#177 John Ellis
John played in parts of 13 major league seasons, with his best years coming as a Cleveland Indian. By 1981, he was finishing up his career in Texas.
#567 Bob Babcock
Bob Babcock chiseled out a 2.20 ERA in ’81, but he allowed 46% of inherited runners to score. He may not have been the best pitcher in the American League, but he shouldn’t be forgotten. He should be proud of his last time on a mound in the show. He played in the minors in ’82.
#298 Danny Darwin
Danny Darwin played for 8 teams in a 21 year career, and in 1982 he was possibly the single reason the Texas Rangers didn’t lose 100 games.
#212 Mario Mendoza
The Memorable Mario Mendoza was infamous for being unable to get a hit or even draw a walk, and his major league career finished in May ’82 after 9 seasons. Little does anyone know though, that his career ended with great irony, thanks to a smart and daring manager, against a legendary closer.
#443 Mark Wagner
I love this card. Mark Wagner looks so deep in thought, perhaps thinking about how he’s going to hit this pitcher or how he’s going to make up for a misplayed ball when he was playing short. He looks like he’s talking to himself in his head. It’s another one of those classic baseball player moments. A quiet moment in the head of a man in the middle of a not so quiet place and time.