Card fact: It's been 89 cards since the "brown-orange" color combo last appeared. It is also the only color combination for which I don't have a name.
The color combo is very reminiscent of the '70s, one that appeared in a lot of people's homes in the '70s. So I could call it the "Brady Bunch decor" combination. Someone also suggested the "Reese's Cup" combo. The brown, orange and yellow colors do resemble those used on a Reese's Cup wrapper.
I think I'll choose between one of those options. If anyone has a preference, let me know.
What I thought about this card then: I didn't see it.
What I think about this card now: Another barren background. Jim Colborn looks like he's pitching on the top of the world.
Other stuff: Colborn pitched mostly for the Brewers and the Royals during a 10-year career. He was the first 20-game winner in Brewers history, winning 20 in 1973 and placing sixth in the Cy Young award voting. I'm willing to bet he's one of the most forgotten 20-game winners in recent history.
Colborn couldn't repeat that success and was traded to the Royals, along with Darrell Porter, before the 1977 season. That proved a good deal for the Royals as Colborn would win 18 games in 1977 and Porter became K.C.'s regular catcher as the team won its second straight A.L. West title. Colborn also threw a no-hitter against the Rangers that year.
Colborn lasted just two more years, pitching his final season with the Mariners. He later became a pitching coach in Japan, and then was a pitching coach for the Dodgers, Pirates and Rangers. His stay with Pittsburgh was rocky and involved a dispute with shortstop Jack Wilson, as well as criticism for his work with the Pirates' young pitchers. Colborn is now director for the Rangers' Pacific Rim operations.
Back facts: After spending eight seasons with the Tigers, Ted Gray played for the White Sox, Indians, Yankees and Orioles in 1955. It was his final season.
Other blog stuff: Tomorrow, we begin the third subset in the 1975 Topps series. Get ready for a deluge of pink and yellow.
