I previously created a 1972 and 1974 edition for Lamb, thinking for some reason he was on a multi-player rookie card in the 1971 set.
But again, I was surprised I imagined such a card and happily created this “dedicated rookie” for a pitcher who saw enough action in 1970 to actually get something by Topps.
In 1970, his MLB debut, Lamb appeared in 23 games for the Bucs, tossing 32.1 innings and going 0-1 with a nice 2.78 earned run average with three saves.
Can’t imagine why a pitcher with 23 appearances wouldn’t at the very least get a spot on a multi-player card in the 1971 set, especially with some of the players that actually did.
Anyway, in 1971 he didn’t factor in a decision while pitching 4.1 innings of scoreless ball in his brief time up in the Big Leagues.
He’d spend the entire 1972 season in the Minors, but would make it back in 1973 in what would end up being his last taste of the Majors, going 0-1 over 22 appearances and 29.2 innings, with a bloated 6.07 ERA with a couple of saves.
He’d be back toiling in the Minors the following year, and would stay there through the 1974 season before retiring for good, leaving the Majors with an 0-2 record over 47 games and 66.1 innings, with an ERA of 4.07.