RIP - Dave Nelson

Former Indians', Senators', and Rangers' infielder Dave Nelson passed away on April 22, 2018 at age 73.

Nelson was the Indians' 2nd baseman from 1968-69, and later played for the Senators/Rangers from 1970-75. He also played sparingly for the Royals from 1976-77.

After his playing career, Nelson was a coach for various teams from 1981-2006. More recently, he was a broadcaster for the Milwaukee Brewers.

USA Today obituary

MLB.com obituary

Chicago Tribune obituary

Kansas City Star obituary
 

RIP - Larry Miller

Former Mets' pitcher Larry Miller passed away on March 21, 2018 at age 80.

Miller pitched in the Dodgers' farm system from 1959 to 1964, and also with the Dodgers in 1964. He also played for the Mets in 1965 and 1966.

Miller's record shows he played for the Giants' AAA team from 1967-69, and was never in the Orioles' organization. Having not been in the majors since 1966, I'm not sure why Topps made a card for him in the 1969 set, least of all as an Oriole.

Obituary

Blog post from CenterfieldMaz
 

Topps! Pay Attention!

Normally, a player "graduates" from a Rookie Stars card to his own card the next year (or in the case of Lou Piniella, 6 years down the road!)

But Topps was in reverse gear for these 3 players. After already appearing on their own card, they later found themselves on the baseball card equivalent of "the childrens' table".

1965:

1966:

1965:

1966:

1967:

1969:

There can be only one explanation!
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