Vintage equipment: 1971 Topps

It's common to think that today's player nicknames are boring compared to those of the past, but there were some clunkers in early eras as well. As you can see from his glove, Don Pavletich was just "Pav".

 

Don Gullett has something written on his glove too, but whatever it is, it's a mystery to me.

Turning it upside down, looks like it might say "Traci"? He would end up having a daughter named Tracey, but she would not be born for another three years.

A simpler mystery in the case of #12 Joe Hague, holding bat #7. In 1970, #7 belonged to coach Vern Benson. While Benson might have had bats of his own, it's somewhat unlikely. In 1969, #7 was Bill White, who retired after the season. The photo might have been taken earlier, or perhaps White's bats were still hanging around after he left.