1990 Topps Minis #19: Chris Bosio

Today we continue our view of the 1990 Topps Mini League Leaders set, moving now to card #19 and the Milwaukee Brewers.  There are several Brewers in the set, and the first of them is pitcher Chris Bosio.

Chris Bosio.

The Brewers had some talent back then, but as we all know, having some talent isn't quite enough.  The 1989 Brewers finished in 4th place in the AL East with an 81-81 record, with Chris Bosio as their ace.  Bosio pitched in the majors 1986 through 1996 with the Brewers and Mariners, finishing with a 94-93 record, a 3.96 ERA, and 1059 strikeouts.  His best years look like they were 1989, 1990, and 1992, so this card captures his prime.  He has a World Series title under his belt now, as pitching coach with the recent Cubs.  He then became the Tigers coach briefly before being fired for "insensitive comments that violated Club policy and his Uniform Employee Contract," which was reportedly a racial slur directed at a clubhouse attendant, according to Sports Illustrated.

Chris Bosio card back.

Bosio earned his way into this league leaders set by placing tied for 4th in strikeouts in 1989, with 173.  The back goes on to say that he tied for fourth in complete games with 8.  The most complete games anyone has this year, and most years anymore, I think, is 2.  He was #6 in ERA with 2.95, tied for 7th in shutouts with 2, and 9th in innings pitched and 10th in games started.

Thanks for reading!  Next installment, we stick with the Brewers, but on to Paul Molitor.