#705-706 In Action Pat Corrales

Good field, no hit again here, but when it came to offensive skills Pat made Tim Foli look like Ty Cobb…Pat’s stats were not impressive in 1971…40 games, 94 AB, 17 hits, 0 HR, 6 RBIs, .181 BA…Given Career stats were not a huge improvement 4Hrs, 54 RBIs, .216 Avg….Never was a regular at any one time…best was his stint in Philadelphia appearing in 63 games and 205 Abs taking place in 1965…Was a fair player at the AAA level hitting .271 in 1667 Abs during five different occasions…Went from Philly to St Louis then to Cincinnati…with Reds any chance of playing time was stifled by Johnny Bench…traded to Padres mid 1972 season effective pulling him out of AAA…didn’t hit any better in SD…His time in the mustard yellow uniform made for a dramatic photo on 1973 card a collision with Fergie Jenkins at home in game played on 6/14/72...Jenkins was out... Despite the agony depicted, Corrales played the rest of the game until being taken out for a pinch hitter in the 9^th…Like most back up Catcher’s career path became a MLB manager…Took the helm for Texas, Philadelphia, and Cleveland encompassing parts of nine seasons.

In action:  Why Topps? Why?...Statistically speaking probably the least deserving player of in-action photo card ever…even the picture is awkward with his mitt is off his hand as if to say “Ouch!  that pitch was too hard”...most likely show the ump the ball… Given his 1971 stats the photo represents rare footage…hit .191 in his MLB career from then on.

Special Note:  Pat could of had more playing time if this guy pursued this career...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKKQLJWcwBs


then on.