1978 andy messersmith

in december of 1977, the yankees purchased the contract of andy messersmith from the atlanta braves. here is his 1978 o-pee-chee card:

here's the topps front:

now the o-pee-chee back:

and the topps back:

messersmith had 3 top-5 cy young seasons and was coming off of a fantastic 1975 campaign when his challenge of the reserve clause was upheld and he became a free agent.  he signed a three year deal with the braves shortly thereafter, but was sold to the yankees after just two years.  one of my favorite things about these cards is that messersmith is wearing number 17.  with the dodgers (and angels before that), he wore 47.  ted turner had suggested, however, that he switch to number 17 because that was the channel that carried braves' telecasts.

anyway, messersmith struggled with injuries for the defending world champs in 1978.  he didn't pitch for the yankees until may 29 when he went 5 innings, giving up just one hit and one walk in a no-decision against the indians.  it would be his best outing of the season.  he wound up appearing in just 6 games, wiht none coming after july 1st.  he lost all three of his decisions and the yankees released him after the season ended.

voici à vous, 1978 andy messersmith!