The front: I’m pretty sure that’s Yankee Stadium, which
would make this June 21, 1980, when Norris pitched a complete game, losing 5-3.
Graig Nettles and Jim Spencer both homered off of Norris.
The back: Norris enrolled at City College of San Francisco
after the A’s drafted him and he rejected a low-ball offer from owner Charlie
Finley. He later signed with the A’s after Finley upped his offer from $2,000
to $25,000.
The player: In 1980 Norris emerged into a bona-fide star,
winning 22 games. He had another solid season in 1981 (12-9 in the strike-shortened
season, with good performances in the playoffs), but like many A’s pitchers of
the time, overwork by manager Billy Martin ruined his arm and his career.
The man: Norris struggled with drug addiction throughout the
1980s, but made a brief comeback with the A’s in 1990. He now works with inner
city youth, running a baseball school and wellness program in Oakland.
My collection: I have 18 of his cards, from 1975 to 1985. I
would be interested in trading for 1976 Topps #653.
My favorite Norris card, and he had some pretty good ones.
ReplyDeleteNeat trick having a 1975 Norris considering his first cards are all 1976 (Yes despite the 1975 copyright date the SSPC's are a 1976 set . That said I like the '83 Topps Norris just a hair more than the '81
ReplyDeleteBeautiful card. Definitely an East Bay fan favorite.
ReplyDelete