1990 Topps Minis #27: Dennis Eckersley

Today we once again feature a card from the 1990 Topps Mini League Leaders set, once again with the world champion Oakland A's.  Today we have card #27, relief ace Dennis Eckersley.

#27, Dennis Eckersley.

Eckersley was a big deal at the time, and did go on to relay that into membership in the Hall of Fame.  Cooperstown hasn't really settled on what makes a Hall of Fame reliever, but Eckersley had a career as half starter, half reliever, doing well in both cases.  As a starter he pitched a no-hitter and was an All-Star twice, and finished high in the Cy Young balloting a couple of times.  As a reliever he won a Cy Young and an MVP, led the league in saves twice, and had four more All-Star selections.  Back in the 80s, I collected 70s cards much more than most other kids, and I made sure to pick up his 1976 rookie card with the Indians back then.

Dennis Eckersley card back.

Eckersley made his way into the league leaders set by tying for 3rd in saves with 33.  The years he led the AL were 1988 with 45, and 1992 with 51.

Thanks for reading!  The next player up, still in Oakland, is card #28 Rickey Henderson.