1981 Topps Joe Sambito

 

The front: Sambito delivers a pitch at Shea Stadium. This must be August 3, when Sambito entered the game in the eighth inning, with Joaquin Andujar having just allowed the Mets to tie the game 2-2. Sambito got out of the jam, and got the win when Cesar Cedeno homered in the tenth. I thought this game sounded familiar, and sure enough I've written about it twice before, for the cards of Andujar and Luis Pujols.

The back: Nice to see a Long Island reference. Adelphi is a small university in Nassau County. Sambito, who is from Bethpage, is the only Adelphi player to make the major leagues.

The player: Sambito was one of the best relievers in the National League from 1976 to 1982. In 321 games over that span he went 33-32 with 72 saves and a 2.36 ERA. In 1982 he hurt his elbow, and was one of the earliest Tommy John surgery patients. He returned with a few more decent seasons for the Astros, Mets and Red Sox but was not the same pitcher as he was before the surgery. Overall in 461 games he went 37-38 with 84 saves and a 3.03 ERA.

The man: After his playing career he had a long career as an agent. His clients included stars like Andy Pettitte and Ryan Klesko. He is now retired and living in California.

My collection: I have 31 of his cards, from 1974 to 1988. I would be interested in trading for 1986 Boston Red Sox Photo Cards (unlicensed) #25.