1977 vida blue

vida blue got an autograph placement variation in 1977.  here's his 1977 o-pee-chee card:

here's the topps front:

now the o-pee-chee back:

and the topps back:

it's nice to see hank aaron appear in the 1977 set after he was denied a true 'final tribute' in the set.

as for blue, 1977 turned out to be his last year in oakland.  charlie o. finley had tried to sell blue's contract to the yankees during the 1976 season, but the deal was voided by the commissioner's office.  i am guessing blue knew it was a matter of time, and he was ultimately traded to the giants during spring training in 1978.

but, before that happened, blue was named to the all-star team in 1977 despite a less than .500 record at the break (he didn't pitch in the game) and he wound up losing a total of 19 games over the course of the season.

voici à vous, 1977 vida blue!