#212 - George Vukovich

What a card: George Vukovich had just completed his best season in the majors when this card was issued. After five years in the major leagues, he set career highs in just about every offensive category.

My observation on the front: Players always look cooler with black bats. I don't know why every player doesn't use one.

More opinion from me: It shocked me when I found out that not only was Vukovich not related to Brewers pitcher Pete Vukovich, but he wasn't related to infielder John Vukovich either. And George and John Vukovich played on the same Phillies team in the early '80s. I still don't believe it.

Something you might know: Vukovich hit a game-winning, pinch-hit home run in the 10th inning of the Phillies' 6-5 victory over the Expos in Game 4 of the National League Division Series in 1981. The home run forced a decisive Game 5, which the Expos won.

Something you might not know: Vukovich played for Southern Illinois baseball coach Richard "Itch" Jones, who was known for developing major leaguers like Vukovich, Dave Stieb, Steve Finley, Scott Spiezio and Jim Dwyer.

My observation on the back: Five pitchers in one inning must have seemed like a lot in 1976, but no one had met Tony La Russa the manager yet.

The pitchers were Andy Hassler, Marty Pattin, Tom Hall, Steve Mingori and Mark Littell. It came in a three-run sixth inning by the Yankees in Game 3 of the ALCS.

The blog wants to speak now: The Music category is updated with one of the more sobering songs of 1985.