Today’s 9 - Harold Baines

I keep my White Sox collection by players last name. When that player reaches 9 cards (a page), they get a post in the Today’s 9 series. I just recently moved all my cards into alphabetical order so most of these posts are just catching up and making sure everybody get’s their due.

HAROLD  BAINES

Cards (L-R) – (top row) 1981 Fleer, 1982 Donruss, 1983 Topps

(middle row) 1985 Donruss, 1985 Topps Rub Downs, 1986 Fleer Star Stickers

(bottom row) 1986 Sportflics, 1986 Topps, 1987 Topps

Played with the Sox from 1980-1989, 1996-1997, 2000-2001

Was All-Star in 1985-1987, 1989, 1991, 1999

Won a Silver Slugger award in 1989

Card back info –

“Still platooning in right field for White Sox, but scouts say it’s only a matter of time when his ability will dictate his play every day.  Tied for 2nd on White Sox in HR last year.  Was their No. 1 choice in the June ‘77 amateur draft at the insistence of club owner Bill Weeck who had personally scouted him in Maryland.  White Sox had the No. 1 pick everall that year and passed up Paul Molitor and Terry Kennedy for Baines.  Made it to Chisox after just 3 years in the minors, his last being a .296 season at Iowa in ‘79” – 1982 Donruss

“July 7 – Walloped 3 homers including grand slammer in 7-0 win vs. Tigers.  July 11 – Went 3-5 with 2 homers & 5 RBI’s in White Sox 16-7 win vs. Blue Jays at Toronto” – 1983 Topps

“Led AL in slugging (.541) last year and was White Sox club leader in batting and RBI.  Set an AL record with 22 game-winning RBI in ‘83.  Became youngest White Sox player in history to drive in 100 runs in ‘82.  Was No. 1 amateur draft pick in nation in ‘77 as Chisox passed over Terry Kennedy and Paul Molitor to take him out of Maryland H.S.” – 1985 Donruss

“Has twice hit 3 HR in a game (‘82 & ‘84).  Led AL in slugging (.541) in ‘84” – 1986 Fleer Star Sticker

“One of the best young hitters in the majors, Harold led the league in game-winning RBI’s with a record 22 in 1983 and in slugging percentage in 1984.  He was selected right out of high school first in the nation in the June 1977 free-agent draft and in 1982, at 23, became the youngest White Sox player ever to have over 100 RBI’s in one season.  In an explosive spree that same year, Harold hit five homers in six games, including two grand slams, batted .500 (11-22) and drove in 13 runs.  In 1985 he was sixth in the AL in batting, fifth in hits and fourth in RBI’s” – 1986 Sportflics

“Harold and his wife are parents of 2 daughters.” – 1987 Topps

Cards in Sox uniform that I own currently – 23

It could have been interesting if the Sox had drafted Molitor instead of Baines, but you never know.  And I certainly didn’t not want Baines, he was great for us and is still great for us on the bench with the coaching staff.