The front: Simple spring training shot, but a nice photo of
a true fan favorite.
The back: Two of the best cartoons in the set.
The player: It’s always a bit sad looking back at Fidrych’s
career. This is actually his sunset card – he never pitched in a big league
game after 1980. After his electrifying 1976 season, injuries ruined his
career. He pitched in 31 games in 1976, and only 27 more games afterward.
The man: Fidrych’s antics, including talking to the ball and
manicuring the mound, were legendary. Every account of his personality suggests
that the antics weren’t an act, that Fidrych was the real deal, a goofy regular
guy who made friends everywhere he went. He worked at a local diner in his
native Massachusetts and also worked as a contractor. He died in a freak
accident while repairing a truck in 2009.
My collection: I have seven of his cards, from 1977 to 1981.
I would be interested in trading for 1977 Hostess #46.
This card makes me sad too.
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