Thursday, September 30, 2010

Final Card: Jack Fisher

Here is the final card for Jack Fisher (#684). This card is one of a handful of 1970 and 1966 cards I recently received from DeansCards.com. I'd like to thank them for their generous donation. Over the past few years, I have purchased many vintage cards from them (mostly in 'Excellent' condition, or 'Very Good' for the more pricey players). I have been very satisfied with their condition ratings, and they ship the same day as my order.


Jack Fisher was signed by the Orioles in 1957, and made his major-league debut in April 1959. He had a somewhat rocky season, and found himself back in triple-A Miami later that year.

In 1960, he made the majors to stay, and joined the Orioles starting rotation, which back in those days included Chuck Estrada, Milt Pappas, and Steve Barber.



After the 1962 season, Fisher was traded to the Giants (along with pitcher Billy Hoeft and catcher Jimmie Coker) for pitchers Mike McCormick and Stu Miller, and catcher John Orsino. Jack compiled a 6-10 record as a starter and reliever, but only lasted one season with the Giants. He was drafted by the Mets after the 1963 season.

Fisher was the Mets' #1 starter during 1964-66 (the "pre-Tom Seaver days"). For each of those 3 seasons, he led the team in starts and innings pitched. His final season with the Mets was 1967. With Tom Seaver turning in a great rookie season in 1967, and rookies Jerry Koosman and Nolan Ryan on the way, Jack was expendable. He was traded to the White Sox in December (along with outfielder Tommy Davis and others) for center fielder Tommie Agee and infielder Al Weis. Both of these new players would contribute to the Mets' success during the 1969 season.

Fisher's post-Met days were spent hopping from team to team. He only pitched one season for the White Sox, where he joined a starting rotation consisting of veterans Gary Peters, Joel Horlen, and Tommy John. Following the 1968 season, it was on to Cincinnati for backup catcher Don Pavletich. Jack was used primarily as a reliever and sometime starter, with his last appearance on September 26, 1969. After the 1969 season, he was traded to the Angels for 2 minor-leaguers, but was released during spring training 1970.

Fisher spent the 1970 season pitching in triple-A for the Orioles and Cardinals before retiring.

Also check out his 1968 card.

7 comments:

Erik said...

Dumb question Jim, but do you really like the look of this set?

After some really beauties in the 1960's I thought Topps started off the 70's in a rather dull fashion with this set.

The only thing I liked from this set were the All Star cards.

Jim from Downingtown said...

Erik,

Actually, I don't like this set as much as the sets from 1965-69 (even the '68 set!). I collected it for several reasons, none of which were style-related:

1. Continuity:
I already had the 1967-69, and 1972 sets, and was about 100 cards into the 1970 set (from back in the day) when I decided to collect the entire set about a year ago.

2. Some new players:
With expansion in 1969, this 1970 set presents a batch of previously unseen players, AND, there's minimal airbrushed/hatless photos, compared to the 1969 set.

After reading #1 above, let me answer the next question. No, I won't be collecting the 1971 set. I don't like the backs at all: Green on green color scheme, and stats minimized to 2 lines (previous year, and career totals) to make room for the ridiculous 2nd photo on the back.

Erik said...

I agree with your comments on the 1971 set...UGH! mo

Unknown said...

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Fisher give up Ted Williams' final home run?

Jim from Downingtown said...

Dan,

You are correct. Not only was it his final home run, but it was hit in the final at-bat of his career (8th inning of game #151)! Williams didn't play the last 3 games of the season.

Jim from Downingtown said...

Williams hit .316 with 29 homers in his final season, at age 41!

Paul said...

I find it strange that Topps put something negative (allowing Ted Williams's last HR) on Fisher's card.