1967 Topps Steve Carlton St. Louis Cardinals Phillies Hall of Famer

Today's entry for my collection of 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball cards is one of the greatest left handed pitchers of all-time. The card is the Hall of Famer Steve Carlton of the St. Louis Cardinals. Card number 146 in the 1967 Topps Baseball set of 609 cards. As of January 26, 2011, I have accumulated 515 different autographs in the 1967 set.

Mr. Carlton signed my card on April 25, 2009 at the Moeller High School baseball card show in Cincinnati, Ohio. "Lefty" took the time to talk to me as well during the autograph and was a class gentleman. Steve was gracious enough to sign this card for me with a beautiful blue sharpie autograph. Even though he threw left handed, he signs his name with his right hand, see the picture below. Thank you Mr. Carlton.

Steve "Lefty" Carlton pitched 24 seasons in the Major Leagues from 1965 to 1988. The first 7 seasons, Steve played for the St. Louis Cardinals and then was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in 1972. Considered one of the most lopsided trades in history; Steve became a huge star with the Phillies, winning the first of his four Cy Young Awards that same season, by winning 27 games. That total was 46% of the team's wins, which is still a major league record. Steve also pitched for the Giants, White Sox, Indians and Twins towards the end of his career. 

Steve Carlton's career statistics include 329 wins versus 244 losses, a 3.22 earned run average, 4,136 strikeouts (most all-time by a left-handed pitcher when he retired), 254 complete games and 55 shutouts. He was named to the National League All-Star teams 10 times, won the Cy Young Award 4 times and won two World Series rings, 1967 with the Cardinals and 1980 with the Phillies. Carlton was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1994 on the first ballot with 95.8% of the vote and has his number 32 retired by the Phillies. Steve was also a good hitter and was used often in a pinch hitting role. He hit 13 home runs and drove in 140 runs during his career while batting .201. A dubious record that Steve Carlton also owns is the record for career balks with 90, which is double his next closest pitcher, Bob Welch. On the postive side, Steve owns the record with 144 pick-offs by a pitcher, which is 62 more than the closest person, Jerry Koosman.

To learn more about Steve Carlton, read his biography at http://www.carlton32.com/pages/bio.html


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1967 Topps Fritz Peterson New York Yankees

Today's entry for my collection of 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball cards is about a pitcher who made national news for a personal decision with another Yankees pitcher. It is Fritz Peterson, pitcher for the New York Yankees, card number 495 in the 1967 Topps Baseball card set of 609 subjects.

This autograph from Fritz Peterson was obtained via Gate X Autographs in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on June 10th, 2010. Mr. Peterson was making a personal appearance and had a private autograph session with Gate X. I sent the card to Gate X on April 30th and received it back June 10, 2010 with a beautiful blue sharpie signature from Fritz Peterson. Thank you Gate X and Mr. Peterson. As of August 30, 2010, I have built my collection of 1967 Topps Autographed card to 510 cards and counting.

Fritz Peterson career lasted 11 seasons from 1966 to 1976 with three teams. He pitched for the Yankees from 1966 to 1974, then was traded to the Cleveland Indians, where he pitched until 1976. During the 1976 season, Fritz Peterson was traded to the Texas Rangers where he ended his career that same season. His career statistics include 133 wins versus 131 losses, 1015 strikeouts and a career 3.30 earned run average. His best season was 1970 when he won 20 games for the Yankees and made the All-Star team. Fritz Peterson has the distinction of having the lowest earned run average (2.52) in the old Yankee Stadium bettering Hall of Famer Whitey Ford who was second with a 2.55 e.r.a.

In the off-season of 1972, Fritz Peterson made national news along with fellow Yankees pitcher, Mike Kekich. They had been best friends for several years and their families were very close as well. Peterson and Kekich decided to swap spouses with Mrs. Kekich marrying Fritz Peterson and Mrs. Peterson moving in with Mike Kekich. Fritz is still married to the former Mrs. Kekich. It did not work as well for Kekich, who never married the former Mrs. Peterson. During the 1973 and 1974 seasons, Fritz was roundly booed on the road by the American League fans and he never really pitched up to standard he set in the 1970 season.

