seasons, he played for 8 different teams during that time.  A catcher, Roof saw time primarily as a back-up to the team’s starter.  He amassed a .215 batting average during his 15-year playing career.  Roof’s career stats include 463 hits, 190 runs scored, 69 doubles, 43 home runs, and 210 RBI.

Phil Niekro – A member of Baseball’s Hall of Fame and ‘300 Wins Club’, Phil Niekro’s major league career spanned three decades and 24 seasons.  Used primarily as a starting pitcher, Niekro made 864 appearances in big league games, 716 of which came as the game’s starting pitcher.  He compiled a 318-274 record while throwing 245 complete games and 45 shutouts.  Niekro struck out 3,342 batters during his 24-year career while compiling a 3.35 ERA.  Phil Niekro was a 4-time All-star, 5-time Gold Glove winner, and he finished in the Top 6 for the Cy Young Award 6 times.

‘Same Card, Different Paths’ – Card #49

‘Same Card, Different Paths’ – Card #49

1962 Topps – Card #594 – AKA – ‘The Bob Uecker Rookie Card’

Doc Edwards – Edwards, a catcher, played for 4 teams during his 5-year major league career.  Consistently used as a back-up, Edwards appeared in 317 games during that time.  A career .238 hitter, he has 15 career home runs with 69 runs scored and 87 RBI.

Ken Retzer – Retzer played 4 years in the big leagues, all of which were for the Washington Senators.  Strictly used as a ‘second-stringer’, he played in 237 games.  Retzer was a decent with and has a .264 lifetime average.  His most impressive stat shows off his ‘good eye’ as he struck out just 50 times in 754 plate appearances!

Don Pavletich – Pavletich played 12 seasons in the majors splitting time between Cincinnati, Chicago, and Boston.  He was never able to secure a job in the starting line-up, but was used often as a back-up catcher and first baseman.  In 12 big league seasons, Pavletich amassed 46 home runs and 193 RBI while also scoring 163 runs!!

Doug Camili – A 9-year veteran, Camili suited up for the Dodgers and Senators during his playing days.  In a back-up role, he appeared in 313 contests.  During that time Camili compiled a .199 batting average while collecting 153 hits, 18 homers, and just 80 RBI.

Bob Uecker – Playing for 4 teams over the course of 6 seasons, Bob Uecker was often used as a complimentary piece in trades.  A career .200 hitter, Uecker amassed 146 hits with 14 homers and 74 RBI during that time.  For such subpar numbers, Uecker is still one of the most famous faces in the sport today!

‘Same Card, Different Paths’ – Card #48

‘Same Card, Different Paths’ – Card #48

1970 Topps – Card # – AKA – ‘The Bill Buckner Rookie Card’

Jack Jenkins – Jenkins’ career spanned 3 major league seasons and in that time he appeared in just 8 games.  A pitcher, used as both a starter and reliever, Jenkins just did not have ‘the stuff’ to stick around long.  His career record is 0-3 with an ERA of 4.72.  In 26 innings pitched, he allowed 28 hits and 14 runs while walking 19 and striking out 16.

Bill Buckner – Buckner played in the major leagues for 22 seasons.  And during that time he played for 5 different clubs.  He will always be known for the play that he did not make during the 1986 World Series, but he also put up some solid numbers which kept him employed as a big leaguer for more than 2 decades.  A career .289 hitter, Buckner also collected 2,715 hits, 1,077 runs scored, 498 doubles, 174 home runs, and he drove in 1,208 runs.  Buckner made the all-star team one time – in 1981.