Wood vs. Wood #165

Last time 1987 cruised to a 10-1 victory. Will this be another big win for 1987?

Jackie Brandt follows through for the photographer. I'm not sure what ballpark this is - Tiger Stadium? Comiskey? Brandt came up with the Cardinals in April of 1956, and in June of that year went to the Giants in the Red Schoendienst trade. After the 1959 season, where he won a Gold Glove in left field for the Giants, he was traded to the Orioles, and was moved to Center Field. When this card was produced he was coming off his only All-Star season, hitting .297 with 16 HR and 72 RBI. By 1965 Brandt was slowing down in the field and at the plate, moving back to left field and becoming a part-time player. This was probably when the owner of the card added "LF" to the front. He ended his career in 1967 after stints with Philadelphia and Houston. Overall in 1,221 games he hit .262 with 112 HR and 485 RBI. After his playing career he managed in the minor leagues for a few years, then drove a truck for UPS. He is now retired and living in Florida.

Jeff Reardon delivers a pitch in spring training. Reardon pitched sixteen seasons in the major leagues, was named an All-Star four times, and set the major league career saves record in 1992. In the 1987 World Series, he pitched 4.2 scoreless innings, finishing three of the Twins' four wins to help the team win the championship. Overall in 880 games for seven teams, he went 73-77 with 367 saves and a 3.16 ERA. He is currently 12th all time in saves. He currently lives in Florida where he is the Director of the Shane Reardon Foundation, named for Reardon's son who died of a drug overdose in 2004. He shared some thoughts on baseball cards with this blog in 2011.