Monday, August 26, 2013

#65 Brett Butler

About the Front: Brett Butler looks every bit the 35-year-old veteran that he was at the time of this picture...and that's even with the cap covering up the shock of silver hair on top of his head.

About the Back: Since Topps didn't see fit to list on-base percentage on their cards in 1993, it'd be easy to overlook Butler's value as a selective hitter. He had just posted a career-high .413 OBP in 1992; his career number was .377, which just eked out his career slugging percentage of .376.

Triple Play:

1. Brett was part of one of the more lopsided trades of the 1980s, as the Braves sent him to the Indians along with Brook Jacoby and Rick Behenna in exchange for pitcher Len Barker in 1983. Barker pitched only 47 games for Atlanta (10-20, 4.64 ERA), while Butler and Jacoby flourished in Cleveland.

2. In May 1996, Butler was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that affects the tonsils. He underwent surgery to remove a tumor, received intensive treatment to combat the disease, and returned to the field in September. He was also able to play regularly for the Dodgers in 1997, batting .283 and getting on base at a .363 clip in 105 games at age 40.

3. He has managed in the minor leagues since 2004, and has spent the past five seasons piloting Arizona's AAA Reno Aces. Last year the club won the Pacific Coast League championship.

11-Year-Old Kevin Says: I thought it was weird that there was also a female comedian and actress named Brett Butler. She was born a year after Brett the outfielder.

Bill James Said: "Bunted 82 times in '93; no other major league player was over 50." Butler was credited with 14 sac bunts in 1993, which gives you a rough idea of how many times he laid one down for a hit. He was pretty fast, alright.

On This Date in 1993: August 26. Actress and pop singer Keke Palmer (Akeelah and the Bee) was born.

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