Part Four Of Keith Olbermann's Topps Proof Series - 1977

[Cliff Bowman]

Originally Posted by roarfrom34

I'm curious if that Gene Tenace card is actually a photo of him (doesn't appear to be)? Thoughts?

You may be right, I looked for pics of Tenace with a beard and couldn’t find any. A lifelong A’s fan would probably know if it is Tenace or not.

[Cliff Bowman]

The only thing I will add to Mr. Obermann’s Part 4 Topps Proofs - 1977 is that I believe Lee Richard was replaced by #253 John Hale, a perfect fringe player candidate for a last second replacement. I can’t find one now but there used to be a pic of the 66 card proof sheet that Lee Richard was on, on the 132 card sheet that the other 65 players on that 66 card proof sheet are on John Hale is in place of Richard and the other 65 cards are the same.

[JustinD]

Originally Posted by Cliff Bowman

You may be right, I looked for pics of Tenace with a beard and couldn’t find any. A lifelong A’s fan would probably know if it is Tenace or not.

He had a beard during the fall of 76'. -



The reason of this -

"On Sunday, October 3rd, after losing a 1-0 game to Nolan Ryan, their season was over. The unsigned members of the Oakland A’s were free to seek their fortunes elsewhere. An October TSN piece titled “Liberated A’s Give Champagne Party” detailed the scene in the Oakland clubhouse that involved over 30 bottles of bubbly.

These guys had become accustomed to season-ending celebrations and this one would be their last as teammates. Bill North, who actually had been signed and would be returning to Oakland in 1977 said, “This is to celebrate the liberation of the Oakland Seven”. Rollie Fingers’ parting comments included, “I feel sorry for anyone who has to play for this club next year.”

Fingers and Gene Tenace would move on to San Diego for the 1977 season. In 1981, Rollie would win the AL Cy Young and MVP award for the Brewers. Tenace would continue to amaze with his near .400 on base percentages coupled with his near .220 batting averages."

[Cliff Bowman]

That is surreal, teammates whom most have been together six years or more not even including the minors are celebrating the last game of the season so they can go join other teams as free agents.

[G1911]

Thanks for sharing guys, this is great material.

[deweyinthehall]

Originally Posted by Cliff Bowman

That is surreal, teammates whom most have been together six years or more not even including the minors are celebrating the last game of the season so they can go join other teams as free agents.

Quite the testimony to Charlie O's ownership.

To me, the story that never ceases to amaze is that in late May of '78, with the train-wreck A's enjoying an improbable hold on first manager Bobby Winkles up and resigned because of Finley's ways.

[ALR-bishop]

1977 stuff

[Cliff Bowman]

Originally Posted by ALR-bishop

1977 stuff

Awesome!

[Cliff Bowman]

Found a '77 Fitzmorris, albeit poor quality.