OK, at some point over the last few years I lost Wally Backman. I don't know how, I know I had him, but for now at least, he's missing. So I had to find a photo of the card and post it here. I'm pretty pissed that I lost it, which is one reason I held off so long in posting this (the other reason being that I spent a lot of time looking for the card), but here we go.
Aside from the fact that Wally looks like he's about to me smashed on the shoulder by someone who looks whiter than Tony Pena (anyone?), this is a great action shot. I love all the dirt kicked up by Backman's slide, the look on his face and the eyeblack. Very nice.
Wally Backman fit the profile of your classic 1980's utility infielder. Solid D, no bat. His best season came for the '86 Mets when he hit .320 in 387 ABs, playing a big part in their World Series season. Over the course of his career, he absolutely destroyed Rick Mahler. In 49 ABs, he hit .510 off him!
I was in an APBA league in the late 80s and made a trade for Wally Backman. One of the other guys in the leauge said, "You shouldn't have made that trade---Backman can't even beat out Tim Teufel." It turns out he was right. :(
ReplyDeleteI think that the Pirates catcher might be Junior Ortiz
ReplyDeleteI am guessing this is a photo from 1984 and the catcher is Milt May.
ReplyDeleteHe did play in several games in 1984 at Shea Stadium:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.cgi?n1=maymi01&t=b&year=1984
Looks like I've got a couple extra Wallys. If you want one, send me a message.
ReplyDeleteNice action pic.
ReplyDeleteThe catcher is Tony Pena. Google Tony Pena's card from this 1987 Topps set and compare his equipment, the background, and you will eveb see a couple of the same blurry fans in the background on both pictures. Pena's card is moments before the slide, he's waiting for the ball. I found this blog trying to figure out what game the shots were from.
ReplyDelete