#71 Ricky Bones

About the Front: I'm pretty sure that Ricky Bones is pitching in Cleveland, since the signage on the blue outfield wall looks a lot like the retired number that's visible on Roberto Alomar's card. Judging from the long sleeves, I'd say it's probably Ricky's relief appearance on April 26, 1992, when he gave up three unearned runs in garbage time in a 9-4 Milwaukee victory. There were two errors (including one by Bones himself), a passed ball, a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch, and two singles. Bruce Ruffin had to clean up the mess. What fun!

About the Back: 1992 was the first of four double-digit loss campaigns for Ricky in a five-year span. He had a 10-9 record in 1994, so only labor strife kept him from a clean sweep.

Triple Play:

1. Bones came up through the Padres' organization and was part of the blockbuster that sent perpetually-disgruntled slugger Gary Sheffield from Milwaukee to San Diego.

2. He was the lowly Brewers' lone All-Star in 1994, by dint of a 7-7 record and a 3.34 ERA at the break. When the season prematurely ended in August, he was 10-9 with a 3.43 ERA.

3. Ricky began coaching in the Mets' farm system in 2006. Last year, he was named bullpen coach for the big league team.

11-Year-Old Kevin Says: When I first saw this card, I thought his name was pronounced as it's spelled. "Ricky BO-ness" still has a musical quality to it, but he doesn't make the cut for the next Tim Burton movie.

Bill James Said: "He's not a major league pitcher, let alone a rotation starter, and it's a matter of time until the Brewers figure this out." Milwaukee didn't cut bait with Ricky until late in the 1996 season. He made 137 starts for the Brew Crew with a 4.64 ERA and a 47-56 record.

On This Date in 1993: September 4. Yankees' lefthander Jim Abbott no-hits the Indians, winning 4-0. The rare feat is even more remarkable because Abbott was born without a right hand.