What a card: This is the last card of Jerry Martin issued during his MLB career. Martin was signed by the Mets in May 1984 despite being released from jail three months earlier after pleading guilty to attempting to possess cocaine. Martin and former Royals teammates Willie Wilson and Willie Aikens were suspended for the season by commissioner Bowie Kuhn, but they had their suspensions reduced on appeal and played in 1984. Martin batted just .154 and was released after the season.
My observation on the front: Martin looks sleepy as he follows through on his swing.
More opinion from me: It was very strange at the time when three active major leaguers were sentenced to prison.
Something you might know: Martin enjoyed his best seasons for the Cubs, hitting a combined 42 home runs and knocking in a combined 146 runs in 1979 and 1980.
Something you might not know: Martin's brother, Mike, was the No. 5 overall pick in the 1970 amateur draft. Selected by the Phillies, Mike Martin never made the major leagues, toiling in the minors for seven seasons.
My observation on the back: "Barney" Martin pitched in one game in the major leagues. He finished the final two innings of the Reds' 8-3 loss to the Cardinals on April 22, 1953, allowing three hits and two runs.
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What year did Steve Howe get his first of several suspensions? 86? I was on the young end when players had gotten busted for speed I believe in the late 70s and early 80s. They were taking amphetamines if I remember correctly.
ReplyDeleteHowe was suspended the entire 1984 season. I believe that was his first.
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