Now here is a card I have been meaning to get created and on the blog for a long time now, a “missing” 1970 manager card for the only manager the Seattle Pilots ever had, Joe Schultz:
When the 1970 Topps set came out, kids were “treated” to a Dave Bristol
manager card for the Pilots, though in actuality they were already the
Milwaukee Brewers when the season opened up.
But it was Schultz who guided the one-year team in 1969, and by-gum he
should have had a card, so I’m happy to be bringing it to you today.
Over that one season, Schultz led a team of characters (see the book
“Ball Four”!) to a record of 64 and 98, good for a sixth-place finish in
the newly former West Division during Major League baseball’s first
year of division play.
He’d get another shot at managing, when he took over for Billy Martin in
Detroit for the last month or so of the 1973 season, going 14-14.
Now one thing I need to point out: Joe Schultz is ONE YEAR YOUNGER on
this card than I am sitting here today, and though I am far from some
Matinee Idol, Holy Cow he looks like he’s in his mid-60s!
Sorry Joe!