Detroit Tigers

Date of birth: December 1, 1954 Elmhurst, IL

High School: Willowbrook High School Villa Park, IL

College: University of Denver

Location: On the mound.

First Impression; I remember the card since I remember all Dan Schatzeder cards because in 1978 I moved to ELmhurst, IL and recall reading the back of the card and being stunned that he was born in the suburban town that I lived in. Overall looking at the card now, you can look at it from a comical perspective in that the third baseman is anticipating another meatball being thrown by Dan. This may be myth-confirmed, as he did surrender 23 that year, 1980, the most he allowed in a season.

Career stats: His career was mostly as a swing man, spot starting and coming out in long relief.  In 1980 he was a full time starter and had his most innings pitched and most wins at 11-13.  The year prior he had the lowest ERA of a qualified left handed starter in the National League (2.83).  Montreal used that good season to parlay him into Ron LeFlore via a trade with Detroit.  Schatzeder would return to Montreal and play for 9 teams in his career amassing a 69-68 record.  He was a World Series champion in 1987 with the Twins.

All time stat: In 1986, Schatzeder had 5 pinch hits for the Montreal Expos, the most by a pitcher since Don Newcombe in 1959.

Fun fact: Schatzeder was the only pitcher to surrender more than one home run to Ozzie Smith, who hit just 28 over his career.

Ever a Future Star?  He was a “Rookie Pitcher” in a 1978 4 panel card.

Rookie or final card? No

Hall of Fame? Number retired? N/A

Links to stories including Schatzeder.