#470 Ray Fosse

Career in one word:  Collison....At the 1970 All Star break Ray seemed  to be on a trajectory for 25+ home runs....then the bowl over by Pete Rose (tainting the perception of Rose forever)....lost a few days time but his first half power never came back, walked into the mid season classic with 16 dingers and only hit 2 for the post all star game....last month of season was lost to a broken finger the persistent question, did it ruin his career...at the time of this card apparently not since he returned to the All Star game and had a fair .276 in 1971....nevertheless an uneven career because various injuries....production dropped in the next two seasons to a lesser .248 playing for both the Tribe and then Oakland...did earn raves for handling of pitchers....this skill was greatly needed to justify work as Ray’s BA plunged to .173 in 74-75....In 1976, Ray was sold back to Cleveland then traded to Mariners... experienced a nice rebound with a .276 average in part time work...Injuries cancelled the 1978 and the 1979 comeback attempt with Brewer didn’t take....Only big league player from Marion IL....played for nearby Southern Illinois University....has a recreational park named after him there...Ray went to the Oakland broadcasting booth and front office work.