Words from the back of 1973 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS… do you still have yours?
Players Bios – Richie Hebner, Jim Lonborg, Johnny Oates, George Hendrick, Ralph Garr, Fred Gladding, Hal McRae and Roy White
Rich Hebner, Pittsburgh Pirates Third Base Bats Left Throws RH. Born in Boston, Mass USA on 11-26-47. Rich was a scholastic All-American in Hockey. Richie Hebner has upped his Homer and RBI highs each of the past few seasons. In 1972 he ranked third on the Pirates in Doubles (24), third in RBIs (72) and second to Willie Stargell in homers (19). Hebner is a fine clutch performer and had several key hits for the Bucs in 1972. Notes: Richie Hebner played in the majors from 1968-1985, including the first 9 years with Pittsburgh.
Jim Lonborg, Philadelphia Phillies Pitcher, Throws Right. Born in Santa Maria, Calif on 4.16.43. Jim holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology. Lonborg enjoyed a fine comeback season for Brewers in 1972. He was AL Cy Young Award in 1967 for Bosox and won 2 games including a one-hitter in World Series. Notes: Jim Lonborg pitched in the majors with Red Sox 1965-71… Brewers 1972… Phillies 1973-1979.
Johnny Oates, Baltimore Orioles Catcher Bats LH T RH. Born in Sylva, North Car on 1-21-46. Johnny played two years of college basketball. One of the AL’s top rookie receivers in 1972, Johnny Oates shared O’s catching chores with Andy Etchebarren last season. He enjoyed an outstanding season at Rochester in 1971, led IL receivers with a .992 Fielding Percentage and had 73 Assists. Johnny singled in first big league at-bat. Note: John Oates played in majors from 1970, 1972-1981.
George Hendrick, Oakland A’s Outfielder Right-handed. Born in Los Angeles, Cal on 10.18.1949. George played semi-pro baseball with Pittsburgh rookies in LA. Hendrick scored winning run for A’s in 5th game of 1972 AL Playoffs. In 4th inning he reached first base on an error, was sacrificed to 2nd and scored on single by Gene Tenance to gain a 2-1 verdict over Tigers and give A’s first pennant since 1931. He also made final putout of game in centerfield. Notes: A’s played in Philadelphia in 1931 with owner/manager Connie Mack. George Hendrick played in majors from 1971-1988.
Ralph Garr, Atlanta Braves Outfielder Bats LH, T RH. Born in Ruston, Louisiana on 12-12-45. They call Ralph “Road Runner.” One of the fastest men in the major leagues, Ralph possesses speed and quickness which makes him a favorite of fans. An outstanding maniputator with the bat, Garr can bunt, can hit to all fields and he can hit with power when necessary. Note: Ralph Garr played in majors 1968-1980.
Fred Gladding, Houston Astros Pitcher T LH, B RH. Born in Flat Rock, Michigan on 6-28-1936. Fred’s Nickname is Bear. Not known for his hitting, Gladding got key hit RBI last season, 1972, in game vs. Mets, June 8th. Fred squeezed home insurance run in 9th inning and got save in 4-2 victory. Note: Fred Gladding pitched in 450 games in majors with Detroit 1961-67… and with Houston 1968-73.
Hal McRae, Cincinnati Reds Outfielder Right-handed. Born in Avon Park, Florida on 7-10-46. Hal suffered a broken ankle while playing in 1968. Used mostly as a pinch-hitter by Reds, McRae hit 4 pinch-Homers in 1972 including a pinch Grand Slammer. Possessed with the knack of coming up to the plate swinging, he hit RBI pinch-Single vs A’s in 23nd game of the 1972 World Series. Note: Hal McRae played with Reds 1968, 1970-72… Kansas City Royals 1973-1987.
Roy White, New York Yankees Outfielder Switch-hitter, T RH. Born in LA , Cal on 12-27-43. Roy is the only Player to switch-hit triples in one game. One of Whiote’s biggest hits of 1972 was hios Homer vs Tigers on September 28th. It came in 12th inning and won game 3-2 for Yanks. Note: Roy White played with NY Yankees his entire career 1965-1979.
Baseball Players Page 282
