John O'Donoghue--1971
When we take a look at this card, one
can’t help but feel sorry for John        O’
Donoghue.

We previously posted a 1965 John    O’
Donoghue card, expounding on how the
southpaw was an All-Star for the Kansas
City Athletics in ‘65, despite finishing the
season by leading the American League
in losses. Now, six years later, we see
the lefty in the colorful uniform of the
recently expansion Montreal Expos
starring into the Topps lens as he
pitches to a non-existent catcher
underneath a tree on the outskirts of the
Expos’ West Palm Beach Spring Training
Complex.

We imagine that the Topps
photographer grabbed O’Donoghue as
he made his way back to the clubhouse
after a watching the Expos in an
exhibition game from the bullpen, since
by 1971 the former starter had been
sent out to the pasture of relief work for
his final season.  

And despite enjoying a 9-year big league
career, O’Donoghue can’t even muster a
smile--- only a blank stare--- one of
hopelessness as the shutter clicks away
the last photograph of his baseball
existence.

(3/8/11)