#296 Nelson Chittum

Nelson Chittum  Boston Red Sox

Career: He pitched in 40 big league games, all but two in relief, for the Cardinals and Red Sox between 1958 and 1960. His career mark was 3-1 with a 1.35 WHIP. Chittum had outstanding numbers as he moved up the Cardinals' chain from 1956 through 1958. But his brief tenure in St. Louis was not impressive and he was traded to Boston, His three 1959 wins and solid numbers in limited duty in '59 likely earned him a spot in this set.

In 1960: Chittum opened the season with the Sox but was dealt to the Dodgers for Rip Repulski early in May. He was sent to Omaha (AA) by the Dodgers and never again reached the majors. He finished with a couple of seasons in the Orioles system.

WikiFacts: From his SABR bio:

Chitttum once described his pitching style: "I threw everything but the ball. I'd throw 'em the arm, the elbow, the glove, and then I'd throw the ball…I had a good sinker, a good slider, good location. I didn't walk anybody, didn't strike out many guys but kept the ball down, made 'em hit ground balls, pop flies."

The Card: Not a bad card of a not very well known player. The addition of orange to the fairly common yellow/red/black scheme is actually nice.

The Red Sox made two trips to Yankee Stadium after Chittum was called up by the Sox in August of 1959. Topps was there to snap this shot.