This is a little off the beaten path for a Monster Monday card but Maury Wills’ 1962 card certainly fits. Thanks to Jeffrey Crafts who brought it to my attention.
It was in 1962 when Maury Wills hit the century mark in steals for the Dodgers with 104. It took 165 games and 759 at-bats but he did it. Wills batted .299 and also led the NL in triples with 10. For his revolutionary season (he had three times the steals than #2 man Willie Davis), Wills was named NL MVP despite stiff competition from Willie Mays (49 HR, 141 rbis).
| Split | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | CS | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1962 Totals | 165 | 759 | 695 | 130 | 208 | 13 | 10 | 6 | 48 | 104 | 13 | 51 | 57 | .299 | .347 | .373 |
This one strange card and I almost debated posting it on Wednesday. Keep in mind that this was before the 14* (a walk and a steal) which helped APBA with those players with an inordinate amount of steals per plate appearances. The cardmakers had to get Wills’ SB in while keeping his batting average in the .299 range.
Yet, it is a strange card. Wills, the NL MVP, is forced to endure an 11-10 and a 33-8 for the year. In return, he gets a 35-9. Why? He has a total of five 11s including an almost unheard of 55-11.
Wills received a 63-29 but does get a 24-31 to retain his bat control. Of course he is Fast and is rated a well-deserved SS-9.
The 104 steals in 1962 was the third time in a stretch of six seasons that Wills led the NL in stolen bases. He came close again in 1965 when he had 94 thefts.
thanks, Jeffrey!
The first time you rolled an 11-10 I would say let me see that card. It must be a misprint.