Friday, October 10, 2025

1976 SSPC Willie Crawford

 

The card, in brief: We've had a lot of looks at left field in Shea Stadium; here we get a look at right field.

Playing career, in brief: Crawford was a "bonus baby" who started his career with the Dodgers at age 17 in 1964, signed two days after his high school graduation by scout Tommy Lasorda. He had brief major league appearances over the next four years. In 1965, having just turned 19 in September, Crawford became one of the youngest players ever to get a hit in a World Series game and still holds the record for the youngest member of a World Series winning team. He finally became a regular in 1969, his sixth major league season, at the age of 22. He had a solid bat and was an excellent defender but was usually used in a platoon role. He was traded to the Cardinals after the 1975 season and he had an excellent 1976. However, he was traded two more times over the course of 1977 and had a poor season; the last of his 14-year MLB career at the age of 30. He ended his playing career with two seasons in the Mexican league.

Post-playing career, in brief: After his playing career Crawford struggled with alcoholism. He died of liver disease in 2004.

My collection: I have 15 of his cards, from 1965 to 1978. I would be interested in trading for 1972 Topps #669. 

1 comment: