Next
up in my running “1975 In Action” series is perennial all-star
shortstop Bert Campaneris of the Oakland A’s, who was in the middle of a
very nice run when this card would have seen the light of day:
“Campy” was just coming off of three straight World Championships with
the A’s as part of a juggernaut that included Reggie Jackson, Catfish
Hunter, Vida Blue and Sal Bando, among others.
Though he didn’t lead the American League in steals in 1974, he did
swipe 34 more on his way to a career total of 649, with six league
titles between 1965 and 1972.
By the time he was done as a Major League player in 1983 at the age of
41, he’d finish with 2249 career hits with 1181 runs scored with six
all-star game nods in 19 years.
I fondly remember his time with the New York Yankees in 1983, this last
action before retiring. Just seemed like a fun veteran to have around
giving tips to youngsters like Don Mattingly.