Well, here it is! But first the original:
Now for the re-do:
I still for the life of me cannot figure out why Topps didn’t have a proper image of him as a Texas Ranger manager since he actually finished up the previous season leading them over the last 23 games.
Strange that they wouldn’t have a good shot of him to use on his 1974 card.
Regardless, Martin would lead the Rangers to a strong showing in 1974, finishing in second place and producing the league’s MVP in Jeff Burroughs and Rookie of the Year in Mike Hargrove.
As a matter of fact, they almost pulled off the trifecta with their ace, Fergie Jenkins, finishing in second place in the Cy Young voting! Pretty amazing!
Martin himself would manage for 16 tumultuous seasons in the Major Leagues, leading four different teams to first place finishes, and winning a World Championship along the way in 1977 with the New York Yankees.
A huge baseball personality that sadly died way too soon on Christmas day in 1989. RIP Billy.
