Monday, March 22, 2021

1986 Sportflics Decade Greats: 1930s catchers Cochrane/Dickey/Hartnett

 

For each decade Sportflics had some cards that were three players on one card.

Mickey Cochrane: A two-time MVP who played thirteen seasons for the A's and Tigers, winning two World Series with Philadelphia and one with Detroit. Had a lifetime batting average of .320 when his career was abruptly ended when he was hit in the head by a pitch and nearly died. Everyone who knew him called him Mike - he was only known as Mickey to his press and to the fans, including the Mantle family in Oklahoma who named their son after him. Cochrane, who was a Lieutenant Commander in the Pacific Theater, lost his own son in battle in Europe. After his career he went into the automotive business in Montana with his brother Archie. Archie Cochrane Ford continues to operate to this day.

Bill Dickey: An 11-time All-Star who won seven World Series rings with the Yankees. Between 1936 and 1939 had 20+ HR and 100+ RBI each season. In 17 seasons hit .313 with 202 HR and 1,219 RBI. Played in eight World Series, hitting .255 with 5 HR and 24 RBI in the Fall Classic. His two run home run in Game 5 of the 1943 World Series clinched the series win for the Yankees. Dickey served in the Navy Hospital Area in Hawaii during World War II. After his playing career he coached for the Yankees for many years, tutoring both Yogi Berra and Elston Howard in catching defense.

Gabby Hartnett: The National League MVP in 1935, played 20 seasons in the major leagues, 19 for the Cubs. A lifetime .297 hitter with 236 HR and 1,179 RBI. Best known for his twilight "Homer in the Gloamin'" in 1938 which clinched the NL Pennant for the Cubs. Was a coach and announcer after his playing career, and also owned a bowling alley in Lincolnwood, IL.

1 comment:

  1. Definitely some big names on the card, but I'm not a huge fan of multiple guys on one card like this -- though the technology to produce such a card is still really impressive.

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