# 728 Gail Hopkins

Arguably the most educated MLB player of all time… Becoming an orthopedic surgeon obtaining both a M.D. and Ph.D after his playing day were over…. a serviceable hitter doing best in a platoon role for the White Sox and the Royals (as pictured above) with occasional power…A greater longevity than Mike Fiore, but less than Bob Oliver…he is my White Sox rep on a series of cards cut out and modge podged in 1972 (see below)…At the time of this spring training photo, Gail’s MLB swan song was near…in 1972, they acquired John Mayberry and KC was set at the first smacker…This severely curtailed playing time and batting average, hitting .211 in 1972…Did some DH work for KC in the following season...soon left for Japan where he did well for 3 years getting offensive numbers comparable to his best years in the minors.…Greatest achievements were after he hung up the glove and ball. 

Recently reviewed:  http://topps1971.blogspot.com/2014/03/no-269-gail-hopkins.html