After baseball, Fritz Peterson became an evangelist, sold real estate and dealt blackjack at a casino in Illinois. Quite a journey! He wrote his first book in 2009, titled "Mickey Mantle is Going to Heaven. 

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1967 Topps Don Sutton Los Angeles Dodgers

Today's entry in the 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball card collection is that of a Hall of Fame Pitcher and now broadcaster for the Atlanta Braves. It is Don Sutton of the Los Angeles Dodgers, card number 445 in the 1967 Topps baseball card set of 609 subjects.

This autographed card was obtained in person before the Dodgers played against the Atlanta Braves on August 15, 2010. As a broadcaster for the Braves, Mr. Sutton arrives a few hours before each home game and as he walks into the ballpark, he is available to autograph items for the awaiting fans. I was fortunate enough to be in attendance of the game, which was the fourth game in four days of my 2010 Baseball weekend. Mr. Sutton signed my card with a blue sharpie I had provided. It is the 510th autograph obtained in my collection of 1967 Topps cards. Thank you, Don Sutton!

Don Sutton's career started in 1966 for the Los Angeles Dodgers and lasted 23 seasons. He pitched for the Dodgers until 1980, then went to the Houston Astros for two seasons. After the Astros, Don pitched for the Milwaukee Brewers from 1982 to 1984, the Oakland A's in 1985, the California Angels from 1985 to 1987 and finally ending his career back with the Dodgers in 1988. Always a model of consistency during his career, Don Sutton won at least 10 games in 21 of his 23 seasons. His Hall of Fame statistics include 324 wins, 58 of them shutouts, 3,574 strikeouts, a career 3.26 earned run average and 5 one-hitters. Don Sutton also was selected to four All-Star Games, winning the MVP award in the 1977 classic. Don helped his teams to the baseball playoffs in 5 seasons with 4 times his team making it to the World Series, all losing to the eventual champion. Don Sutton was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998 and had his uniform number 20 retired by the Dodgers that same year.  An interesting fact about Don Sutton is that he has the distinction of the most at-bats during his career without a home run, his 1,354 at bats is the record amongst major league baseball players.


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To learn more about Don Sutton, go to his biography at wikipedia.org.

1967 Topps Juan Marichal Checklists San Francisco Giants

Today's entry for my collection of 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball cards is one of the many variations that were included within the set. The card is the 6th series Checklist card with Hall of Famer Juan Marichal of the San Francisco Giants. Card number 454a and 454b in the 1967 Topps Baseball set of 609 cards. This card has two variations, if you look closely at the picture of Juan Marichal, the top card shows only the right ear while the bottom card shows both ears. The cards are equally prevalent in the hobby today.

These cards were autographed on November 29, 2009 at the Moeller High School baseball card show in Cincinnati, Ohio. Juan Marichal and fellow Giants Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda were autograph guests and Mr. Marichal was gracious enough to sign these cards for me with a beautiful blue sharpie autograph. Thank you Mr. Marichal.

Juan "the Dominican Dandy" Marichal pitched 16 seasons in the Major Leagues from 1960 to 1975. The first 14 seasons, Juan played for the San Francisco Giants and then played a season each for the Boston Red Sox and finally the Los Angeles Dodgers. In his first game of his career on July 19. 1960, Juan took a no-hitter into the eighth inning
only to settle for a one-hit shut out against the Philadelphia Phillies. He did get a no-hitter three years later on June 15, 1963. Also during the 1963 season, he was the winning pitcher in one of the most amazing pitching duels in major league history. On July 2, 1963, Marichal and fellow Hall of Famer Warren Spahn each pitched 16 inning complete games with the score finally settled 1-0 by a home run by baseball great Willie Mays.

Juan Marichal career statistics include 243 wins versus 142 losses, a 2.89 earned run average, 2303 strikeouts, 244 complete games and 52 shutouts. He was named to the National League All-Star teams 9 times and was the Most Valuable Player in the 1965 All-Star game. Marichal was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983 and has his number 27 retired by the Giants.

