Card #645 -- Bob Locker, Chicago Cubs
Bob Locker appears to be wearing a Chicago Cubs uniform and is getting ready to deliver a pitch to...a Texas Ranger? In 1972, there was no interleague play. If you look closer, you'll see that the Cubs outfit has been painted on. The original uniform (including cap and stirrup socks) has also been painted white, its number removed, a "Cub" patch added to Locker's left sleeve...and look over toward that guy in the outfield. His uniform looks day-glo bright from being airbrushed, and the artist even painted a large "C" on his chest.
The back of the card mentions that Locker was a member of the A's in 1972 and had been traded during the offseason. He was traded in exchange for Bill North (featured here last June). Before the trade, Locker told A's owner charlie Finley that he wanted to come back to Oakland after one year in Chicago, which would allow him to keep his family from being uprooted. Despite a decent season relieving for the Cubs in 1973, Finley worked out an arrangement and got him back. This would lead to a Topps Traded card in '74; since he was returning to a team he'd already played for, it may be the only card in teh Traded set that year that wasn't airbrushed. However, surgery kept Locker from playing in '74. So, he would be traded back to the Cubs (this time, for Billy Williams) and played one final season in '75.
I have alway thought the batter was Minnesota Twin. The player looks african-american. I think it is most likely Bobby Darwin, although it also could be Carew or Tovar. At that time, the Twins had the red, white, and blue belt and at the trim of the shirt sleeve. Look at Jim Kaat card.
ReplyDeleteThe green fence and center field backdrop lead me to believe this is the Oakland Coliseum. The batter could be an Oriole or a Twin, hard to tell from the blurry lettering on the front of his jersey.
ReplyDeleteAnd the guy in centerfield painted into some Cubs pajamas? He's stocky and he's left-handed...I think that's Reggie. He still played CF as late as 1972.
Chris, that is without a doubt the Oakland Coliseum. I used to live there! :) I'm pretty sure that is Reggie. He used to do this foot setting shift in the outfield where he leaned on his left foot and adjusted his right just before a pitch. This would explain why his right foot looks like it's an inch above the turf. He used to set himself with his hands on his knees, too.
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