Card fact: This is Nelson Briles' only card in a Royals uniform. That '74 Topps Traded airbrush atrocity doesn't count.
What I thought about this card then: Didn't see it.
What I think about this card now: I love how the Royals in the background, who may or may not be playing catch, frame Briles. It's a nice photo.
Other stuff: Briles was a control-type pitcher for the Cardinals, Pirates, Royals, Rangers and Orioles. He pitched in some big games and did well in them. With St. Louis as a youngster in 1967, he threw a complete-game victory in Game 3 of the World Series against Boston. With the Pirates in 1971, he threw a two-hit shutout against the Orioles in Game 5 of the World Series.
Briles won 19 games for the Cardinals in 1968 but his performance fell off and he was shipped to the Pirates. After a couple of 14-win seasons, Pittsburgh sent him to Kansas City. After a couple years there, Briles finished out his career with the Rangers and Orioles.
Briles was known for his singing ability. He performed a night club act for a little while and sang the National Anthem during the 1973 World Series.
Briles also worked as a broadcaster and front office man for the Pirates and Mariners. He died in 2005 of a heart attack at age 61.
Back facts: Well, I like that highlight in the write-up!
Other blog stuff: Remember the last card and all the discussion of game-show host Peter Marshall? Well, today is Marshall's 85th birthday.
Briles' posture in this picture is kind of his classic pose that no else had. If blanked out his face and uniform from this card and his 70 and 72 cards, I still think I could recognize him.
ReplyDeleteWow, one pitch away from a perfect game. Heart breaker.
ReplyDelete