#291 Tommy Greene

About the Front: Tommy Greene is at least the third pitcher in this set who's been photographed with a tin of chewing tobacco stashed in his pants pocket.

About the Back: At 6'5", 225 lbs., Tommy was even bigger than rotation-mate Curt Schilling, who is listed on his 1993 Topps card at 6'4", 215.

Triple Play:

1. On May 23, 1991, Greene no-hit the Expos, 2-0. He struck out 10 batters but also walked seven, so I guess you could say that he was "effectively wild". It was part of a career-best 29.1 inning scoreless streak that stretched from May 7 to June 2.

2. He was a key to the Phillies' success in 1993, going 16-4 with a 3.42 ERA in an even 200 innings for the National League champs.

3. Tommy went on to serve as the first general manager for the Monroe Channelcats of the Southern Collegiate League, a summer league for college players. He also works in real estate.

11-Year-Old Kevin Says: In 1993 and 1995, both Tommy Greene and Tyler Green (also a 6'5" righty and former #1 draft pick) pitched for the Phillies. It's like they were deliberately trying to confuse people!

Bill James Said: "It is too early to start talking about the Hall of Fame, but if this guy stays healthy he is going to win 200+ games." Ouch, there's a bold prediction couched with a huge "if". Tommy's shoulder, which sidelined him for much of 1992, also limited him to 19 major league games from 1994 through 1997, when he threw his last pitch.

On This Date in 1993: October 1. Frank Tanana starts the final game of his 21-year MLB career, but does not factor in the decision as the Yankees outslug the Tigers, 9-6. He tosses 6.1 innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on eight hits and striking out five batters. Tanana departs with a 5-4 lead, but rookie reliever Bobby Munoz allows a pair of runs in the eighth inning. New York rallies for four runs in the bottom of the eighth, capped by a two-run double from Don Mattingly.