The front: Simple shot, though Figueroa’s serious expression
makes him almost look melancholy here, as if he is reflecting on the imminent
end of his career.
The back: His
SABR bio says Figueroa was the eldest brother,
not the youngest. I couldn’t find any other information to confirm which was in
error.
The player: Ed Figueroa’s big league career got off to a
fast start, going 16-13 with a 2.91 ERA for the Angels in 1975, his second
season. After that season the Angels traded him and Mickey Rivers to the
Yankees for Bobby Bonds, one of the greatest trades in Yankees history. Over
the next three seasons he went 55-30 with a 3.18 ERA, helping the team win
three pennants and two World Series. In 1978 he became the first Puerto Rican
to win 20 games in a season. Unfortunately, he injured his arm in 1979, and his
success quickly dried up. In fact, after this card Figueroa only pitched in two
more games, for the A’s in 1981.
The man: Figueroa owned a trucking business with his
brother, dating back to his playing career. Later he owned two hotels in San
Juan.
My collection: I have 13 of his cards, from 1975 to 1981. I
would be interested in trading for 1977 Kellogg’s #42.
No comments:
Post a Comment