1976 SSPC Gary Nolan

 

The card, in brief: One of the more interesting poses in the set, over-the-shoulder while sitting on the dugout steps. Almost feels like you are sitting next to him having a chat.

The player, in brief: Gary Nolan came up with the Reds in 1967 and had a great rookie season, going 14-8 with a 2.58 ERA. He remained a mainstay in the Reds rotation for several years, topped by a terrific 1972 season when he went 15-5 with a 1.99 ERA. Injuries limited him to just two games over the next two seasons, but he returned to form in 1975, and in both World Champion seasons for the Reds he went 15-9.  He was a solid postseason pitcher, going 2-2 with a 3.34 ERA in October. Arm problems recurred for him in 1977, and the Reds traded him to the Angels the day they got Tom Seaver. After five games for the Angels in '77, Nolan retired.

Post-playing career, in brief: In 1978 he started work as a blackjack dealer at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas. He went on to a long career as a hotel and casino host in Las Vegas, most recently at the Gold Country Casino in his hometown of Oroville, CA.

My collection: I have 16 of his cards, from 1968 to 1977. I would be interested in trading for 1977 Hostess #113.