Here's a "Then and Now" card for long time Major League pitcher Orlando Pena:
Pena was closing out a decent 14-year career that actually started
in 1958, as he missed four seasons between 1958-1975 (1961, 1968, 1969
and 1972).
He'd finish with a 56-77 record, with a 3.71 earned run average, 40 saves and 818 strikeouts over 427 games and 1202 innings.
I couldn't help but notice his monster Minor League season at the
ripe old age of 38 in 1972 when he posted a combined 22-3 record with a
tiny 1.25 ERA!
He first went 15-3 with a 1.38 ERA with Miami of the Florida
League, then moved on to Rochester of the International League and went
7-0 with a 0.96 ERA.
Now, I can't be 100% positive at this point, but I'm almost sure
his 1959 Topps card was the first 1959 card I ever got. It's either that
or Virgil Trucks.
Old age is getting to me as I forget these once unforgettable moments collecting cards as a kid!
