Last time 1962 edged 1987, 6-4. Who will win here?
Bill Bruton poses at spring training wearing his new Tigers uniform, after eight years as a Milwaukee Braves. He was considered one of the fastest players in baseball in an era where stolen bases were infrequent. He led the NL in SB his first three seasons in the majors, and later twice led the league in triples. He had four good seasons in Detroit before retiring. Overall in 1,610 games he hit .273 with 241 2B, 102 3B, 94 HR, 545 RBI and 207 SB. After his retirement Bruton became an executive at Chrysler, rotating through various business departments over 23 years. He retired in 1988 after serving as Special Assistant to CEO Lee Iacocca. He died of a heart attack while driving in 1995.
Topps goes for the seldom-used over-the-shoulder portrait on Candy Maldonado's card. The background is blurry but I think it might be a bat rack or helmet storage. Maldonado played for seven teams in fifteen seasons, as a corner outfielder with some power. He lost a fly ball in the lights in the 1987 NLCS that was key in the Giants losing to the Cardinals, but had a walkoff hit in the 1992 World Series to help Toronto win that championship. Overall in 1,410 games he hit .254 with 146 HR and 618 RBI. He has been an announcer for ESPN Deportes for many years.
'62 Bruton
ReplyDelete