Of course, by the time he came to the Bronx he was already an established star of the game, even taking home the American League MVP in 1979 after a monster year where he led the league with both 120 runs scored and 139 runs batted in.
Heck, the guy even stole as many as 52 bases one season, back in 1976 in his only year with the Oakland A’s after getting sent there from Baltimore as part of the blockbuster Reggie Jackson deal.
I just always loved his quiet way about things, especially during the insane George Steinbrenner years!
I hated that the Yanks traded him to Boston (of all places) straight up for Mike Easler. Not knocking Easler by any means! But Baylor was well-liked by a ton of us kids in NYC back then.
Anyway, I chose the 1979 format for his nickname card to celebrate his MVP year.
While looking over his career I was shocked, and STILL am, that he was named to only ONE all-star team over his excellent 19-year career! Can you believe that?
Only during his 1979 season was Baylor on the all-star team, which to be seems unbelievable since he was consistently a very good hitter, and well-liked around the league.
How he was never even a reserve over the years baffles me.
The late, great Don Baylor, who sadly passed away this past year at the age of only 68. Here’s to you “Groove”!
R.I.P.