Tuesday, April 28, 2020

1981 Topps Ed Figueroa


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.

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