Ray Barker--1967
A high number card for the 1967 set, it
would be the last cardboard rectangle for
Ray Baker.
A lefty swinger with pop in the minors,
Barker never fulfilled that promise in the
big leagues--- not even in Yankee
Stadium.
What we find interesting was the
information on the back of Barker's card.
Despite being a power-hitting first sacker
with just enough speed to steal 5-6
bases per season; he led the PCL in
triples in 1959 while playing for
Vancouver. Also, during his extensive
minor league career, Barker would be a
part of three triple plays.
With the card being distributed later in
the 1967 season, Topps could also
include the last line of "Ray was sent to
Syracuse (I.L.) May 23, 1967 by
Yankees."
Unfortunately, Barker hit just .077 in the
17 games to open the '67 campaign,
which prompted his May demotion. In
reality, the last line of his card could
have been, "Ray was sent to Syracuse (I.
L.) May 23, 1967 by the Yankees, never
to play again in the big leagues."
Editor's Note: A prolific long ball threat
with 193 minor league homers, Barker
would hit 10 dingers during 192 big
league games.
(1/3/12)
would be the last cardboard rectangle for
Ray Baker.
A lefty swinger with pop in the minors,
Barker never fulfilled that promise in the
big leagues--- not even in Yankee
Stadium.
What we find interesting was the
information on the back of Barker's card.
Despite being a power-hitting first sacker
with just enough speed to steal 5-6
bases per season; he led the PCL in
triples in 1959 while playing for
Vancouver. Also, during his extensive
minor league career, Barker would be a
part of three triple plays.
With the card being distributed later in
the 1967 season, Topps could also
include the last line of "Ray was sent to
Syracuse (I.L.) May 23, 1967 by
Yankees."
Unfortunately, Barker hit just .077 in the
17 games to open the '67 campaign,
which prompted his May demotion. In
reality, the last line of his card could
have been, "Ray was sent to Syracuse (I.
L.) May 23, 1967 by the Yankees, never
to play again in the big leagues."
Editor's Note: A prolific long ball threat
with 193 minor league homers, Barker
would hit 10 dingers during 192 big
league games.
(1/3/12)
