Friday, July 31, 2020

NOT REALLY MISSING IN ACTION- 1972 JIM PANTHER

On the blog today, a “not so missing” 1972 card for three-year MLB pitcher Jim Panther, who never did get a Topps card over his brief Big League tenure:



After giving him a “missing” 1973 card a few years ago here on the blog, I came across this great photo of him marking his MLB debut in 1971 while with the Oakland A’s.
Panther appeared in four games for the A’s that season, going 0-1 with an ERA of 11.12 in 5.2 innings of work, all four games coming out of the bullpen.
In 1972 Panther appeared in 58 games, good for 93.2 innings of work, going 5-9 with a 4.13 earned run average, and even started four games. So why he didn't get a slot in the 1973 set is beyond me.
After moving on to Atlanta in 1973, Panther didn't fair too well, as he ended up 2-3 with a bloated 7.63 E.R.A., spread out over 23 games.
As it turned out, by season's end his pro playing days were done, and from what I gather online he went on to coach some High School ball in Libertyville, Illinois.
All told Panther ended up with a 7-13 career record, with a 5.26 E.R.A. and 56 strikeouts over 130 innings of work in 85 games.


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