Sunday, November 10, 2019

1981 Topps Jim Essian

The front: The sun glints off of Essian’s batting helmet at what I think is Tiger Stadium, though I would also believe Yankee Stadium.

The back: In 1969 Essian was a three-sport star at St.Martin’s High School in Detroit. He signed a letter of intent to play football for Bo Schembechler at Michigan, but that summer his team won the National Amateur Baseball Federation Championship, which brought Essian to prominence among baseball scouts, and he took a $30,000 offer from the Philadelphia Phillies.

The player: Essian spent parts of 12 seasons in the major leagues as a backup catcher for five teams. His best seasons was 1977, when he hit .273 with 10 HR and 44 RBI for the White Sox. Overall, in 710 games, he hit .244 with 33 HR and 207 RBI.

The man: Essian has had a long career coaching at the major and minor league level, including a stint as manager of the Chicago Cubs. He is currently the manager of the Utica Unicorns of the United Shore Professional Baseball League.

My collection: I have 20 of his cards, from 1976 to 1985. I would be interested in trading for 1984 Fleer Update #35.

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