Card fact: This is Gene Lamont's only solo card as a player. He appears on a 1971 Topps rookie card, sharing it with Lerrin LaGrow.
What I thought about this card then: Didn't see it.
What I think about this card now: I associate Lamont totally with being a coach and a manager. He has been one or the other in the majors since the mid-1980s. So when I see this photo, he doesn't look like a player to me. It looks like Topps snuck a photo of a coach into the set.
Other stuff: Lamont played five seasons in the majors, all as a backup catcher for the Tigers. Except for the 1974 season, he didn't play in more than 15 games a season. But in '74, he worked as the backup for Jerry Moses (Bill Freehan was moved to first base) and appeared in 60 games, batting .217.
Lamont started his coaching career in the Royals organization. Then he became the third base coach for Jim Leyland with the Pirates. Lamont got his first major league manager job with the White Sox (1992-95) and then worked as the Pirates manager from 1997-2000. Lamont has rejoined Leyland with the Tigers. He is Detroit's third base coach.
Back facts: Please click on the scan to get a better look at the most awesome cartoon in the set.
Also, Lamont was the 44th major leaguer to hit a home run in his first big-league at-bat. A total of 109 players have accomplished that feat.
Other blog stuff: On this date in 1975, Braves pitcher Tim Hudson was born.
The two best cartoons in the set (so far) both feature monsters.
ReplyDeleteAlso: When should you ask for Gene Lamont? Whenever you want ... Gloves!
Anybody? Anybody?
That is a great cartoon. I didn't know that many players had a 1st AB homer. I know Will Clark did it against Nolan Ryan (sorry, I had to mention Clark)!
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