On the blog today, another image variation between
OPC and Topps, this one of John Lowenstein, who found himself North of
the border with the new Toronto Blue Jays franchise...or DID he?!:
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| OPC version |
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| Topps creepy version |
While
the fine folks at OPC managed to get him into his Blue Jays attire for
his 1977 card, it turns out they were a little too quick with their
actions, as the infielder/outfielder ended up getting traded BACK to the
Cleveland Indians after being traded traded away from them just three
months earlier!
On December 6th of 1976 Lowenstein was traded to the Blue Jays along with Rick Cerone for Rico Carty.
Well wouldn't you know it, he found himself turning right back around on March 29th of 1977 straight up for Hector Torres.
It's
cards like this OPC that ruin "Immaculate Grid" games for players when
they remember and think he did in fact play for them.
I'll always remember Lowenstein as one of the most successful
platoon players of the 1980's, when he was paired up with Gary Roenicke
on the Baltimore Orioles.
For example check out their awesome combined 1982 season where
Lowenstein and Roenicke outright mashed the ball in part-time rolls.
The two combined for 45 homers, 140 runs batted in, 209 hits and
127 runs scored in 715 at-bats! Granted it's a bit more playing time
than a "regular" full season, but not by THAT much.
Lowenstein ended up with a very decent 16-year career playing for
the Indians (1970-77), Rangers (1978) and Orioles (1979-85), generally
as a part-time player.
As a matter of fact his 1974 season with Cleveland would be the
only time he posted enough plate appearances to qualify for a batting
title throughout his career.