CLOSED...1961 Topps $15 Auction...Day 36

[HercDriver]

Three more today, starting with Dale Long, who was obviously aptly named, since he managed to hit homers in eight straight games. It was a long time until that feat was matched, by Don Mattingly, and Ken Griffey, Jr. Long also caught in two games as a lefty, making him one of only 23 guys to catch multiple games, as a lefty. Speaking of catchers, here’s Chris Cannizzaro, who managed to be picked in two expansion drafts. He was picked by the Mets in 1961, and then the Padres in 1969, where he became their first All- Star representative. Hmmm...what to say about Joe DeMaestri? Other than those sixties windbreakers are hideous. It always made me think their mothers made them wear it to leave the house. DeMaestri took over for Tony Kubek in the 1960 World Series, Game 7, after Kubek took that ball in the throat. But he didn’t get to watch Mazeroski’s homer sail over his head, because he was pinch hit for, in the top of the ninth. By Dale Long. Wow...that’s almost Kevin Bacon spooky. Have a great one!!