Want to read more about Juan Marichal, go to his biography at wikipedia.org. 

Looking for great Sports memorabilia, apparel and collectibles, check out Dugoutdug Sports Collectibles for your favorite players and teams.

1967 Topps Pete Richert Washington Senators

Today marks the end of the 2010 Florida Spring Training Baseball  junket and upon return, there was a 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball card waiting in the mail. It is that of Pete Richert, pitcher of the Washington Senators. Card number 590 in the 1967 Topps Baseball card set of 609.

This autograph from Pete Richert was obtained by sending a through the mail request to his home in California on January 29, 2010. Mr. Richert returned the card signed with a thin blue sharpie autograph 34 days later. It is the 464th autographed in my collection. Thank you Pete!

Pete Richert pitched in the Major Leagues for 13 years from 1962 to 1974 for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Washington Senators, Baltimore Orioles, St. Louis Cardinals and Philadelphia Phillies. His career statistics include 80 wins, a 3.19 earned run average, 51 saves and 925 strikeouts. Pete was a member of two World Series Championship teams, 1963 with the Dodgers and 1970 with the Orioles and was named to two All-star teams in 1965 and 1966.

Pete Richert's career started out on a very high note. In his debut on April 12, 1962, Pete struck out the first 6 batters he faced, including 4 in one-inning. The six strikeouts tied a record and the 4 strikeouts in the inning set a record for a pitcher in his debut. To learn more about Pete Richert, go to his biography at wikipedia.org.


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1967 Topps Al Downing New York Yankees

Today's entry for my blog is best remembered for a home run that he gave up, but Al Downing had a nice career that lasted 17 seasons. Card number 308 in the 1967 Topps Baseball card set of 609 cards.

This autograph was obtained by a through the mail (TTM) request to Al Downing at his home in California. I mailed Mr. Downing the card on November 3, 2008 and he graciously returned the card to me 14 days later. He signed the card with a nice blue sharpie autograph. Thank you, Mr. Downing.

Al Downing's career started in 1961 with the New York Yankees and pitched for the Yankees until 1969. He also pitched for the Oakland A's, Milwaukee Brewers, and his last 7 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers. His career statistics include 123 wins versus 107 losses, 3.22 earned run average and 1639 strikeouts. Al Downing led the American League with 217 strikeouts in 1964, made the 1967 All-Star team and pitched in 3 World Series. In 1971, Al Downing won the National League Comeback Player of the Year Award while pitching for the Dodgers.

On April 8, 1974, Al Downing gave up Hank Aaron's record breaking 715 home run. See photo below.

To learn more about Al Downing's career, go to his biography at wikipedia.org.

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1967 Topps Dick Radatz Cleveland Indians The Monster

The streak is up to 5 days now without a new addition for the 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball card set. Without being discouraged, I found a card in my collection to share today. It is Dick Radatz, pitcher for the Cleveland Indians. Card number 174 out of 609 cards.

This card was obtained from a respected dealer on ebay.com on May 20, 2009. It is signed with a blue ballpoint pen. Dick Radatz passed away in 2005 after falling down a flight of stairs at his home in Massachusetts at the age of 67.

Dick "The Monster" or "Moose" Radatz career lasted 8 seasons. He played for the Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers and Montreal Expos. Known for his tremendous fastball, Dick was used as a relief pitcher his entire career. He was the first pitcher to save 20 games in 4 consecutive seasons. He won the Fireman of the Year Award in 1963 and 1964. He made the American League all star team in those years as well. He still holds the single season record of strikeouts by a relief pitchers with 181 Ks in 157 innings. During his career, Dick Radatz won 52 games, saved 122, struck out 745 batters in 693 innings and had a career 3.80 earned run average.

Dick Radatz was elected to the Boston Red Sox's Hall of Fame in 1997. Find out more about his career at wikipedia.org.  

