#2 Ray Culp

Veteran whose toe touched the rubber for 11 summers.....Servant to three teams, Phillies, Cubs, and Red Sox.....impressive as a member of 1963 rookie class....an all star team, 14 wins, and 3^rd in ROY voting....sophomore season developed arm trouble and sub standard 8-7 record....next two years were a mirror of first two....14 wins in 1965 and then a diminution to 7-4 record with a ballooned ERA....traded to Cubs for 1967....his 8-11 record did not reflect a substantially lowered ERA and general effectiveness.....Red Sox trade was a god send and Culp armed with new pitch, the palm ball, racks up 50 wins in first three years....took up the slack left in the absence of Jim Longborg....1971 was still functioning member of the rotation sporting  14 wins and 16 losses....In 1972 arm troubles reduced effectiveness to a 5-8 Win Loss record, lost rotation position, innings cut in half....was released but game to start in AAA....showed enough in the bush leagues and in light of his past body of work was given one last shot with the Bosox.....his exit season yielded nine starts, two wins, and six losses.....All those years missed out on post season play....closest being a member of the 1964 Phillies....career W-L record 122-101.

#30 Rico Petrocelli

One team man....Boston’s Red stockings.....great wherever in the field....went on impressive consecutive error free game at both shortstop and then over to 3^rd base.....conversion circa 1971.....occasionally exceptional at the bat....tailor-made his swing to compliment the Green Monster....Signed as a free agent in 1961 for 40K....MLB start in 1965....mixed results for the first two summers.... through patience Rico and other new Bostonian peers upped their game and propelled the team through a heated pennant race and unlikely 1967 World Series appearance.....Set a marks on the field and at the plate in 1969; set record for homers by a shortstop with 40 and  tied for fewest errors by an AL shortstop .....was the AL all-star game as a starter.....Never regained that over the fence frequency but was able to put together reliable years.....as time wore on personal output sputtered.....weighted down by 6 weeks on the injury list 1973..... last season in the black offensively was 1974 by putting up a 15 hrs, 75 RBIs, and .276 BA.....A twenty-eight point drop in BA and halving of power numbers in 1975 were attributed to inner ear issues but more importantly spelled imminent turnover nevertheless.....a bright note did account well for himself with 8 hits his second fall classic.....alas Red Sox were denied again.....Swan song year of 1976, essential role was to groom a young Butch Hobson to the lime light......grand totals were 210 home runs, 134 taking place at the Fenway homestead.....Hobbies were playing the drums, basketball, drag racing, the later two most likely drove management crazy....Still held in high esteem in Massachusetts and New England....Not bad for Brooklyn native transplanted into rival Bean Town.  

#37 Carl Yastrzemski #38 Carl Yastrzemski In Action

Legendry team company man....A Boston institution along with baked beans, Cheers, and Bunker Hill....HOF and career that fully spans 23 years....in the 3000 hit club....one of the most distinctive batting styles of the time arms and bat straight up....stance later modified as time went by to retain bat speed....The heir to the coveted LF position held by Ted Williams...immense shoes to fill at age 21....1961 an immediate replacement without prior MLB call up....decent debut but improved on all categories in 1962...captures his first AL batting crown in his junior year of "63....three more seasons add to Yaz’s career totals but the Red Sox sport a losing record at this point in the 1960's....things were to change with introduction of a young supporting cast started to bloom: AKA Smith, Scott, Conigliaro, Petrocelli, and Lonborg.....Fully supported Yaz steps up his game into the stratosphere sealing his legacy in 1967....a once in a lifetime rarity, the coveted Triple Crown....Red Sox ascent is from 9^th to a WS berth....the Cards take the classic in 7 games but Carl accounts for himself with .400 BA and 3 homers.....1967 year ushers in 4 year stint that supercharges him into superstar....Stats declined for all AL players in 1968 band Yaz is no exception but he defends his batting crown being the only AL regular to keep his BA above .300.....The last superstar year 1970 finds Yaz leading in runs and total bases and narrowly edged out a third straight BA crown....1971-72 are considered unremarkable and substandard years possibly....reestablished an improved production levels in 1973....For next eleven years ending in 1983, leadership, stability, and graceful aging ruled the day....overall hit .277 and twice exceeded 100 RBIs.BA zenith was .301 in 1974....like perennial plant was named to 18 all star games....intimately knew the nooks and dead areas of the Green Monster especially early in his career....parleyed into multiple gold glove award....most impressive was taking the fielding trophy as an outfielder at age 37....about 10^th year in moved to 1^st base occasionally to save on wear and tear....last game was 10/2/83 went one for three to bring his farewell BA to .266 was same as the first .266....left the field to triumphant run about Fenway's field perimeter was stirringly touching .....Well known as “Yaz” but also sported the nickname “Irish” pinned by Minneapolis Miller manager Gene Mauch because he attended Norte Dane University....Grandson is currently is a SF Giant.      

