Sunday, October 10, 2010

1955 Topps #10 - Bob Keegan

Card #10 is of former White Sox pitcher, Bob Keegan.
Keegan (1920-2001) pitched from 1953-1958, all for the White Sox. He had one great season, in 1954 when he went 16-9 with a 3.09 ERA. He was named to his only All Star team that season and never replicated that success again. He did, however, throw a no hitter in 1957. he retired with a record of 40-36; an ERA of 3.66 and 198 strikeouts.

DECEASED (7)

Saturday, October 9, 2010

1955 Topps #9 - Bob Miller

Another Tiger, former pitcher Bob Miller.

Bob Miller (born 1935) played in the majors from 1953-1956 and 1962 for the Tigers, Reds and Mets. He retired with a career record of 6-8, 75 strikeouts and a 4.72 ERA. He took the mound in the majors at the age of 17 and still is the youngest Tiger to start a game as pitcher.

Friday, October 8, 2010

1955 Topps #8 - Hal Smith

Our first Oriole!!! Hal Smith, card #8.

I love the old school O's logo and hat. Not much information exists on Smith. He was born in 1930 and played from 1955-1964 for the Orioles, A's, Pirates, Colt 45s and Reds. He retired with a .267 average and 58 home runs.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

1955 Topps #7 - Jim Hegan

Our next card is of former Indians catcher, Jim Hegan, who was a former battery mate of one of my favorite all-time players, Bob Feller.
Jim Hegan (1920 - 1984) was considered one of the best defensive catchers of his era. He was a 5x All Star and won the World Series in 1948. He played from 1941-1942 and 1946-1957 with the Indians, 1958 with the Tigers, 1958-1959 with the Phillies, 1959 with the Giants and 1960 with the Cubs. If Bob Feller says that this guy is one of the greatest defensive catchers he ever saw, I sure believe him.

DECEASED (6)

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

1955 Topps #6 - Stan Hack

Here, we have our first Manager card. Smilin' Stan Hack.
Stan Hack (b. 1909 - d. 1979) was a star for the Chicago Cubs from 1934-1947 and then bacame a manager for the Cubs and Cardinals. This card shows his final career stats, so I don't need to repeat them ;). Hack was a 5x All Star, and judging by his career statistics, he was a decent player.

DECEASED (5)
MANAGER (2)

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

1955 Topps #5 - Jim GIlliam

Card #5, former Dodger, Jim Gilliam!

Jim Gilliam (born 1928 - died 1978) played for the Dodgers from 1953 to 1966. He is the only non-Hall of Famer to have his number retired by the Dodgers. He died at a young age (49) in 1978 of a brain hemorrhage. He had been a coach with the Dodgers from 1966 until his death. He retired with 1,889 hits and a .265 career average. He was chosen as the 1953 Rookie of the Year. He is our first player from the 1955 Championship Brooklyn Dodgers.

DECEASED (4)

Monday, October 4, 2010

1955 Topps #4 - Al Kaline

Another Hall of Famer! Al Kaline, one heck of a player.

This is Kaline's (born 1934) second-year card. His rookie card was issued the year before in 1954 and is just beautiful. This one isn't so bad, either. Kaline played from 1953-1974, all for the Detroit Tigers. He finished his career with 3,007 hits and 399 home runs and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1980 (first ballot) with 88.3% of the vote.
HALL OF FAME (2)