Cake or gum? 1977 Phil Garner

Last time Topps pitched a 7-0 shutout. Will this be closer?

Hostess has Garner smiling for the camera before a game, while Topps has him at bat during a game, with the Bicentennial patch prominent. Garner must have gotten a perm because his hair is much curlier than in cards from other seasons.

A three-time All-Star, Phil Garner was a good defensive second baseman with speed and a little power. He played in 16 games for five teams, mostly the A's, Pirates and Astros. In 1,860 games he hit .260 with 109 HR, 738 RBI and 225 SB. He had a long career as a manager as well, for 15 seasons with the Brewers, Tigers and Astros, going 985-1,054, winning a pennant with the Astros in 2005. In February of 2024 Garner was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer but has stayed active, throwing out the first pitch last month on his birthday at a game in Houston.