How’s this for an MLB rookie? A pitcher with just one inning of experience is called into a game as a reliever in the fourth inning. He proceeds to hold the opposing team hitless for 9 more frames and wins the game well into extra innings. While not technically a no-hitter, I’m the one writing this post and I will let the title stand.
It’s understandable why “Barnacle Bill” Posedel is associated with the water. He spent more time in Navy ships than pitching in the major leagues.
Sometimes you have to round upwards to claim ownership of a single baseball card. That is certainly the case with the first 1952 high number entering my collection.
Bill Kennedy gets overlooked when baseball fans discuss the greatest strikeout pitchers.
“The Major” didn’t earn the MVP, an All-Star nod, or even a regular spot in the lineup. He was, however, decorated with a Silver Star and Purple Heart.
Phil Masi appears in the 1952 Topps set in his final card as a player. His stats show a solidly average major-leaguer and he carried a reputation as an excellent catcher and battery mate. Unusually fast for a catcher, he was used on occasion as a pinch runner. I imagine young Indians fans cursing under their breath as they pulled a Masi card from a pack while Braves fans smirked under similar circumstances. Why would the card of the White Sox backstop engender such a reaction?
Merl Combs made his first (and final) baseball card appearance as a player in the 1952 Topps set.
As often obliging signer of autographs, Zarilla knew collectors appreciated his penmanship on their cards. He was flummoxed when the owner of a an exceptionally high grade card did not want his signature added to it.
Monty Basgall’s first card rolled off the printing presses already containing his lifetime baseball statistics.
The best fastball pitcher prior to the arrival of Nolan Ryan quite literally stepped out of a cornfield and onto the diamond.
