Back to the National- Willie Tasby

After taking a break from my National cards over the weekend, I will continue to roll on with them this week.

Up first is Willie Tasby.  This is the final card that I purchased from the dealer who had the other Crown autos I posted last week. Willie is a tough autograph to track down and I was happy to find his signed Orioles card. 

Willie played in the Major Leagues from 1958-63 for the Orioles, Senators, Indians and Red Sox.  He made his MLB debut at the end of the '58 season for the O's, and was selected for the Topps All-Star Rookie Team for his performance during his "official" rookie season in 1959.  He played in Baltimore until being traded mid-season in 1960 to the Red Sox.  Willie was with the Sawx for the final season of Ted Williams' career and grounded out prior to Williams' 521st and final home run on September 28, 1960.

I found a funny story about Willie floating around online;  apparently he played the field at the end of a rainy 1959 game without his cleats, afraid that the metal spikes would cause him to be struck by lightning.  Good ole Shoeless Willie Tasby.  Doesn't have quite the same ring that Shoeless Joe does, but still pretty hilarious.