Here's a card that could be considered a "career capper" or even "missing in action", a 1975 Topps Matty Alou:
Alou wrapped up a very nice 15-year career in 1974 suiting up for
the San Diego Padres, appearing in 48 games with 88 plate appearances.
He hit .198 with 16 hits in 81 at-bats, generally as an outfielder, with three doubles and three runs batted in along the way.
Just a year earlier he hit a robust .295 split between the Yankees
and Cardinals, playing a full season with 134 games and 550 plate
appearances, so it's a shame he tailed off so quickly at the age of 35.
His best seasons were as a Pittsburgh Pirate in the mid-to-late
1960's, winning a batting title in 1966 when he hit .342, as well as
leading the league in hits and doubles in 1969.
Between 1966 and 1969 he never hit below .331, and he added another three years of .300+ averages as well.
By the time he left the game he totaled 1777 hits, with a .307 batting average, and was twice named to an all-star team.
Of course, we all know that he was part of a long-lasting baseball
family, beginning with him and his two brothers, Felipe and Jesus, as
well as cousin Jose, before they handed off the torch to Moises Alou and
Mel Rojas later on.
Pretty cool in my book…
