Wednesday, June 5, 2024

1981 Topps Mark Wagner

 

The front: A nice spring training shot with some players in the background. I think one might be #48 Bruce Robbins?

The back: This could be considered an error card. In a 2020 interview, Wagner said his grandfather was never invited to try out for the Tigers. He wrote to Ty Cobb, but got a reply that the roster was already full.

The player: Wagner came up with the Tigers in 1976 and hit fairly well, .261 in 39 games. He spent most of 1977 in the minors, and in 1978 competed for the starting shortstop role with rookie Alan Trammell. After three years as Trammell's backup he was traded to Texas, where he was briefly the team's starting shortstop in 1982 before being injured. He ended his major league career with the A's in 1984. He played in 414 games over nine seasons, always with fewer than 200 at-bats in a season, and hit .243 with 3 HR and 71 RBI.

The man: After his playing career he spent a few years coaching in minor leagues; he played in two games at AA in 1997 at the age of 43. However, most of his post-baseball career was in the construction industry. He is now retired.

My collection: I have 15 of his cards, from 1977 to 1985. I would be interested in trading for 1975 TCMA Clinton Pilots #18.


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