Markusen: Gene Michael and high intelligence on 1972 Topps
From SABR member Bruce Markusen at The Hardball Times on September 26, 2017:
The recent death of highly accomplished New York Yankees executive Gene Michael spurred me to find my favorite baseball card from his playing days as a shortstop. “Stick” Michael’s 1969 Topps card is an interesting one, in that it shows him wearing the colors of the Pittsburgh Pirates, a team that he last played for in 1966, while designated him as a member of the Yankees. Michael’s 1973 card is also eye-catching; it’s a landscape action shot that shows him batting in a game at the original Yankee Stadium.
For me, the most intriguing card of Michael is the only one that shows him doing what he did best as a player: fielding his position. It’s his 1972 “In Action” card, also done in a landscape format. While it’s a bit on the blurry side, it gives us a glimpse of a 1971 game, with Michael covering second base and applying a tag to a baserunner for the Minnesota Twins.
Read the full article here: https://www.fangraphs.com/tht/card-corner-plus-gene-michael-and-high-intelligence-on-1972-topps/
Originally published: September 28, 2017. Last Updated: September 28, 2017.