1966 Topps, Jim Gentile

#45 Jim Gentile

Here is the fourth success from my "KC A's reunion TTM project". This one features the former Dodger, Oriole, Athletic, Astro, and Indian, Jim Gentile.

Jim's best years came while he was a member of the O's from 1960-1963. He made three All Star teams while with Baltimore and he had a career year in 1961. That season, Jim clubbed 46 home runs and drove in 141 RBI. His 46 homers included a record five grand slams (which Don Mattingly broke). Normally, those numbers might be good enough to bring home MVP honors. But, Jim finished third that year behind a couple of guys named Marris and Mantle.

Unfortunately, Jim's numbers started to drop after that season. He hit 33 home runs the following season and he never hit more than 30 in a season again. He also never reached the 100 RBI plateau. The most he would get after driving in 141 was 88 and, again, that happened the very next season.

I sent this card to Jim on January 14th and I got it back on the 25th.

There are only a few more hours left to get in on the my College World Series Contest. Of the 25 that originally entered, only about half of them have filled out a bracket. If you didn't enter the first phase, you can still win the contest by just filling out a lights-out bracket. It's that easy.