What a card: This is the final card of Johnny Wockenfuss issued during his career. He gets the rare "three-position" designation, which Topps actually gave to him for five consecutive years.
My observation on the front: OK, now this Phillies card is one that shows off how good the Phillies cards look in this set. I know I'm probably the only one who sees it, but the contrast of the burgundy-and-gray color design with the Phillies' burgundy uniforms and caps looks great. It makes me want to reorder my 1985 set by team to see all the Phillies cards together.
More opinion from me: Wockenfuss is termed as a "fan favorite" in Detroit, where he spent 10 seasons. I wonder how much of that was just people enjoying pronouncing his last name?
Something you might know: Wockenfuss is known for his bizarre, extremely closed batting stance.
Something you might not know: Wockenfuss holds the record, for players with at least 50 at-bats, for the highest batting average against the Blue Jays (.376).
My observation on the back: Do you think that today players would be willing to have their wives' full name and the names and birthdates of their kids published on the back of a card for all to see?
The blog wants to speak now: I goofed and published a card out of turn. It's since been removed and will appear again fairly soon. Meanwhile, I have updated the News category.
I too, always loved the Phillies in the 1985 set. Of course, now, I hate all things Phillies.
ReplyDeleteWockenfuss is my second favorite baseball name to say from the 1980's, Buddy Biancalana being first. I would have to sit and really think what my favorite of all time is.
"This is the final card of Johnny Wockenfuss issued during his career."
ReplyDeleteYou say that like it's a bad thing. ;-)
Another Wockenfuss fact - as manager of the 1989 Toledo Mud Hens, he took the mound in an exhibition game against the Detroit Tigers and earned the win.
ReplyDeleteApparently, the pitching staff had been worn thin and 'Fuss pitched to save some of the young arms.
Knowing what was to come as a Tiger fan, he should have just let them pitch.