#212 Ned Garver

#212 Ned Garver
Progress: 1st of this card
229 of 407  56.3%
How acquired: $3.99 on eBay
Condition: Fair
This card is extremely off center.  The front doesn't look too bad, but it's obvious on the back.  I don't care.  This card really makes the Browns uniforms look nice.  I also really like this pose for pitchers.  It was in heavy rotation for Topps back in the 50's and all the way into the 80's, but I don't think I've seen in on a card it the last 10 years.  I'd like to see it brought back.  Without looking I feel like just about every Don Sutton card looked like this (which means probably none of them did).

The back of this card makes mention of the fact that in 1951 Garver was the first pitcher since 1924 to win 20 games on a last place team.  The Browns went 52-102, finishing 46 games behind the Yankees.  in addition to winning 20 games for the Browns, Garver tossed a league best 24 complete games and finished 2nd in the MVP voting.  He, along with the MVP Yogi Berra, and Allie Reynolds, each received six first place votes.  Garver also batted an impressive .305 at the plate in 108 appearances in 1951.

Ted Williams, per wikipedia, said of Garver; "He could throw anything up there and get me out."

Stats: 14 seasons, All-Star, 129 wins, 157 loses, 3.73 ERA, Led AL in CG's in '50 (22) and '51 (24)

Best Hall of Fame Showing: 0.3% 1967