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February 13, 2013

A baseball card mystery: Jim Spencer and Billy North

Jim Spencer’s 1977 Topps card gives us one of the better views of those atrocious 19th century throwback uniforms the White Sox wore in the 1970s. With black tops, black pants and a black cap, the Sox did their best imitation of 19th century wear, when teams had dark wool uniforms that maximized the properties of heat and sweat. Only these Sox uniforms were made of polyester, which makes them even more frightening.

While the uniforms are generally hideous, they are somewhat flattering to the paunchy Spencer, who looks thinner than usual in this photograph. It’s most appropriate that Topps shows Spencer in a defensive posture; he was an excellent defensive first baseman who won the Gold Glove in 1977. With his quick first step, nimble feet, and soft hands, Spencer was among the most sure handed first basemen of the era.

During his career, Spencer won two Gold Gloves, earned an All-Star Game selection in 1973, and even led the American League in intentional walks one season. That happened with the White Sox in 1976, when he was surrounded by seven regular players who each hit fewer than eight home runs. By then the White Sox no longer had Dick Allen and Bill Melton. Instead their lineup was filled with hitters like Jack Brohamer, Kevin Bell, Pat Kelly and Bucky Dent.

As a bonus, Spencer’s 1977 Topps card also gives ample space to A’s speedster Billy North, who can be seen making his way back to first base on an attempted pickoff throw. There was good reason to attempt a pickoff against North: In 1976, he led the American League with 75 stolen bases. That was the best single season output of a career that saw him steal a total of 395 bases.

Based on North’s positioning, and the fact that Spencer has not yet caught the ball thrown by the White Sox‘ pitcher, we can assume that North makes it back to first base safely on this play.

That brings us to our mystery. Can we pinpoint the date of this game, which presumably took place in 1976? And do we know what happens to North? Does he remain stranded at first, or does he advance farther around the bases?

One major clue may help us find an answer. North is wearing an all-white uniform; that was the uniform that the A’s wore only on Sunday day games at home. Given that piece of information, we can deduce that the Oakland Coliseum is the site, and that this game must have taken place on a Sunday during the 1976 season.
Posted by: Bruce Markusen

September 23, 2011

Fenway Park book giveaway

*Today (Friday) is the last day to submit your story for consideration!

The good folks at St. Martin's Press have been kind enough to offer three copies of their new book, Fenway Park: The Centennial: 100 Years of Red Sox Baseball (reviewed by yours truly here) to The Hardball Times' readers.

And the powers that be at THT have allowed me to determine how the recipients of those three copies will be determined.

Let's keep this simple. In the comments below, post your favorite Fenway- or Red Sox-related story. It might be an in-person account of a trip to the ballpark, a particularly memorable game you saw on TV, or perhaps a made-up scenario you have always dreamed about (a Red Sox-Cubs World Series, for example).

The three best stories—as determined by this unbiased, non-Bosox fan judge—will have their very own copies of Fenway Park: The Centennial sent their way.
Posted by: Greg Simons

May 02, 2007

THT Shirts and Hats

We've opened a Cafepress store, featuring hats, shirts and mugs (among other things) imprinted with a new variation on the Hardball Times logo. The new logo, which will hopefully be incorporated into our site someday, adds a bit of sizzle to our current web banner. Please visit the store, let us know if you like the new logo design, and support the site by purchasing something.
Posted by: Dave Studeman


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