1981 Topps Dave Roberts (#431)

The front: The second Dave Roberts in the set, this Dave is captured pregame at Tiger Stadium.

The back: Roberts was the #1 overall pick in the 1972 draft, and the sixth player to go straight from the draft to the major leagues. He came into the game in the 12th inning, and went 0-for-3 as the game went on for 18 innings.

The player: Roberts never lived up to the hype of being the #1 pick. By mid-1973 he was in the minor leagues, and he bounced around for four teams over 10 seasons as a utilityman. Overall in 709 games he hit .239 with 49 HR and 208 RBI.

The man: Roberts seems to have kept a low profile since his career ended, and a brief stint coaching and managing in the minor leagues in the 1980s. He now lives in Texas.

My collection: I have 17 of his cards, from 1973 to 1983. I would be interested in trading for 1977 O-Pee-Chee #193.