1981 Donruss, Tim Blackwell

#559 Tim Blackwell

Back to back Cubs catchers? What are the odds?

It is kind of funny because I had no clue that Tim Blackwell was even a catcher until I started to write this post. I've seen plenty of cards of Tim before, but I just assumed he was a middle infielder. He is listed as 5'11" and 180 pounds. There is quite a difference between him and yesterdays Cubs backstop, Barry Foote, who comes in at 6'3" and 210 pounds. Barry looks like a catcher. I can't say that about Tim. Tim does make up for his smaller frame by wearing one of the more memorable mustaches of the era, though.

Tim played for ten seasons with the Red Sox, Phillies, Expos, and Cubs. He was predominantly a backup throughout his career except for the 1980 season. That year, he started 93 games behind the plate for the Cubs. He responded with career highs in every single offensive category including batting average. He hit .272 that year (almost 50 points higher than his career mark) with 5 home runs and 30 RBI.

For his career, Tim was a .229 hitter with 6 home runs and 80 RBI.

In 1977, Tim and Barry Foote were traded for each other when the Phillies and Expos swapped battery mates.

Since this card does not do Tim's mustache enough justice, here is link to a better picture of it. Check it out.

I almost forgot to mention that Tim signed this card for me through the mail in just seven days.

'81 Donruss Tracker: 168/100