1981 Topps Mickey Hatcher

 

The front: Hatcher was known for some goofy baseball cards, but here as a rookie he is pretty subdued. Looks like Shea Stadium.

The back: In 1976 Oklahoma crushed Wyoming 41-7 in the Fiesta Bowl. The Sooners ran for 415 yards, and all five of their touchdowns were rushing. They only attempted five passes in the game. Three were caught, two by Hatcher, making him the team's leading receiver.

The player: Hatcher was a backup outfielder/pinch hitter who hit for a high average but little power (.280 with 38 HR in 1,130 games). Despite hitting just one home run all season in 1988, Hatcher hit two in the 1988 World Series as the Dodgers stunned the favorite Oakland A's.

The man: Hatcher was known for his jokes and pranks, often at the expense of manager Tommy Lasorda. Baseball card collectors know him as the guy with multiple cards with giant gloves, and one where he is getting a hotfoot. A longtime coach for the Angels, he now works in a PR capacity for the team.

My collection: I have 48 of his cards, from 1980 to 1991. I would be interested in trading for 1989 O-Pee-Chee #254.