1976 SSPC Steve Garvey

  

The card, in brief: That's an impressive amount of greenery for a shot in a big league ballpark. The twin light poles give it away that it's still Shea Stadium like every other card in this set.

Playing card, in brief:  Garvey is one of the best players from his era not in the Hall of Fame. A ten-time All-Star, he was a potent bat in the heart of the lineup for the great Dodgers teams of the 1970s and early 1980s, and later helped the Padres win their first pennant. He had six 200-hit seasons, twice leading the NL, and five seasons of 100-or-more RBI. An excellent fielder, he won four Gold Gloves. Overall in 19 seasons he hit .294 with 440 2B, 272 HR and 1,308 RBI. He continued his excellent hitting in October. In 55 postseason games, he hit .338 with 11 HR and 31 RBI, including a .319 average in five World Series.

Post-playing career, in brief:  After his playing career Garvey's sordid personal life became a source of scandal, hurting business interests and a potential political career. In the decades that have ensued, Garvey has restored his reputation, being involved in a variety of business and charitable endeavors and avoiding personal scandal. In 2024 he decided to return to the political arena and was the surprise winner of the Republican primary election for a California Senate seat, though he lost the general election in November.

My collection: I have 73 of his cards, from 1970 to 1988. I would be interested in trading for 1972 Topps #686.