#312 - Strikeout Leaders

Card fact: This is Nolan Ryan's third card in the set, and we haven't even gotten to his base card yet. Meanwhile, this is Steve Carlton's second and final card in the set.

Both of these pitchers also appeared together on the 1973 Strikeout Leaders card, as each led their respective leagues in strikeouts in 1972.

What I'm about to say is very OCD-ish, but I like the '75 card better than the '73 card because the American League leader is on the left side of the card where it should be.

What I thought about this card then: The '75 Strikeout Leaders card was one of the three leaders cards that I had. I don't remember thinking much of it, which probably explains why I don't have that original copy anymore.

What I think about this card now: Carlton looks very strange with a mustache. He looks like a hillbilly yokel.

Other stuff: This was the second of Carlton's five strikeout titles in his career. For Ryan, it was his third in a row and the third of 11 for his career.

Back facts: Ryan had an "off-year," striking out "only" 367 batters the year after setting the major league record for fanning 383 in a season.

Ryan's 300-plus total for 1974 marked the fifth and final year in a streak of five straight seasons that the American League leader in strikeouts had fanned over 300. Sam McDowell struck out 304 in 1970, Mickey Lolich 308 in 1971 and then Ryan 329, 383 and 367 between 1972-74.

Only one other time in major league history has there been a streak of at least five seasons of the league leader striking out more than 300 batters. That was from 1997-2002 in the National League when Curt Schilling (twice) and Randy Johnson (four times) led the league with over 300 strikeouts over six straight years.

As for surprising players on the top 10, I'll go with John D'Acquisto with the Giants.

Other blog stuff: On this date in 1975, Robin Yount played in the 242nd game of his career, breaking Mel Ott's record for the most major league games played as a teenager.

#185 - Steve Carlton

Card fact: One day after dropping into last place by itself, red-orange (the Burger King combo), re-ties brown-tan for the least number of cards with 7.

What I thought about this card then: I did not have it, although I think this is another one of those cards that I saw in that display in Cooperstown. I'm sure I thought it was one of the greatest cards I ever saw.

What I think about this card now: It is quite odd to see Steve Carlton with a mustache. He appears with a mustache on his 1975 and 1976 cards and that's it.

Other stuff: Hall of Famer Carlton is one of the greatest left-handers in any sport, and one of the best pitchers of all-time. "Lefty" was the all-time strikeout leader for a brief period in the 1980s before Nolan Ryan took the record for good.

Even though Carlton faced the Dodgers in too many important games AND didn't talk to the media, I couldn't help but hold some fascination for him. He was a great pitcher who marched to his own drummer, he was left-handed, and he played for my Plan B team. I was always happy to pull his card from a pack.

Card facts: Sammy Sosa now holds the record for most home runs in one month with 20 in June, 1998.

Take a good look at Carlton's 1972 season. I know just about everyone knows about that season, but the numbers are still incredible. One of the best seasons by a pitcher ever.

Apparently, the following season in which he lost 20 games touched off his practice of not speaking to the media. The line of questioning was apparently harsh and his unorthodox training methods were taken to task.

Other blog stuff: I went back and looked. This is the 10th in-game action shot in the set. Some are questionable, but the bar was low in '75.