#79 Red Sox Rookie Stars,

Highly coveted card with HOF Fisk in addition to longtime star Ceil Cooper....

Mike Garman quietly appeared in 9 MLB seasons for a total of 303 games all but 8 in relief....6 starts took place during multiple call ups for the Red Sox....otherwise his Boston time was transitory walking away with a 2-2 record....better times lay ahead after being acquired by St. Louis....in two years relieved 130 games winning and losing 10 decisions....despite this solid work took routes to Cubs, Dodgers.  and Expos....shut out the opposition in 5 WS innings.... from Idaho....not exactly a baseball breeding ground. 

Carlton Fisk....“Pudge”, a more complimentary version of his early childhood nickname “Pudgy”..... now the term is a brand of honor for backstops.....New England’s pride and joy....born in Vermont, HS in New Hampshire, drafted and starred for Red Sox....HOF inductee second year on ballot....11 time all star....drafted  fourth in the 1967 draft....minor league development was decidedly uneven especially at upper levels....one asset hit well in a MLB call up 1971....Took the baseball world by storm 1972....best receiver Boston had as any long time fan could remember....most home runs (22) by a Red Sox backstop at the time....Led the American League in Triples with 9 (only time he led in an offensive category)....took home the Golden Glove (also only time in career) and most notably Rookie of the Year....once quoted in a self deprecating manner “I don’t know what I’m doing right”....more importantly Fisk never stopped doing right....sophomore effort was strong albeit BA dipped....Sorely missed a good chunk of 1974 as Red Sox continued to fall short in the AL east....while the injury bug continued into 1975, but when healthy hit .332 to catapult the Sox to the WS....his stay fair gesture in walk off home run in game 6 remains a baseball iconic moment.....Stays in Bean town up to the 1980 season....Hesitancy by the Red Sox during contract negotiations resulted in being a Free agent for 1981.... signs with the White Sox.....Once again a cog to transforms the team into a contender....While the south siders fortunes waned, Fisk weathers on with full time status thru 1991...once tagged out two Yankees on one play in 1985....relegated to DH and backup for 1992 and 1993.....Logged in 13 years in Chi town compared to 11 in Boston..... Has incredible legacy of leadership, hustle, work ethic..... Played 2226 games behind the plate, once the MLB record, now held by namesake Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez.  

Ceil Cooper   “Cooooop” to the Milwaukee faithful where his career fully blossomed...a case of good seasons with Red Sox but utilization was limited and did not start until 1974....1977 trade to Milwaukee was a steal for the Brew Crew....cost of the transaction were veterans George Scott and Bernie Carbo, both on the back sides of their years....initial year as a Brewer, hits .300......first of six consecutive seasons of reaching .300 or better....Improves over time using a batting stance similar to Rod Carew’s....Cooper displays more power....His .352 BA in 1980 would have taken the BA crown in most years but finished a distant second to George Brett’s .390.....Twice led the AL in RBIs....Gradually lost numbers over time but was able to make all star team for the 5^th time at age 35....other accolades include  two golden glove and three of the newly minted Sliver Slugger awards starting in its initial year of 1980 to 1982...departed playing in 1987 while still a platoon player.  

