The front: Roenicke was hit in the face by a Lerrin LaGrow
pitch in 1979, and wore the mask through the 1981 season. I learned from the
1985 Topps blog that the Orioles created the mask using part of Baltimore
Colts’ quarterback Bert Jones’s helmet. Roenicke played in only one day game in
Yankee Stadium in 1980, going 2-3 with 2 RBI on August 10 in the Orioles’ 6-5
victory.
The back: Gary’s brother Ron and son Josh both played in the
majors.
The player: Roenicke was an Earl Weaver classic, a platoon
outfielder known primarily for his power. Though he never had 400 at-bats in a
season, he topped 15 HR four times, including 25 in 376 at-bats in 1979, his
rookie season. He played for the Orioles through the 1985 season, then had
brief stints with the Yankees and Braves.
The man: Roenicke has been a coach and scout for many years,
and now lives on a ranch in Rough and Ready, CA.
My collection: I have 27 of his cards, from 1980 to 1988. I
would be interested in trading for 1976 SSPC #338.
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