#313 - Dave Schmidt

What a card: Dave Schmidt had completed his fourth season with the Rangers when this card was issued. He led the Rangers in saves with a whopping 12. Texas recorded just 21 saves for the whole 1984 season.

My observation on the front: This photo was taken in about the same spot as the photo for this card. Possibly during the same photo session. Too bad I can't spot the same fans in the stands on both cards.

More opinion from me: This is the second cap-less card in the last four cards. I don't like that. I think Schmidt could've at least put that cap in his back pocket on his head. At least I think that's a cap.

Something you might know: Schmidt was mostly a relief pitcher for the Rangers and White Sox before he became a starter with the Orioles. He was leading the American League in ERA in June of 1987 for Baltimore before bone spur problems sidelined him for the year.

Something you might not know: Schmidt went 8-1 for the Class A Asheville Tourists in 1980. He blamed his one loss on getting rattled by Max Patkin, known as the "Clown Prince of Baseball," who was doing his routine on the field that evening. When Patkin came up to Schmidt after the game to apologize, Schmidt told him, "Hey Max, I don't need this stuff. I'm down here trying to get out of the minor leagues and you're making a joke of this thing."

My observation on the back: That might be the best write-up on the back of any card I've featured here.

The blog wants to speak now: The Ballgames category is updated.