1972 Topps Clemente In Action
Looking through my 1972 album last night, and I was reminded that the Clemente In Action card has to be one of my favorites of all time - you just know he just sat on a pitch he thought was outside only to have it called a strike.
I decided to dig. I believe the image was taken in Candlestick Park. The only Giant catcher that could be is Russ Gibson, who wore uniform 18 that year (Fran Healy wore 8, but you can make out a number next to the 8 in the image). The only game he caught at home against Pittsburgh occurred on 8/1/71 as the first game of a double header.
Clemente's ABs included a ground out in the 1st, a fly out in the 3rd, a HR in the 5th, a sac fly in the 7th and a K for the second out in the 9th (the Giants won, 11-7).
Because of the reaction, I think this was probably strike 3 in the 9th, called by Ed Vargo. Am I 100% certain? No.
But, it feels right.
Last edited by deweyinthehall; 11-08-2025 at 06:07 PM.
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