1981 Topps Warren Cromartie

 

The front: Cromartie is in a deep crouch, the angle of the photo makes him look bowlegged. I think this is Pittsburgh. That would make this May 1, 1980 Cromartie went 0-for-4 in a 2-1 Expos loss.

The back: Cromartie was drafted in the first round in three successive drafts, waiting until the 1973 draft to sign with the Expos. He played a year at Miami Dade North Junior College for a year in addition to his Pony League experience.

The player: Cromartie was a solid performer for the Expos in their peak years in the late 1970s and early 1980s, spending time as both a first baseman and an outfielder. In nine seasons with the Expos he hit .281 with 61 HR and 391 RBI. He then signed with the Yomiuri Giants in 1984 and became one of the biggest stars in Japan, winning an MVP award in 1989. He returned to the US for one season in 1991, hitting .313 1 HR and 20 RBI in 69 games for the Royals.

The man: Cromartie has been involved in a variety of endeavors during and after his career, including writing a book, hosting a radio show, and organizing an attempt to bring professional baseball back to Montreal. He participated in a charitable pro wrestling event in Japan and attempted a baseball-themed dental hygiene business with Andre Dawson and Cecil Fielder. An accomplished drummer who regularly jammed with the band Rush, he recorded an album in 1988 with the keyboard player from Rainbow.

My collection: I have 23 of his cards, from 1978 to 1992. I would be interested in trading for 1991 Bowman #315.