Chet Lemon #366

 

This week we discussed one of the most underrated players in the 1988 set...Chet Lemon! Chet was an infielder turned centerfielder who put up a ton of value for the White Sox and Tigers (55.7 WAR) but never earned a single MVP vote. He never won a Gold Glove despite setting an AL record for outfield putouts. Chet was a key part of the 1984 World Series Championship and appeared on Johnny Bench's Baseball Bunch. In retirement, Chet has dealt with many health issues and currently cannot speak or walk...but he made an emotional return to Detroit for the 40th anniversary of the Tigers 1984 title. 

Listen:

 

Links:

Hall of Fame Card Corner 

SABR Bio by Mike McClary

Free Press article about Chet and his illness 

Video of the Tigers Honoring the 1984 team  

Chet and Alan Trammel reunite 

Chet Lemon Foundation

Out of the Park Baseball

Chet helps the Baseball Bunch:

Video about Chet’s aphasia:

Chet’s World Series Snag:

Dave Stewart #476

 

This week, we welcomed Jeff from the Two Strike Noise Podcast to talk about his favorite Oakland A's pitcher and fantasy camp coach...Dave Stewart! Born in Oakland, drafted by the Dodgers, Stewart was on a baseball odyssey for a decade before he signed with the A's as a last effort. He was 29, was released by the Phillies, and with a rough run in the bullpen Stew was ready to pack it up. He took Dusty Baker's advice and toughed it out. The A's believed in his forkball and he put together an outstanding run, winning 20+ four seasons in a row, helping the A's to 3 straight AL titles and a World Series win! On top of that, Stewart won 3 series MVPs, threw a no-hitter, started an all star game, and had his number retired by the Athletics. He was a hometown guy who came back and put in a lot of work for the community, at a time when Oakland needed a hero. 

Be sure to check out the Two Strike Noise ⁠Podcast ⁠and ⁠YouTube and follow them on socials! Listen to this week's Two Strike Noise episode to hear David join a discussion about the 1987 season and learn how to win a signed Dave Stewart jersey!

Check out this picture of Jeff getting coached by Stew. Listen to the episode to learn what was said in this conversation! 

Listen:

Links:

Card 476 on ⁠Beckett⁠

SABR Bio by ⁠Bryan Lake⁠

⁠SI ⁠Article about Stew from 1987

Dave Stewart and ⁠Sandy Koufax⁠

1981 Interview in ⁠Christian Science Monitor⁠

⁠Stathead Search⁠: Wins for pitchers aged 30-33

Stew vs ⁠Saxy Boy:⁠

No. 34 ⁠Retired: 

Stan Jefferson #223

 

This week, a guy from the Bronx who lived two dreams...it's Stan Jefferson! Jefferson was a first round draft pick by the Mets out of Bethune Cookman. He was traded to the Padres, had a difficult time dealing with Larry Bowa, and bounced from team to team and between AAA and MLB. He played for 6 teams in 6 seasons. After his baseball career he joined the NYPD, but sadly his mental health was severely impacted by the events of September 11th. He was forced to retire early and has been dealing with severe anxiety in the years since. 

Listen:

Links: 

• Card 223 at the 88 Topps Blog
• SABR Bio by Armand Peterson
• FOX Sports bio of Stan
• Stan jukes the tag on Instagram
• Follow-up: Chili Buns