What I thought about this card then: I never saw it. But if I did, it'd be a favorite, because of the wonderful, off-centered action.
What I think about this card now: The photo is off-center. It's actually a crappy action shot.
Other stuff: Willie Montanez was a decent hitter who is known more for his flamboyant behavior on the field. Nicknamed "Hot Dog," Montanez's most famous maneuver was snatching balls out of the air while playing first base, then bringing his glove to his hip and acting like he was putting a gun back in its holster.
He also would repeatedly tag base-runners with the ball when the pitcher threw back to first base. He would trot slowly around the bases on home runs, employing the stutter step when he approached a base. He would flip his bat. He had quite a few habits, I don't know if he ever explained them.
It's odd for me to see Montanez as a Phillie, because I remember him mostly as a Giant and a Brave. He also played for the Mets during a period when I watched them a lot, but I really don't remember him. Repeatedly traded, Montanez also played for the Rangers, Padres, Expos, Pirates and Angels.
Also, Montanez hit 30 homers as a rookie, but finished second in the NL rookie voting to Earl Williams.
Other blog stuff: In birthday news, Marilu Henner was born on this date and is a mind-blowing 58 years old. When she was on "Taxi," I was about 13. So, yeah, I liked her a lot.
When they were at the -stick the Giants played a lot of day games, I think because it was so cold there - and many action shots are in day games.
ReplyDeleteThe Phils have a lot of their action shots at Wrigley - especially back when both teams played in the same division.
The last time I saw Marilu Henner was a couple of years ago. She still looked good.
ReplyDeleteThat cartoon looks like a "ball invasion".
Yes, Montanez not winning the NL ROY despite hitting 30 HR and 99 RBI stuck in the craw of many Phillies fans, who were desperate for any kind of good news back then!
ReplyDeleteMontanez was the throw-in the Phillies got from St. Louis in the Dick Allen deal when Curt Flood refused to report after the 1969 season.
Willie was the Phillies' starting CF in 1971 & 1972, then moved to right field when the Phillies acquired Del Unser in 1973.
By 1975, he had moved to 1B, and was traded to the Giants in mid-season straight-up for Garry Maddox. To plug the hole at 1B, the Phillies re-acquired Dick Allen. (full-circle!)