#64 - Dave Chalk

Card fact: This is Dave Chalk's first solo card.

What I thought about this card then: I had the mini card, but I can't recall thinking anything about it. I did like his 1976 card, in which he is in a bunting pose.

What I think about this card now: It's not terribly realistic to have Chalk take his shortstop fielding stance in the foul portion of the outfield.

Other stuff: Chalk is one of those players who suffered an injury under odd circumstances. According to a newspaper report, he sliced his middle finger while cutting open a dinner roll while on a team flight to Chicago in 1978, and was out of the lineup for 7-10 days. Perhaps that is actually what happened, but the cynical sports public is a little less trusting about the "reasons why" behind off-field injuries these days.

Back facts: I enjoy seeing animals in the cartoons. It's a welcome break from the endless string of generic ballplayer drawings.

The write-up says Chalk was considered the Angels' shortstop of the future. But he played as much third base as shortstop for them during the 1970s. The Angels gave up on the "shortstop of the future" thing when they traded Chalk to the Rangers for a washed-up Bert Campaneris.

I thought I'd show the regular-sized and mini cards side-by-side as I haven't done that for awhile.

Other blog stuff: 558 cards down the scanning chute!