1976 SSPC Steve Ontiveros

 

The card, in brief: A lighter sky than some of the other Giants in the set, with a blurry Shea Stadium scoreboard with Schaefer Beer ad in the background.

Playing career, in brief: Third baseman Steve Ontiveros played eight seasons in the major leagues for the Giants and Cubs. In 732 games he hit .274 with 24 HR and 224 RBI. He then played six seasons in Japan for the Seibu Lions, helping them win three Japan Series. In 1982 he was the series MVP.

Post-playing career, in brief: After his playing career ended Ontiveros remained in Japan, working in management for the Lions. He later returned to the US and worked for an advertising firm. He appears to now be retired.

My collection: I have four of his cards, from 1974 to 1980. I would be interested in trading for 1978 SSPC #250.