In remember how much I liked watching Veryzer play shortstop for the Tigers in the mid 1970s, even if he committed to many errors.
I also remember getting this '76 Topps Veryzer in a pack of cards.
Tom was the Tigers 1971 1st round draft pick, the team's future at shortstop.
Tom got to the big leagues in 1973, at age 20.
In five years as a Tiger Tom hit .231, with 10 home runs, 112 RBI, in 390 games.
After the 1977 season, the Tigers traded Veryzer to the Cleveland Indians for outfielder/DH Charlie Spikes.
Why was Veryzer traded, you ask?
Because of this guy, who made his big league debut with the Tigers on September 9th, 1977.
Tom Veryzer played in the big leagues through the 1984 season, with the Indians, Mets, and Cubs.
Imagine, if you will, what it would have meant to Veryzer to play in the 1984 World Series against his former club.
Veryzer played in 45 games as a Cub in 1984, and going 1-3 in the playoffs versus the San Diego Padres.
The Cubs won games 1 & 2 in Chicago before going to San Diego, where the Padres came back to win all three games at home, and winning the National League pennant.
Tom's final big league numbers... 996 games, 687 base hits, a .241 batting average, 14 home runs, and 231 RBI.
So, Happy Birthday Tom, thanks for playing for my Tigers.
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