Card fact: It's more of a player fact than a card fact, but Mr. Hernandez is the only player in major league history with the first name of "Enzo."What I thought about this card then: I had the mini card. Other than that, I didn't think much about it, except I knew Hernandez was a lousy hitter. However, Hernandez holds a proud place in my collecting career. His 1977 Topps card was my first double ever. What a freaky day that was, to be looking at two of the same card for the first time.
What I think about this card now: I never noticed as a kid how many players wore their jersey over their warm-up jacket in card photos. It was practically a way of life in the 1970s.
Other stuff: Hernandez is another one of those shortstops of the '70s who probably never would have had a long major league career if he played today. He barely hit, yet he played in 147 games for the Padres in 1974.
Hernandez actually finished his career with the Dodgers, with four games played in 1978.
EDIT: Hernandez died, reportedly from suicide, on Jan. 13, 2013.
Back facts: Hernandez didn't come close to living up to his idol. But he gets the honor of being the subject of the trivia cartoon. Only the second time that's happened in the set so far.Other blog stuff: Birthday time: There are three players included in this set that are celebrating birthdays today: Sonny Siebert (#328), Derrel Thomas (#378) and Terry Forster (#137).
Happy birthday Sonny, Derrel, and Terry. I wonder when/who was the last time the jersey over the warmup jacket was featured on a card?
ReplyDeleteEnzo is one of a few players to win the reverse Triple Crown. He finished last (among players with enough AB's) in average, rbi and HR. I believe Ivan DeJesus did it later with the Cubs, too.
ReplyDeleteThe statement that Enzo wouldn't have a long career today is an overstatement. He would have no career today, but he was a leadoff man for the early-mid 70s Padres. Go figure.
ReplyDeleteI'd never thought about the reverse Triple Crown, but it make sense. Enzo would have been a better shot at that every season that Pujols for the Triple Crown now, assuming Enzo would get enough at bats to qualify.
I believe Enzo actually set a Major League record in his rookie season when he had 12 RBIs in 549 AB's. That's the fewest RBIs in a season for a player with over 500 AB's. A combination of being a weak hitter on one of the weakest teams I’ve ever seen, he didn’t get many hits, and when he did get one, nobody was on base.
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