TTM Success - Jim Britton

A couple nice vintage cards came back signed TTM from Jim Britton.  He signed both rookie cards in ballpoint pen.  I think it is kind of strange that he has two rookie cards.  He was likely a bonus baby that had to be kept on the roster for a while, then was sent to the minors, and then called back up to te big roster later on.

Both of the cards are a little rough, but I am still glad to add them to the album. These are a 1964 Topps (top) and 1968 Topps (above).

Britton (b. 1944) refused a football scholarship from Penn State University to play baseball.  He was originally signed by the Orioles, but was then drafted by the Braves in what was then called the First Year Draft.  He played in the majors from 1967 to 1969 and 1971 for the Braves and Expos.  He had a record of 13-16 with 148 strike outs and a 4.02 ERA.

During a minor league game in 1967, Britton was batting for Richmond in the 9th inning against Rochester.  Britton's father suffered a fatal heart attack while watching Britton bat.  As his father was being administered CPR, Britton's manager sent him out to pitch the bottom of the ninth.  He gave up a it and a walk and was taken out of the game by manager, Lum Harris.  Harris would say "I didn't take him out because of his daddy.  Jim had worked hard.  He was tired.  I told him that his daddy had passed out in the stands.  To go to him."  The game was a 2-0 pennant playoff win against Rochester.  A policeman whispered in Harris's ear that Britton's father had passed away [seemingly during the interview].  A teammate then called for everyone to bow their heads and pray.

I mailed to Britton on January 23 and got the cards back on February 15, for a 23-day TAT.