Messersmith was the first player to successfully challenge baseball's reserve clause. He pitched the 1975 season for the Dodgers without a contract, and won the right to become a free-agent when an arbitrator ruled in his favor. He signed a $1,000,000 deal with Atlanta for 3 years, more than twice as much as LA had offered him.

Finished 3rd in the 1978 AL Rookie of the Year voting, behind Lou Whitaker & Paul Molitor. Alan Trammell was 5th. Not a bad group! Lansford would go on to win a batting title, a Silver Slugger, become an All-Star and a World Series champ.

Happy Birthday Frank!

"Frank Tanana is the best young pitcher in the world." - Bobby Bonds

Wally Joyner was my favorite Angels player and I used to collect his cards. He was another solid player who was talented but not as appreciated as other players during the stacked era that he was in. But, picking up his rookie is still mandatory for my collection.

Off center by a mile but it gives the card character. 😂

I always thought and still do when you look at it quick, that it looks like he’s blowing a bubble gum bubble in this photo. Pulled this as a 10 year old.