1972 Topps Clemente In Action

deweyinthehall · #1 11-08-2025, 06:06 PM

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.

Cliff Bowman · #2 11-08-2025, 08:24 PM

This was discussed years ago on a thread here and you pretty much have everything correct, the only thing is that it says he struck out but doesn’t mention that he was called out looking like it does for other strike outs in the game, if I remember correctly. I think it’s possible he had a 3-0 or 3-1 count and thought that pitch was a ball and was ready to trot to first on a walk.

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