I’m more familiar with Freddy Leach’s card from 1930 which wasn’t too shabby but this one from the 1924 Phillies is out of this world. While it is a J-4, I haven’t seen too many position players cards this potent. It’s got a lot of fun numbers!
Leach made the most of his eight games for the Phils in ‘24. He went 13 for 28 with two doubles, a triple and two homers. He also got two free passes and only struck out once.
| Split | G | GS | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1924 Totals | 8 | 7 | 31 | 28 | 6 | 13 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 1 | .464 | .500 | .821 |
I always do a double take with APBA cards with five power numbers especially if one of them is a 2. Leach gets power numbers 1-1-2-6-6 which match up nicely to his real life stats. Another thing that prompts a double take for me? A 51-7. Leach gets three 7s in addition to his five power numbers, putting the last one at 51.
Leach also gets a 46-9. Not to put a damper on that rare feat but in this set, APBA decided to put the 12 at 64. My bet is that he would normally get a hit number there moving everything back a bit.
Note that APBA didn’t feel ‘24 Leach warranted a 13 despite striking out once in 31 plate appearances. That’s probably fair since with pitchers’ strikeout letters, strikeouts with two outs against grade A and B pitchers, the occasional 12 strikeout and even the 35 with the bases loaded, he’s bound to get one whiff.
Fun numbers: 33-2, 44-6, 51-7, 46-9
Unlike some Monster Cards in limited years, Freddy Leach went on to have a pretty decent career splitting time between leftfield and centerfield. In ten seasons with the Phillies, Giants and Dodgers, he batted .307 and batted over .300 six more times with considerable more playing time. Leach even received a few votes for the Hall of Fame from the BBWAA for whatever that’s worth.
Pastor Rich, did you suggest this card? I can’t even remember. If so, thanks!