#113 Rogelio Moret

Incredibly slender Red Sox standing at 6’4” and 170 pounds….an even mix of starter or reliever….established himself as neither but was able to pull off two sparkling campaigns….After splitting several seasons between the minor and limited MLB employment, wowed the baseball world with a 13-2 record in 1973….one more decision would have taken league best win % honors……after a mediocre 1974 bounced back with 14-3 record in 1975 helping the Bostonians to a WS showdown...Despite his solid Red Sox resume standing to date at 3.43 ERA and 41 wins out 59 decision was traded to Braves….Red Sox’s sudden reluctance to continue with Roger may have been due to an auto accident…..Moret was unhurt but had great difficulty explaining the incident….Moret’s year with Atlanta was a second rate endeavor and ventured off to Texas for 1977….His only full year in Texas brought a lowered his ERA but his career was at an impasse….Next season his career was virtually stopped by an episode of mental illness….found in a reported catatonic state in the club house before a game in early 1978….was hospitalized for a short period….resurfaced for a few limited appearances but was shelled in his last start….set aside for the rest of the season….Released spring of next year….tried out with Cleveland and Texas again but did not get farther than spring training in subsequent years….a couple seasons later tried a short turns in the Mexican with varying accomplishments…..moved back to native Puerto Rico….little is known about his post baseball activities other than he passed away in late 2020.   

 

#144 Marty Pattin

Leading game winner for the first two years of the Milwaukee Brewers....traded to Boston for 1972 in nine player deal....responded with a career high 17 wins....career beginnings started with Angels organization....was able to split evenly a total of 8 decisions in 1968 as a reliever....picked in expansion by Seattle, a case of the new franchise taking a player who had AAA history in the city....turned him into a starter....after a fast start  had so-so going in the Pilot’s only year with a 7-12 record and +5 ERA....followed the franchise east to Milwaukee and yielded two less runs per game and win figure doubled....continued success with Boston going 17-13 for 1972 and 15-15 in 1973....signature was his high leg kick delivery....traded to Kansas City for 1974....while he had spent 5 years prior as a starter, fails to establish one singular role in KC....career best 2.46 ERA in 9176 was offset by 8-14 win-loss....is able to win ten games twice however....finishes his career in KC  until to the 1980 season....last appearance was in 1980 World Series....turned to coaching/managing primarily for Kansas University.....born, raised, schooled (bachelor's and master's s degrees from Eastern Illinois University) and passed away in Charleston, Illinois, while visiting friends in October 2018

#199 Mike Fiore

A surprise performer of 1969 now relegated to a tiny segment of playing time on the Boston bench and a quick exit from MLB....an expansion draft pick by the Royals plucked from the Orioles chain....hit .274 for KC, with no prior big league experience....did not come close to repeating this number....splitting 1970 as a Royal then with Red Sox BA dropped 90 points.....1971 lost what little playing time he had and hit .177....strangely was traded to Cardinals for Bob Burda (who was best NL pinch hitter in the previous season)....1972 was abysmal hitting .063 for Cards and Padres (who after 6 hitless at bats sent him back to the Cards)....caught on I.L. AAA clubs most Baltimore’s Rochester team until 1978.

#218 Eddie Kasko

Red Sox skipper sandwiched between Dick Williams and Daryl Johnson…helmed winning teams starting 1970 but a victim of bad timing with dominance of Baltimore in his first two years....Best chance for postseason came in 1972 as the Orioles stumbled into a tight 4 way race with Tigers, Yankees, and Red Sox....problem was with the boycott lost games early season were not played leaving an uneven schedule....Red Sox had one game less than the AL East winner Tigers....Red Sox fell short by ½ game.....next season Kasko had his record with 88 wins but was let go with one game left in season...did not manage again....was an infielder 1957 to 1966 for St Louis, Cincinnati, Houston, and Boston....stayed with Red Sox organization to manage AAA teams in Toronto and Louisville. 1967-69....finished his baseball calling as a long time scout.

