Time
to go and look at another fine airbrush job by the folks at Topps
during the 1970’s, this time the 1973 card for Dave LaRoche, who came
over to the Chicago Cubs from the Minnesota Twins just in time for this:
Now that is one nifty “C” on his cap!
Definitely not the worst job, but comical nonetheless with the darkened outline around the logo.
LaRoche would spend 14-years in the Major Leagues, generally as a relief
pitcher, appearing in 647 games, with only 15 of them starts between
1970 and 1983.
Of course, he’d also be remembered for his “La Lob” pitch, especially
for us kids watching Yankee games in the early 1980’s when he was
pitching for them between 1981 and 1983.
Overall he had a nice career, finishing up with a record of 65-58 with a
respectable 3.53 earned run average, with 126 saves and two All-Star
game nods.
Later on, two of his sons would go on to play Big league ball as well,
with Adam and Andy getting 18-years of MLB time in between them.