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1967 Topps Chris Zachary Houston Astros

Today marks the second day that the mailbox did not contain any new additions to my 1967 Topps Autograph Baseball card set. Nevertheless, I went into my collection and pulled out a card of a player with roots to Knoxville, Tennessee, my current hometown. It is of Chris Zachary, pitcher for the Houston Astros. Card number 212 in the 1967 Topps Baseball card set of 609 cards.

This autograph was purchased at the sports card show in Detroit, Michigan by my good friend, Jim Zylstra. It has a nice signature with a black sharpie. Chris Zachary passed away in 2003 at age 59 in Knoxville, his hometown.

Chris "Zach" Zachary's career lasted 9 seasons and he played for the Houston Colt 45's/Astros, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals, Detroit Tigers and finally, the Pittsburgh Pirates. His career statistics include 10 wins, 4.57 earned run average and 184 strikeouts. He appeared in 108 games during his career, mostly in relief. Chris Zachary once described himself as being "a pretty decent 10th-man on a 10-man staff." He is a member of the Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame. To learn about Chris Zachary, go to his biography at wikipedia.org.

Looking for great Sports memorabilia, apparel and collectibles, check out Dugoutdug Sports Collectibles for your favorite players and teams.

1967 Topps Mike McCormick Washington Senators San Francisco Giants

 Monday, February 8,  2010 marks the end of the football season and I would like to congratulate the New Orleans Saints for winning Super Bowl XLIV. Now, baseball fans everywhere are getting ready for the start of the 2010 Spring Training Season.

The mailbox today had some 1967 Topps Baseball cards but no autographed 1967 cards, therefore I went back into my collection and found this gem. It is of Mike McCormick, left handed pitcher of the San Francisco Giants. Card number 86 in the set of 609 different cards.

This autograph was obtained through a written request to Mike McCormick at his address in North Carolina. I mailed the card on January 6, 2009 and 8 days later, it arrived back with a nice blue sharpie signature and a personalization "To: Doug". I like when players personalize the card, it will stay in my collection forever.

Mike McCormick's career lasted 16 seasons in the major leagues. He pitched for the New York/San Francisco Giants, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Senators, New York Yankees and finally the Kansas City Royals. His career statistics include 134 wins, a 3.73 earned run average and 1321 strikeouts. Mike made the All-Star team in 1960 and 1961. His best season as a major leaguer occurred in 1967 when he won the National League Cy Young Award and the Comeback Player of the Year Award. After being traded back to the San Francisco Giants at the beginning of the 1967 season, Mike won 22 games, had a 2.85 earned run average, threw 14 complete games, including 5 shutouts and struck out 150 batters. To learn more Mike McCormick's career, go to his biography at wikipedia.org.
 
Looking for great Sports memorabilia, apparel and collectibles, check out  Dugoutdug Sports Collectibles for your favorite players and teams.

1967 Topps Al McBean Pittsburgh Pirates

The mailbox was unkind today starting hopefully a short streak of no additions to my 1967 Topps Autographed Baseball card set. Nevertheless, I delved back into my collection to find the only pitcher to pitch in the Major Leagues from the United States Virgin Islands. That is the distinction of Al McBean, pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Card number 203 in the 1967 Topps Baseball set of 609 cards.

This autograph was obtained through a mail request to Al McBean in the Virgin Islands on January 9, 2009 and he returned the card signed with a beautiful blue signature and the "09" inscription after 10 days. Not a bad turnaround for the Post Office.

Al McBean's major league baseball career lasted 10 seasons and he played for the Pirates, San Diego Padres (during their first year) and Los Angeles. Mainly a relief pitcher during his career accumulating 63 saves and posting a 3.13 career earned run average. He also started a couple of the years, winning 67 games for his career while striking out 575. But what really distinguished the St. Thomas native -- whom Red Schoendienst called "the funniest man I've ever seen in a baseball uniform" -- was his love of playing for the crowd. Al had a name as a flashy, "mod" dresser too.

To learn more about Al McBean, read his biography by clicking his name.

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