1981 Topps Gary Lucas

 

The front: Lucas shows a funky delivery as he delivers a pitch at Shea Stadium.

The back: The game referenced on the back may well be the game pictured on the front. Lucas did pitch a 2-1 victory in a day game on May 3, taking a shutout into the ninth before giving up a one-out solo HR to Joel Youngblood. Lucas was then relieved by Rollie Fingers who got the last two outs to save the win. However, this could also be August 26, though I think most game photos came from earlier in the year. In that game, Lucas came on in relief, pitching perfect 7th and 8th innings to preserve a 6-5 lead. In the ninth, however, Lucas gave up a leadoff single to Steve Henderson, and this time Fingers failed to save the game, allowing a game-tying double to Youngblood. The game stayed tied until the 18th inning, when Willie Montaney and Jerry Mumphrey drove in runs to give the Padres an 8-6 lead, which they held on to.

The player: The move to the bullpen was a permanent one for Lucas, who never started a game after his rookie season of 1980. In 1981 he led the NL in appearances (57 in the strike shortened season), and had three straight seasons of double-digit saves. In eight seasons for the Padres, Expos and Angels, Lucas went 29-44 with 63 saves and a 3.01 ERA.

The man: After his playing career he had a long career as a minor league pitching coach. He is now retired.

My collection: I have  31 of his cards, from 1981 to 1988. I would be interested in trading for 1984 Stuart Montreal Expos #12.