With all due respect to Hunter, this one isn’t likely going to excite. But like all the others, it is an important part of my vision for this project.
Card 7 of 30
1978 Catfish Hunter #460
PSA 9
His 14th of 15 base Topps cards
Runner-up choice for 1978: Steve Carlton
Runner-up choice for Hunter: 1974
Why his ‘78? Truth be told, Hunter’s ‘78 was a victim of the logistics required to assemble this run. Not every player/year pairing will be optimal. I originally wanted to feature him in his prime as an Athletic during his Cy Young winning season of ‘74. However, I ultimately settled on someone else. This will be one of the few players shown at or near the end of his career.
Nonetheless, Hunter’s penultimate card in ‘78 shows him in the twilight of his career as a member of the World Champion Yankees. He even won the Series clincher in ‘78 over my beloved Dodgers as he battled newly diagnosed diabetes.
