Tuesday, October 22, 2013

#773 Ron Brand

  A journeyman at the end of his career … usually always a catcher but in later years added infielder…last two cards give him the unusual position of catcher/infielder although his versatility was mentioned as far back as 1968...Started in the Pirates organization where he was the closest to being a regular ….an original Expo drafted last from Houston in the expansion pool of players….After 1971 Never appeared in the majors again although Baseball reference indicates he did make the 1972 but did not appear on the field…Did spend half the 72 in Montreal’s AAA farm club in Peninsula Whips a team out of Hampton Roads Va….had a brief appearance in California League in 1975…This Brand’s only card with a bat…Has a cool 1969 card that simulates in action of taking off the catcher’s mask….This card’s stadium shot:  My guess is Shea stadium based on the tall lights and no advertisement in the outfield wall…Very religious, was a ordained Deacon at age 12…Pro Debut was with Las Vegas/San Jose franchise in the California League in 1958 along with pitcher Bob Veale….The Las Vegas team moved in mid season and is sometimes referred in cards as Las Vegas or San Jose…Did not have a 1967 card despite being in the bigs all year…Never hit well enough for a consistent regular gig….Little pop; 3 hrs in 1340 Abs.

5 comments:

  1. Does anyone remember "The King Family Show" from the mid-1960s? I read somewhere that Ron Brand is/was married to one of the "King Cousins" (Candy).

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  2. I can't say I recall the King Family per se. But maybe I remember some kind of commercial. I grew up in town that one television station (NBC) of acceptable reception. So my memories of family acts are of Andy Williams toteting out the Osmonds and then his limited talented pistol packing wife, Claudine.

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  3. It's great that you're picking up 1972 from the end and working backwards. You and the other inactive 1972 blog will be able to eventually meet up. Keep up the good work!

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  4. Thank you Matthew. I appreciate it. I've pre-written to #727 (Dick Selma) so they will be coming although I do considerable editing. After that who knows...

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  5. I'm surprised to learn that the 4 King Cousins are still performing today.

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