1981 Topps Juan Beniquez

 

The front: Simple spring training shot, with the only background being a white pole and some clouds (distant mountains?) in the background. The card is overwhelmingly blue, white and yellow.

The back: Beniquez was 3-for-12 in the ALCS, including a double. He went 1-for-8 in the World Series.

The player: Beniquez set a record by playing for eight teams in the American League, signifying a player who was good enough to be desired by other teams, but not so outstanding as to be considered irreplaceable by their own team. His best season was 1977 with Texas, when he won a Gold Glove while hitting .269 with 10 HR, 50 RBI and 26 SB. Overall, he played in exactly 1,500 games over 17 seasons, hitting .274 with 79 HR, 476 RBI and 104 SB.

The man: Beniquez still lives in Puerto Rico and is active in baseball coaching there. The municipal stadium in San Sebastián is named Estadio Juan Jose Titi Beniquez in recognition of his achievements.

My collection: I have 39 of his cards, from 1974 to 1988. I would be interested in trading for 1992 WIZ Yankees of the '70s #13.