Monster Card Monday: 1972 Terry Forster

Today’s Monster Card comes to us from Mel M who suggested a few players.  No doubt, we’ll be seeing some of them on future Mondays.  Thanks, Mel!! 

I think Terry Forster of 1972 ranks up there among the upper echelons of APBA Monster Cards.  While he certainly wasn’t a full time hitter, Forster didn’t get his reputation based on one or two at-bats, either.  In 1972 (the year before the DH was put in place, Mel M reminds us), reliever Forster managed to go 10 for 19.  That’s more than just a coincidence.  He had a bat! 

The Sox knew this apparently.  One of those ten hits was the result of his one and only pinch hit appearance that year.  Forster did ok on the base paths.  He stole one base (his only one of his 16 year career). 

Forster’s card is truly a sight to behold.  I’ve talked about players having a 13-9 in the past.  How about a 13-7?  Even a 53-7?  Eights on the BOTTOM?  And the icing on the cake is the 11-10-10 thanks to his one steal (though if I had a runner on second facing a B pitcher, it would bug me to roll that 25 :)).

Terry Forster wasn’t a one-year wonder at the plate, either.  He also had batting averages of .400, .346, .500, and .667 throughout his career.  For his career, he hit a pretty amazing .397 (31 for 78) with only 9 strikeouts. 

Of course, the benefit here is that with the amazing hitting card comes a pitcher who can throw the ball.  In ‘72, APBA gave Terry “Hoss” Forster an A*XY grade based on his measly 2.25 ERA.  He was 6-5 with 29 saves (that was good for second in the AL).  Hard throwing Hoss struck out 104 in 100 innings. 

Thanks again to Mel M for passing this on.  Indeed a fun card!

See other Monster Card Monday selections