1981 Topps Bob Horner

 

The front: Horner starts his swing in a game at Shea Stadium. He only played in one day game at Shea in 1980, on July 30. He had a single in four at-bats, one of only four Brave hits off of Pat Zachry, who shut out the Braves 3-0.

The back: This could be considered an error card, as the wording on the NCAA blurb is incorrect. He hit 58 home runs for his career and 25 for the single-season mark. Pete Incaviglia shattered both records and is still the all-time leader with 48 HR in a season and 100 for a career.

The player: Horner was the NL Rookie of the Year in 1978, picking up right where he left off in college. He continued to be a fearsome slugger for several more years when he was on the field, however he rarely played a full season due to various injuries. He was a free agent after the 1986 season, but went to Japan as he didn't receive a single offer due to collusion (for which he was later awarded $7M in a court settlement). He returned to the US in 1988 for a single, injury-marred season for the Cardinals before retiring. Overall in 1,020 games he hit .277 with 218 HR and 685 RBI.

The man: Horner has kept a very low profile since his playing career. He is retired and lives in Texas.

My collection: I have 51 of his cards, from 1979 to 1989. I would be interested in trading for 1983 Fleer Star Stickers #84.