1978 Topps, Gary Lavelle

#671 Gary Lavelle

Here is the next card that I got via the Topps Million Card Giveaway. This one features the two-time All Star, Gary Lavelle. I sent this card to Gary on the third of February and I had it back nine days later.

Gary pitched in the Major Leagues for thirteen seasons. He spent the majority of the time with the Giants, but he did also play briefly for the Blue Jays and A's. In 1978, Gary won a career high 13 games and he did not start a single game that season. His best season probably came in 1977. He only won 7 games that year, but he did record 20 saves and he posted a career-best ERA of 2.05. He made his first All Star team that year as well.

Gary never had more than 20 saves in a season, but he did hit the 20 save plateau three times. He was an All Star the first time he had 20 and he was an All Star the last time he had 20 in 1983. For his career, Gary was 80-77 with 136 saves and a 2.93 ERA. His 127 saves as a Giant ranks him fourth on their all-time list, right behind Brian Wilson (who could be at the top by the end of next year).