#42 - Luis Sanchez

What a card: Luis Sanchez was coming off what was likely his best season in the major leagues in 1984. As the default closer for the Angels, he finished with a career-high and team-high 11 saves in 49 games.

My observation on the front: Sanchez was in his "no mustache" period. When he first appeared on cards in 1983, he had a mustache. In the mid-80s, he was relatively clean shaven. Then in 1986 Topps, the mustache was back.

More opinion from me: The very strange "looking to the skies" pose looks dated, even for 1985. That is a very '60s and early '70s look. Topps should have been beyond that in 1985.

Something you might know: Sanchez pitched for nearly 10 years in the minors and in Mexico before he got called up to the major leagues by the Angels in 1981.

Something you might not know: After his major league career ended in 1985, Sanchez went to Japan, where he was known as "The Mad Venezuelan." He once tried to hit one of his own coaches with a baseball and called him dumb, drawing a large fine. He also once charged a Japanese batter who swore at him.

My observation on the back: Sadly, Sanchez died in 2005, at age 51. I know that doesn't have anything to do with the back, but that's what comes to mind when I see mention of his family.

Also, what is the trivia question trying to insinuate, that Ruth wasn't clutch?

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