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.
