Just when I was about to comb through my own APBA collection for a suitable card for today’s column, regular reader Mel M comes through with a great one. It falls into the “great ones that played one too many season” category. It’s St Louis left fielder Lou Brock’s card from 1978.
Granted, it wasn’t a HORRIBLE season for Lou. At .221, he batted above the Mendoza line. But it was the first time since his first year in 1961 that he didn’t hit a single homerun. While 17 steals is pretty good for most, it was his lowest total since 1962.
Despite his .263 OBP that year, he led off for the Cardinals for 68 games.
| Split | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | CS | BB | SO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 Totals | 92 | 317 | 298 | 31 | 66 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 17 | 5 | 17 | 29 | .221 | .263 | .252 |
Lou’s power is left to his 66-6 which he earned from nine doubles in 317 plate appearances. While he has four 8s and two 9s, don’t forget he also has two 11s as well.
Brock’s 1978 card only has two 14s but get this, he only has two 13s too. Very atypical for the free swingin’ leadoff hitter.
Ugly numbers: 11-8, 13-40, 66-6
Note that APBA placed the 12 at 36 in 1978. Brock’s 33 was moved to 63 and his (suspect, in my opinion) second 31 was placed at 24. Once again, the placement of the 12 forces APBA to play a little musical chairs with the numbers.
Brock must have gotten a boost from his attempt at 3000 hits the next year in 1979. That year, he hit .304 in 405 at-bats. His performance was enough to land him on the All-Star team that year. He indeed reached the milestone finishing out with 3023 hits in his career.
Thanks Mel!
