Wood vs. Wood #160

Last time 1987 won, 6-1. Who comes out on top this time?

Dick Stuart poses for the photographer at what I think is Connie Mack Stadium in Philadelphia. Stuart was best known as a terrible fielder, famously nicknamed "Dr. Strangeglove". From 1961 to 1964 he was one of the best hitters in baseball, topping 30 HR and 100 RBIs with the Pirates in '61 and the Red Sox in '63 and '64. He was not able to maintain that success thereafter as he bounced around several teams in the US and Japan. After his career he hosted several sports TV shows. He died in 2002.

Julio Franco displays his unique batting stance on a sunny day in Anaheim. Franco was 3-for-8 in two day games at the Angels in '86. Franco was 27-years-old on this card, but still had another 20 years of baseball to go. Franco spent 25 years in the US major leagues, as well as time in Japan and Korea. His best seasons were with the Rangers from 1989-1991, when he was an All-Star three times and won the AL batting title in 1991. From age 42 to 47, Franco was a solid pinch-hitter and backup first baseman for the Mets and the Braves; from 2002 to 2006 he played at least 100 games a year, and hit at least .273 or better each year. He holds just about every batting record for a player over 40, or for oldest to accomplish something. Franco has stayed in baseball since his retirement from playing, coaching and managing in the US, Japan and Korea, and is currently a hitting coach in the Mexican League.