#259 Sparky Lyle

No player from 1971 I can think of is more influential to today’s game than he…I look at two phases come to light; first his early years with Boston averaging an inning each game he appears then in 1972  record setting number of saves with the Yankees…put together it’s possible Sparky’s first true closer…at the time the top reliever completed usually closer to two innings per outing….his acquisition by the Yankees was the first in a line of imports that eventually resulted in two WS wins….over the years Sparky holds court in the Yankee pen…1975 decidedly an off year with 6 saves….bounced  back with vengeance in 1976 leading the AL in saves with a somewhat small figure of 23….In 1977, Sparky was able add 3 more saves to his total but more importantly he’s the first reliever to win AL Cy Young…it was the end of his prominence as George Steinbremer imports Goose Gossage and Rawley Eastwick, effectively putting Lyle is a secondary role….a trade to Texas for 1979 resulted in moderate improvement but was becoming evidently clear time was catching up to him…his worst season to date came in 1980 with a 4.49 ERA….only redeemer was late trade to the Phillies…improved and appeared in two scoreless inning in the NLCS….continued to hang on in Philly for the most of two more seasons in middle relief….career ended with White Sox late 1982…career line was 238 saves…37^th on the all time list….has written two books on baseball both based on his Bronx Zoo time.  

#266 Bobby Bolin

A pitcher difficult to define but definitely successful…13 seasons mostly alternating in a dual reliever starter role, not settling until the very end ….started in 1961as a resident in the Giant bullpen….remained in that role but gradually took over to spot starting….elevated to starter in 1966 going 11-10 plus decent 2.89 ERA….consistency and control were sometimes elusive…when ON like 1968 took home 2^nd place in NL ERA ranking with 1.99 figure…an elevated ERA in 1969 prompted a trade to the then Seattle Pilots…wore the Seattle uniform at spring training which quickly morphed into a Brewer apparel in 1970….acquired by Red Sox late in that year….admittedly the next two were difficult with high ERAs that did not picture job security…sent to minors but regain his control…returned to Boston in a limited role started to regain past bullpen effectiveness in 1972….had his top fireman in season 1973 at age 34 with 15 saves and sparkling 2.70 ERA…no encore however for Bob was released after the season.

#290 Sonny Siebert

Cog in the Red Sox veteran starting staff…was quite old for a rookie (27) in 1964...two reasons, attended college and started pro ball as an infielder…..Once he established himself as a starter with Indians was reach back to back 16 win seasons plus a no hitter….lowered ERA but win output declined to thereafter to 12 and 10 wins….Started 1969 with the tribe after two starts was traded to Red Sox for the very popular Ken Harrelson….took awhile to earn Boston affection…started with 14 wins 1969, then 15, then 16 in 1971 best on the team….effectiveness due to control and breaking stuff rather than speed and power... record diminished to 12-12 1972 as the Sox looked forward to the rejuvenated Luis Tiant and Marty Pattin and company….Sonny started 1973 in Boston but played very little and was traded early on to Texas desperate for help…registered a 7-11 record….took diminished skills to St Louis 1974 to 8-8 record…last stop on train was 1975 when he was acquired by the Padres looking for veteran help…at age 38 not much was given…traded to Oakland for a few starts ended season and career….two time all star.

#313-314 Luis Aparicio-In Action

Fiery competitor, an All star 10 times over....Made the squad 7 consecutive years, then 3 consecutive years later on....Synonymous with the position of Shortstop....took to the field in 2581 contests over 18 years, never deviating position.... an OK .262 BA lowered by the occasional off season....Value lay in stolen bases and glove; 9 time award winner and 9 consecutive times top AL base thief.... HOF material and he was inducted circa 1984....Illustrious career began with Go-go White Sox beginning 1954....moved over to the Orioles....Return trip to Chicago....hit a career best .313 1970 when the Sox were at their worst...acquisition by Red Sox was the team's answer to deficit at 3rd base....Rico Petrocelli shifted to over to the right as Luis took his spot... Results were a mixed bag...speed had diminished....Batting ranged .233 in 1971 to a .273 to 1973...Released spring training 1974....vetoed an offer from George Steinbrenner to take over Yankee’s SS spot....Diminutive but incredibly durable averaging 144 games a season in addition to playing 19 consecutive years of winter ball in native Venezuela...Rookie of the year 1956.

