Card fact: This is Charlie Williams' first appearance on a Topps card since his Topps debut in the 1972 set.
What I thought about this card then: I didn't see it. The first card of his I saw was in the 1976 set. I would confuse him with another Giant, Randy Moffitt, only because they were both Giants relievers and photographed in the same spot down the right-field line in Candlestick Park.
What I think about this card now: I like the folding chairs in the background. It's a very sunny spring training photo.
Other stuff: Williams was almost exclusively a relief pitcher during his major league career from 1971-78. A New York boy -- he was born in Flushing -- Williams started out with the Mets. But he will forever be known as the player traded to the Giants straight-up for Willie Mays on May 11, 1972. (The Mets did throw in $50,000).
(EDIT: Williams died at age 67 on Jan. 27, 2015).
Back facts: I believe there's a typo in the cartoon. The answer should read 60 feet, 6 inches, not 60 feet, 60 inches. Also, "Prosek" is quite the middle name.
Other blog stuff: Burt Reynolds -- kind of a big deal in the 1970s -- was born on this date 75 years ago.
That's a busy background. Why all the folding chairs? That cartoon makes it an even 65 feet to the plate. I can't believe that got by the editor. I know, what editor? How would you like to be able to say you were traded for Willie Mays? Thus endeth the random comment.
ReplyDeleteYou can see on this card what baseball success what could do for a man. Charlie Williams got to move from Flushing to Great Neck.
ReplyDelete