19 January 2010

jeff torborg through the mail success!

former dodger and big league manager jeff torborg signed and returned his 1966 topps card,

as well as his 1978 topps card

to me in just under three months this past summer.

torborg played 7 years for the dodgers as a backup catcher, first to john roseboro, and later to tom haller. while with the dodgers, he caught sandy koufax's perfect game as well as bill singer's 1970 no-hitter. he finished his career with a three year stint across town with the angels, where he was lucky enough to catch another no-hitter - this one by nolan ryan.

i knew of torborg best as a manager, though. after his playing days were done, torborg managed the indians (1977-1979), the white sox (1989-1991), the mets (1992-1993), the expos (2001) and the marlins (2002-2003). his 1978 topps card always intrigued me because, while clearly an indians card (no team collector dilemma here) it also featured a picture of him in his dodger uniform.

torborg's best season was with the white sox in 1990 when he guided them to a 94 win campaign, and was rewarded with the al manager of the year award. in 2003, he was replaced as the marlins manager after 38 games by jack mckeon who would lead the fish to their second world championship. do you think torborg got a playoff share?

i'm not sure if torborg is still broadcasting these days or not, but if joe and chip can keep a gig, torborg should have no problem.

thanks jeff!

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