#328 Boston Red Sox team card

Storied franchise from the junior circuit....an original, established 1901....Wrestled ownership of Beantown away from the older .500 win pct. Braves...The only time an AL team would do so....Hall of Famers abound starting from the first year....Cy Young was on the first squad then known as the Boston Americans....A formidable team early on winning 5 World Championships and only 4 losing seasons in the first 19 years....then the pivotal moment that became part of folklore....the trade of Babe Ruth to the rival Yankees....Boston’s reels off 15 consecutive losing years the virtual opposite of the Ruth lead Yankees....buoyed by wise acquisitions, such Joe Cronin, Jimmy Foxx, and eventually Ted Williams (from the PCL Padres)....Red Sox enter into the world of a first division team but short of pennants....After William’s retirement the Red Sox languish but rebound nicely with a first place finishes in 1967 a feat repeated over two more decades....despite the achievement all three campaigns came up empty....hence the credence to the Curse of the Bambino....The 85 year championship drought was broken by the 2004 squad avenging the St Louis Cardinals...Red have proceeded to win two more World titles.....Several invincible team records for batting and pitching stand vanguard for eternity...Ted Williams .406 BA and 150 runs, Jimmy Foxx 175 RBIs and total bases....some have fallen however, Wade Boggs had 240 hits, David Ortiz 54 home runs.....untouchable pitching achievements are the 34 wins, 25 losses from the early 20^th century, Cy Young’s 41 complete games...Young and Woods shutout mark of 10 is intact but has threaten by Roger Clemens eight.....New team titles include games appeared 81 by Mike Timlin, strikeouts 313 Pedro Martinez, win pct of .941 by Clay Bucholz....final tally 8 WS titles and curse is hence broken.        

#411 Bob Montgomery

A testimonial to the longevity of a reserve…if you are a catcher…a rarity for non starter; one team for his entire career almost perfectly spanning the 1970’s….mostly under the shadow on one Carlton Fisk…sometime Carlton dominated all the playing time 1972, sometimes they formed into an awesome pair like 1973 teaming for 33 home runs and 97 RBIs.... got the #1 position when Carlton got hurt in third and fourth seasons of 1974 and 1975....played sparingly thereafter average 22-23 games and 8 RBIs per season in his remaining four years.

#455 Tommy Harper

Tough to figure out...very, very good at times, sometimes a disappointment....always changing....Small and light, sometimes speed was his game, sometimes power....was an original Seattle Pilot and swiped a league leading 73 bases....double his career SB mark to that time and very surprising in that he had only 11 for the Indians the year before....instantly changed next year to the Milwaukee Brewer’s first power threat, crushing 31 home runs, a season that is still talked about today with local...that year also maintained some of that 1969 speed with 37 stolen bases and a career best .287 BA....Spent first five full season with Reds starting 1963...Led NL in runs 1965 to compliment his 18 home runs....a trade to Boston for 1972 put him in the leadoff spot for two years...responded with second best season with 17, 71, and .281 numbers....was AL stolen base king for franchise not known for speed....a 44 point decline in BA in 1974 dropped his stock and trade....stole bases by wits rather than speed in later year...sold off to take detours to California, Oakland, and return to Boston in his last year and half...mostly an outfielder but dabbled with 2nd and 3rd base.

#472 Phil Gagliano

A highly versatile  reserve who played on mostly winning teams....Italian heritage from Memphis TN....went to same high school as Tim McCraver.....Both signed by the Cardinals organization....funny line by Phil;  “we were the gold dust twins, Tim got the gold, I got the dust”....a prototypical light hitter only had one shot for near regular work in 1965...tapped for 3^rd base, but was passed in favor of converted outfielder Mike Shannon and his bat....After 1969 was used very little getting mustering less than 100 plate appearances for the rest of his career....passed from Cards to Cubs in 1970 highlight of an otherwise poor season....rebounded to hit a very efficient .324 with Boston 1971....took his trade to the Reds for 1973.....290 BA ....Swan song season of 1974 hit only .065 but showed an exceptional batting eye by drawing 15 walks, all during pinch hitting duties....put together with 61 plate appearances his OBP was a respectable .370....returned to  St Louis after playing days were over.

