1981 Topps Luis Salazar

 

The front: Lots of yellow and brown as the happy rookie is photographed in what I think is Shea Stadium.

The back: Salazar's three-run home run off Allen Ripley in the top of the first pushed the Padres' lead to 5-0.

The player: Luis Salazar played 13 seasons in the major leagues for four teams. Primarily a third baseman, the versatile Salazar also spent significant time at shortstop and in the outfield. An OK hitter with good power and speed, Salazar's best season was 1989, as a trade deadline acquisition by the Cubs. He helped them win the NL East by hitting .325 in 26 games in September, and then hit .368 with a home run in the NLCS. Overall in 1,302 games he hit .261 with 94 HR, 455 RBI and 117 SB.

The man: After his retirement he was a minor league coach for several teams. He joined the Braves organization in 2011 as a minor league manager, but was hit in the left eye by a Brian McCann foul ball during spring training. He lost the eye a week later, but a month later came back to manage. He was let go by the Braves after the 2018 season and appears to have retired.

My collection: I have 57 of his cards, from 1981 to 1993. I would be interested in trading for 1989 Classic #72.