Up next in my ongoing "1976 Project" is a card of former Yankee infielder Gene Michael, this time as a Detroit Tiger player.
Check it out:
"Stick" played seven of his ten seasons for the Yankees, and
eventually moved to managerial and front office capacities for George
Steinbrenner later in his life.
But in 1975 he found himself in Detroit, and played in 56 games,
good for 158 plate appearances while manning the infield, mainly
shortstop.
I think that warrants a card for the guy in the 1976 set, don't you?
Consistent to the end, Michael hit .214 in Motown, with 15 runs
scored, two doubles, three homers and 13 runs batted in among his 31
hits.
A light-hitting midfielder, Michael was one of those players (like
Horace Clarke, Mel Stottlemyre, etc) that played for the Yankees during
their "dark years" between 1965 and 1975.
But later on he found much more success as a general manager for
the Yankees, often being credited as one of the architects of the
Yankees dynasty teams of the late-1990's/early-00's, thanks in large
part to owner George Steinbrenner being suspended from
any MLB activities for a few years, freeing Michael from any "meddling"
by "King George".
Hey, whatever it takes!
Look for a "Stick" nickname card for Michael in the not-so-distant future!