#310 - Victory Leaders

Card fact: This is the only four-photo card in the set that is not one of the rookie cards.

What I thought about this card then: I didn't see it.

What I think about this card now: When I was collecting the entire set a few years ago, I was surprised to see that this leaders card was vertical and that it featured four players instead of two. Having never seen it previously, I thought all of the leaders cards were horizontal, two-player cards. Since the rookie cards in this set also have pink-and-yellow borders, this card almost looks like a rookie card.

Other stuff: There are four players on the card because Jim "Catfish" Hunter and Fergie Jenkins tied for the win lead in the American League with 25 wins each, and Andy Messersmith and Phil Niekro tied for the lead in the National League with 20 wins each.

Messersmith is the only player of the four who would lead the league in victories just once. The other three each led the league in wins twice in their career.

Back facts: My goodness, look at those American League win totals! That is impressive. Nine 20-game winners and four others who came one win from 20. Wow. It really was a different era.

As for surprises, there aren't a lot. I'd have to go to the National League and point out Buzz Capra and Lynn McGlothen. But this isn't even the most surprising stat for Capra as you'll see soon.

Other blog stuff: Mets second baseman Luis Castillo was born on this date in 1975.

#60 - Fergie Jenkins

Card fact: One of the most awesome shots in the 1975 Topps set. There aren't many action photos in the set, so when one comes along -- even though it may seem pedestrian by today's standards -- it really jumps out.

What I thought about this card then: I'm beginning to get really pissed off that I didn't see all these amazing cards when I was a kid.

What I think about this card now: This card makes up for Jenkins' first card as a Ranger, the 1974 Topps card. In that card, he is hatless and the photo is cropped so you can't see Jenkins' team name, which would have been the Cubs. It's basically a terrible card.

Other stuff: Jenkins is the first ballplayer I ever heard of being involved in drugs. In 1980, he was found in possession of drugs at an airport in Toronto. I remember thinking, "Oh, that's bad," but not much else. I wonder how many players have been connected to drugs since that time? Hundreds, I'm sure.

Back facts: There's that blank space before the totals again. I don't know the reason for that.

Also, look at Jenkins' stats between 1967 and 1974. With the exception of the 1973 season, that is one impressive body of work. I mean, I knew he was good and in the Hall of Fame and all, but my gosh, for awhile there everyone must have thought he was going to win 20 games a season every year of his career.

Finally, Charley Pride's name is mispelled as "Charlie" in the cartoon. Pride played baseball in the Negro Leagues and in the minor leagues for the Yankees. He's a longtime fan of the Rangers, which is possibly why he was mentioned on the back of Jenkins' card.

Other blog stuff: Only 138 cards in the set left to be scanned.