Atlanta Brave infielder Pat Rockett’s nickname was “Rock” obviously derived from his last name. It could also describe his glove as well. In 1977, Rockett made 24 errors in 83 games at short with a .940 fielding percentage.
Rockett didn’t fare well in 1978 either, certainly at the plate. He went 20 for 142 for an anemic .141 batting average and only hit two doubles for extra base hits. Despite his speed, he managed to hit into six double plays.
| Split | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | CS | BB | SO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 Totals | 55 | 157 | 142 | 6 | 20 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 13 | 12 | .141 | .212 | .155 |
Not surprisingly, “Rock” gets one zero and there isn’t much behind that. He has eighteen singles in the second column. Beyond that, he has the standard three 8s and two 9s only saved by three 14s. Regardless, he doesn’t get any productive numbers at 15 or 25.
Adding insult to injury, Rockett received four 24s for his six GIDP in 157 plate appearances… which is a shame since his two 13s would make this a decent bunting card otherwise.
Ugly numbers: SS-7, 11-8, 15-39 and 25-23
Note: APBA placed the 12 on 36 in 1978 and since Rockett deserves both a 33 and a 34, the card makers gave him a 63-33.
Small World: Who was considered Atlanta’s full time SS in 1978? None other than former Terrible Card Tuesday entry Darrel Chaney. Darrel did only slightly better in ‘78 hitting .224 with a .295 OBP.
Thanks Tom Zuppa!
