Jose Cardenal - speedy and smiling

Getting back to posting a blog about a “vintage” player, I present Jose Cardenal; a Topps All Star Rookie from 1966. Cardenal played for nine different major league teams in his 18 summers and we, Chicago Cub fans, were blessed with his “best years”.

Cardenal was signed as a free agent by the San Francisco Giants in 1960 and played in the 1980 World Series with the Kansas City Royals. A career which culminated with 2017 games played and 1913 hits, 329 stolen bases and 333 doubles.

MVP consideration was given to Cardenal in 1972 and 1973 placing him 28th and 23rd respectively, both years wearing the Cubbie blue. Solid in the outfield, speed on the bases and a reliable line drive hitter, Cardenal had a most respectable career.

Cardenal, born in Cuba and the cousin of the great Bert Campaneris, spent his “glory years” with the Chicago Cubs (from 1972 through 1977). Hitting the most homeruns (17) and scoring the most runs (96) in his career in 1972 and in 1975 had career highs in hits (182) and batting average (.317).

Cardenal was voted Cubs Player of the Year in 1973 leading the Cubs in batting average, doubles and stolen bases.

I like this Rookie Card of Jose Cardenal for two reasons; first it is a Topps All Star Rookie gold trophy card and second he is smiling (or squinting if that is what you want to call it).

The back of the card presents a puzzle to me though. It states that in his first big league at bat he homered off Whitey Ford BUT the stats on the back indicate his first HR was not until his 1965 season; at least 29 games and 20 at bats into his major league career.

In either case, Cardenal had a fast start to his career and ended up in a World Series.