Bobby Floyd---1974
The game was vastly different in the
1960's and early 1970's. It was a time
when utility players who flashed a slick
glove could stay on a roster for years
without anyone ever really noticing
them.
Thus, I give you Bobby Floyd.
The wiry infielder played parts of
seven seasons in the big leagues,
amassing a career .219 average in
425 at-bats.
Nope, he never cleared the big league
fences in a game, though one would
assume that he "went yard" during
batting practice... however, I would
need a witness to collaborate that as
a fact.
His bat was so woeful, that Floyd
couldn't beat out Freddy "The Flea"
Patek during the baby years of the
Kansas City Royals. Patek never hit
better than .228 during the 1972 thru
1974 campaigns. Floyd was worse.
But there was one game, September
27, 1971 where Floyd went 4-for-4,
with two doubles against Minnesota. I
would guess the box score from that
day is now neatly folded in his wallet,
next to his library card.
On the back of this 1974 card, Topps
notes that "Bobby's hobby is
hypnotism." Unfortunately he never
hypnotized himself into hitting like Ted
Williams.
(6/3/09)
1960's and early 1970's. It was a time
when utility players who flashed a slick
glove could stay on a roster for years
without anyone ever really noticing
them.
Thus, I give you Bobby Floyd.
The wiry infielder played parts of
seven seasons in the big leagues,
amassing a career .219 average in
425 at-bats.
Nope, he never cleared the big league
fences in a game, though one would
assume that he "went yard" during
batting practice... however, I would
need a witness to collaborate that as
a fact.
His bat was so woeful, that Floyd
couldn't beat out Freddy "The Flea"
Patek during the baby years of the
Kansas City Royals. Patek never hit
better than .228 during the 1972 thru
1974 campaigns. Floyd was worse.
But there was one game, September
27, 1971 where Floyd went 4-for-4,
with two doubles against Minnesota. I
would guess the box score from that
day is now neatly folded in his wallet,
next to his library card.
On the back of this 1974 card, Topps
notes that "Bobby's hobby is
hypnotism." Unfortunately he never
hypnotized himself into hitting like Ted
Williams.
(6/3/09)
