Friday, September 11, 2026

1981 Topps Denny Walling

 

The front: My first instinct was that this photo was taken in Philadelphia, but Walling hadn't played a day game there since 1978, when the Astros still wore rainbow uniforms. So my best guess is Pittsburgh, where Walling played in both games of a day doubleheader on September 1, 1980. Walling went a combined 2-for-9 as the teams split the twinbill.

The back: In recent years, Walling's leisure activities have switched from tennis to pickleball, an activity that wasn't around in 1980. 

The player: A pinch-hitter extraordinaire, Walling played 18 seasons in the major leagues, 13 of them with the Astros. In 1,271 games he hit .271 with 49 HR and 380 RBI. His 108 career pinch hits are tied for 13th all time.

The man: Walling was a long time hitting coach for several teams, and is now retired.

My collection: I have 42 of his cards, from 1977 to 1991. I would be interested in trading for 1984 Mother's Cookies Houston Astros SGA #19.
 

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