Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Phillies Missing Links of the 1980s - #1 Orlando Isales

#29
Orlando (Pizarro) Isales
Right Field

Islaes had the misfortune of being a prospect in the Phillies system at a time when the Major League club was playing particularly well.  Signed at the age of 15, Isales climbed through the minors and was recalled when rosters expanded in September 1980.  On the final regular season game of the 1980 season, Isales was in the starting line-up, batting third and playing right field.  It would be the final game of his Major League career.  Baseball Reference indicates that Isales wore both #28 and #29 during his very brief time in the Majors.

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  5'9"  Weight:  175
Born:  December 22, 1959, Santurce, Puerto Rico
Signed:  Signed by the Phillies as an amateur free agent, February 4, 1975
Major League Teams:  Phillies 1980
Professional Affiliations:  Phillies 1975-1981, Cincinnati Reds 1982-1983, Mexican League 1984 and 1986

Phillies Career
3 games, .400 (2 for 5) with a triple and 3 RBIs
Acquired:  Via free agency
Debut:  September 11, 1980 - Pinch-ran for Pete Rose in the top of the 9th inning
Final Game:  October 5, 1980
Departed:  Signed with the Cincinnati Reds organization following the 1981 season

1980 Topps #PR6
 
1981 TCMA Oklahoma
City 89ers #8
1 Isales Baseball Card in My Collection
First Card:  1981 TCMA Oklahama City 89ers #8
Last Card:  1981 TCMA Oklahama City 89ers #8

Other Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  N/A
First Topps Base Card:  N/A
Last Mainstream Card:  N/A
Other Notable Cards:  1979 Oklahoma City 89ers Team Issue #7, 1982 Indianapolis Indians Team Issue #10, 1983 Indianapolis Indians Team Issue #18

The first card above, created in the style of the 1980 Topps set, was an earlier attempt of mine to create a Phillies baseball card of Isales.  The photo used is from the 1980 Phillies Yearbook and it just doesn't work that well with the team banner cutting across Isales' chin.

Sources:  Baseball Reference and The Trading Card Database

This is a continuing series looking at those players who spent time with the Phillies but possess no baseball card proof of their time in Philadelphia.  I will make my way through the decade of the 1980s first and then work my way forward.  In some cases, the First and Last Mainstream cards listed above have been subjectively chosen if multiple cards were released in that year.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I really like the design... It certainly has a late 1970's/early 1980's feel.

Jim said...

Thanks! I wanted something I could re-use for the '90s and '00s by changing up the color schemes, font and Phillies logo.

Steve F. said...

Agreed--it's a nice look. It gives me the vibes of where Hostess cards would have gone had they stuck around a few more years.

I remember Isales as a Reading Phillie in 1978, and I am pretty sure I have his autograph on a program and maybe in an autograph book (remember those?). I wonder if he was given a World Series ring. If Adam Eaton got one after actively dragging the Phillies down in 2008, Isales should have, even doing basically nothing. Wait, what am I saying? He had the highest OPS on the team (1.300--that's even above than Barry Bonds territory!) for players with more than one plate appearance. The overall leader was pitcher Scott Munninghoff at 4.00--he tripled in his only at-bat.

Jim said...

Not sure about Isales and a ring, but I did recently read that Steve Comer got a 1983 N.L. Champs ring from the Phillies.

Pj said...

How a can buy this card?

Unknown said...

I'm looking for one baseball shrit with his #28 or #29 I'm not sure of the number, Does anyone know where I can purchase Orlando Isales baseball shirt?

trailerparkproyects said...

Do you still have these cards. He lives mear me Incould use a few to get them signed and if you want I can sign a few for you as well.