Sunday, July 5, 2009

1965 Topps #72 Tony Gonzalez

Recent purchase from Pitchout Baseball Cards in Avalon, NJ

Tony Gonzalez was a fixture in the Phillies outfield throughout the '60s, serving as the team's regular center fielder from 1961 until 1965, their regular left fielder in 1966 and 1967, and moving back for one more season in center field in 1968. Tony wore #22 from 1960 to 1962 and switched to #25 mid-way through the 1962 season.

Tony hit over .300 three times, including 1967 when he hit .339 and finished second behind Roberto Clemente for the NL batting title. The caption on the back of this 1965 Topps card heralds his defensive skills noting Tony played the entire 1962 campaign without committing an error.

Tony left the Phils in 1968 when he was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the expansion draft. He finished up his career with the San Diego Padres (1969), Atlanta Braves (1969-1970) and the California Angels (1970-1971). In the 1969 NLCS against the Mets, Tony hit .357 with a home run off Tom Seaver.

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