1981 Topps Jerry Royster

 

The front: Here's an understated but appealing photo that almost makes you feel like you are standing on the field, not removed from the action. It might be Shea Stadium, which had the same color outfield wall, but it might also be spring training.

The back: The Atlanta stolen base record is now the 72 bases swiped by Otis Nixon in 1991. King Kelly of the Boston Braves stole 84 bases in 1887.

The player: Infielder Jerry Royster played sixteen years in the major leagues, ten of them for the Braves. He was mostly a platoon and backup player. In 1,428 games he hit .249 with 40 HR, 352 RBI and 189 stolen bases.

The man: Royster had a long career coaching in the major leagues and had managerial stints with the Brewers and in Korea. He is now head baseball coach at Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth, CA. 

My collection: I have 34 of his cards, from 1976 to 1989. I would be interested in trading for 1985 Mother's Cookies #18.