The front: Hough is prepared for the cold and for being sweaty. That towel sure looks dirty, though.
The back: Hough's stat line is too long for any comment or cartoon. And yet he wasn't even halfway through his career yet!
The player: At the time of this card, the knuckleballer was a long-time reliever, recently traded to the Rangers after just over a decade with the Dodgers. In 1982 the Rangers moved him to the starting rotation, reviving his career at the age of 34. From 1982 to 1990 Hough was a reliable member of the Rangers starting rotation, winning at least 10 games a year. He ended his career with two solid seasons each for the White Sox and Marlins. In 858 games (440 starts) he went 216-216 with 61 saves and a 3.75 ERA.
The man: After his playing career he was a pitching coach for several minor league teams, as well as the Dodgers and Mets. He is now retired.
My collection: I have 114 of his cards, from 1972 to 1995. I would be interested in trading for 1983 Fleer Star Stickers #163.
Baseball needs more knuckleballers...
ReplyDeleteDidn't realize that he'd spent some time in his career as a closer!
ReplyDelete