Curt Raydon Pittsburgh Pirates
Career: Raydon was signed by the Braves in 1953 but a year later was dealt to the Pirates. He pitched his way to the big club over four seasons and had a fine rookie year in 1958. That season he made 20 starts for the Pirates, with 31 appearances in total. He went 8-4 with an ERA of 3.62 and an outstanding hits per IP ratio. He developed both a cyst in his pitching hand and a sore arm and never returned to the majors. He retired after the 1961 season.
In 1960: He had a second consecutive fine season in the Pirates chain. It's a bit surprising he never returned to the bigs after his 1858 rookie year.
Off the Charts: Here is an interesting (and damning) look at how players like Raydon were treated in regards to a baseball pension.
The Card: Great color combo and a shot of Raydon in Seals Stadium, no doubt taken in 1958. As for Raydon...I'd be smiling if I had a baseball card with a Jack Davis cartoon. Just sayin'.
Two Pirates in a row. That's unusual. Maybe #48 Hal Smith was supposed to be him as a member of the A's?
ReplyDeleteI'm sure that's the story here. The Smith trade came about in December so I'd bet Topps had already set their 1st Series checklist. Time enough to alter the card but they weren't going to change the list.
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