Steve Swisher---1978
The back of Steve Swisher’s 1978
card notes that: “The highlight of
Steve’s career came in 1976 when
he was named by Sparky Anderson
to the NL All-Star Squad. Had a hot
streak that season with 11-for-18 for .
611 average, May 10-16, and was
named the NL Player of the Week.”
In the editor’s attempt at brevity, the
card really should have read, “The
highlight of Steve’s career to date,
came in 1976…” as Swisher played
five more seasons when Topps
released this card. Unfortunately, the
editor was some sort of svengali and
he was correct, as Swisher’s week in
May of ’76 was truly indeed his high
water mark and possibly a low point
in the history of the National League.
During Swisher’s week, he rested on
Monday as the Cubbies enjoyed an
off-day after spending the previous
weekend getting swept by the Big
Red Machine. Come Tuesday, the
hind snatcher was ready to go, and
he went 3-for-4, with an RBI off Ed
Halicki to lead Chicago in a 4-0
victory over the woeful Giants.
card notes that: “The highlight of
Steve’s career came in 1976 when
he was named by Sparky Anderson
to the NL All-Star Squad. Had a hot
streak that season with 11-for-18 for .
611 average, May 10-16, and was
named the NL Player of the Week.”
In the editor’s attempt at brevity, the
card really should have read, “The
highlight of Steve’s career to date,
came in 1976…” as Swisher played
five more seasons when Topps
released this card. Unfortunately, the
editor was some sort of svengali and
he was correct, as Swisher’s week in
May of ’76 was truly indeed his high
water mark and possibly a low point
in the history of the National League.
During Swisher’s week, he rested on
Monday as the Cubbies enjoyed an
off-day after spending the previous
weekend getting swept by the Big
Red Machine. Come Tuesday, the
hind snatcher was ready to go, and
he went 3-for-4, with an RBI off Ed
Halicki to lead Chicago in a 4-0
victory over the woeful Giants.
On Tuesday, the two clubs couldn’t decide a winner in nine innings, setting the stage for
Swisher’s game-winning single to left in the 11th inning to drive home Jerry Morales for a
1-0 Cubs triumph. It was another 3-for-4 effort for Swisher who had seen his average
climb twenty points in two days; however it would be last run batted in for the catcher
during his week.
Penciled into the lineup for the finale of the Giants-Cubs three-game series, Swisher went
1-for-3, but the North Siders went down, 9-5, in defeat. Following the game, Swisher was
observed to be lying on the ground in front of the Giants bus in an unsuccessful attempt
to keep the Giants from leaving town.
Even with the Giants departing, the good news was that the Padres were coming to
Wrigley for the weekend. Swisher continued his hot hand, rapping out two more singles
and touching home twice; however it was not enough as the Cubs fell to the Monks, 7-4
on Friday, May 14.
Saturday came and so did the rains, as the Cubs-Padres game was washed out. On
Sunday, Swisher finished off his week with a 2-for-4 performance, including his lone extra
base hit, a double off of Bill Grief in the sixth inning, as the Cubbies defeated San Diego,
6-5. This time Swisher was not seen lying in front of the visiting team bus, as the catcher
was feverishly helping the equipment manager load the plane that was taking the Cubs to
Montreal to face the last place Expos.
Swisher went on to hit safely in his only game in Montreal and then his next game in
Pittsburgh in equaling the longest hitting streak of his career at seven games. The pride
of Parkersburg, W.V. would hit .303 in May of 1976, as his “Splendid Splinter” week of
May set the tone for Sparky’s choice of Swisher as a reserve catcher for the 1976
National League All-Star Squad.
Unfortunately, Swisher was limited to taking batting practice, warming up pitchers in the
bullpen and watching Johnny Bench and Bob Boone split catching duties during the Mid-
Summer Classic that was held in Philadelphia’s Veterans Stadium. Swisher went on to hit
just .167 in the second half of the season, probably suffering from depression brought on
by not getting to play in the All-Star Game.
It is amazing how one good week can make a career.
(6/19/08)
Swisher’s game-winning single to left in the 11th inning to drive home Jerry Morales for a
1-0 Cubs triumph. It was another 3-for-4 effort for Swisher who had seen his average
climb twenty points in two days; however it would be last run batted in for the catcher
during his week.
Penciled into the lineup for the finale of the Giants-Cubs three-game series, Swisher went
1-for-3, but the North Siders went down, 9-5, in defeat. Following the game, Swisher was
observed to be lying on the ground in front of the Giants bus in an unsuccessful attempt
to keep the Giants from leaving town.
Even with the Giants departing, the good news was that the Padres were coming to
Wrigley for the weekend. Swisher continued his hot hand, rapping out two more singles
and touching home twice; however it was not enough as the Cubs fell to the Monks, 7-4
on Friday, May 14.
Saturday came and so did the rains, as the Cubs-Padres game was washed out. On
Sunday, Swisher finished off his week with a 2-for-4 performance, including his lone extra
base hit, a double off of Bill Grief in the sixth inning, as the Cubbies defeated San Diego,
6-5. This time Swisher was not seen lying in front of the visiting team bus, as the catcher
was feverishly helping the equipment manager load the plane that was taking the Cubs to
Montreal to face the last place Expos.
Swisher went on to hit safely in his only game in Montreal and then his next game in
Pittsburgh in equaling the longest hitting streak of his career at seven games. The pride
of Parkersburg, W.V. would hit .303 in May of 1976, as his “Splendid Splinter” week of
May set the tone for Sparky’s choice of Swisher as a reserve catcher for the 1976
National League All-Star Squad.
Unfortunately, Swisher was limited to taking batting practice, warming up pitchers in the
bullpen and watching Johnny Bench and Bob Boone split catching duties during the Mid-
Summer Classic that was held in Philadelphia’s Veterans Stadium. Swisher went on to hit
just .167 in the second half of the season, probably suffering from depression brought on
by not getting to play in the All-Star Game.
It is amazing how one good week can make a career.
(6/19/08)