#488 Mike Nagy

maybe, with considerably less fanfare, the Mark Fydrich of late 1960’s ...From Class A ball to a one season Red Sox wonder in his rookie year...12-2 record....AL Rookie Pitcher of the Year....stingy with home runs by keeping the the ball low....never achieved those heights again...Some elbow issues and the irregularity  of serving  in the military seemed throw off his pitching style and confidence....ERA ballooned in 1970 and even worst in 1971....pitched two innings for the Red Sox in 1972....Next three season played in Texas, St. Louis , and Houston’s farm systems,  getting isolated work for the for the last two big clubs ....did eventually play in Mexico but eventually retired  became a real estate agent....big guy at 6’3” from the Bronx...Hungarian heritage...also married a woman with same last name....has a SABR profile despite short career.

#503 Gary Peters

1963 After 4 seasons of White Sox call ups of no significance, Peter’s MLB career is on line....consider a run of the mill with inconsistent velocity.... relegated to middle relief essentially the kiss of death at the time, fills as a emergency starter and throws hard and gets the win.....fast forward puts it all together with 19 wins....Absconded with ROY and ERA honors....Wins 20 in his follow up season....subsequent campaigns not as productive in the win column but was able to take ERA crown again and lead the AL in several pitching categories  in 1966....1967 brought him 16 wins and All Star status...had lost year in 1968 going 4-13 as White Sox fortune fell with him....returned to double digits wins in 1969 but his ERA ballooned to 4.53 worst of his career.....trade to the offensive minded Red Sox buoyed his win loss record for 3 years....lost starter spot 1972 and summarily used a mop up situations in his last season.....as a Bostonian won 33 games with 25 losses ; 4.23 ERA....Another case of excellent hitter for a pitcher with a .222 average.....sometimes pinch hit, one time batted 7^th in the lineup.

#543 Duane Josephson

A career abruptly ended…. Heart condition, specifically pericarditis, an inflammation of the membranes that surround the heart, and it had not only truncated his 1972 season but forced him to retire from the Red Sox and the game….A native Iowan the only non pitcher to make the bigs from Northern Iowa University…there he was a teammate of Oriole Eddie Watt…Drafted and crawled up the White Sox organization…two late season call up and after one season on the bench became a regular in 1968….named to AL all star squad that year…hit .247 which was “good” for that year….after a year of diminished playing time to Ed Hermann, Duane turned in a sparkling .316 average in 1970….He and Hermann combined for 23 home runs, 93 RBI’s, and .299 BA….This one of lone bright spots of White Sox worst year to date….With catching a relative strength, Duane was traded to the rouge hose….Hit a personal best 10 home runs as the #1 catcher….Was contesting that position with Carlton Fisk in 1972 when the forced retirement was announced….Duane returned to Iowa and lived for another 24 years before succumbing to his condition.

 

 

#565 Reggie Smith - #566 In Action - Reggie Smith

A star but short of a superstar….did many things very well… switch hitter….kept himself in shape and was a student of the game…A healthy .287 career average with 2020 hits and over 300 home runs…drafted by the Twins but only played rookie ball with the organization…climbed up the Red Sox organization and after a cup of coffee broke into the Boston lineup in pennant winning 1967…numbers were OK but significant improvement was to come… BA jumped by 19 points in 1968….BA took off even more with a .309 mark and hit 25 home run and had 93 RBIs….in the next four seasons in Beantown, Smith did not deviate much from the 1969 benchmark…was third in AL RBIs 1971.....a 1974 trade to Cardinals did not diminish his above .300 hitting for the next two season….Had a uncharacteristic slow start in 1976 bringing on a mid season trade to the Dodgers….salvaged the rest of season hitting .280 for his new West Coast gig….Returned to form during LA’s pennant winning years of 1977 and 1978…played four more years in the bigs, three in Los Angeles…hampered by injuries  during  the final years but was able to hit .322 in 311 at bats 1980….Bowed out nicely with a 18 home runs and .284 avg. in his final MLB playing year of 1982 with San Francisco Giants….Sprinkled in 7  All star games in his 17 years....Spent two tumultuous years in Japan afterwards…turning down coaching offers he has started baseball instructional camps for inner city youth