1981 Topps Mike Heath

 

The front: Heath is back at Yankee Stadium, playing against the team he debuted for.

The back: On June 19, 1979, Heath made his A's debut, pinch hitting for Jeff Newman in the second inning against the Royals. I'm not sure what happened to Newman, but in the top of the second George Scott scored on a sac fly, so maybe there was a collision at home plate. Heath flew out in that at bat. However, in the bottom of the fourth, Heath followed Wayne Gross and Dave Revering with back-to-back-to-back HRs off of Dennis Leonard to tie the game at 3. In the 8th inning, with the score now tied at 5, Heath homered off of Al Hrabosky in what proved to be the game winner. Heath played in 73 more games that season but hit just one more HR.

The player: Heath played 14 seasons in the majors for 5 teams, mostly the A's and Tigers. Overall in 1,325 games he hit .252 with 86 HR and 469 RBI.

The man: After his playing career, Heath has done some youth coaching, and is a fantasy camp regular.

My collection: I have 62 of his cards, from 1979 to 1992. I would be interested in trading for 1985 Mother's Cookies Oakland Athletics #4.