Cameo Cards - 1971 Topps Bud Harrelson

This week’s Cameo Card was almost a Name the Game card, but I couldn’t be 100% certain of the exact play depicted.  Hence, that is why this 1971 Topps Bud Harrelson (#355) card has been relegated to the Cameo Card Club.  My research on this card showed that it is the May 30, 1970 matchup between the Houston Astros and New York Mets.

I was able to deduce that nugget because of who’s on the mound.  #30.  The Ryan Express.  Nolan Ryan tossed one home game against the Houston Astros and that was the May 30th matchup.  Well, given all that information, you’re probably asking why I couldn’t name the exact play shown on the card.

It’s obviously a stolen base attempt, since Ken Boswell is backing up the covering Bud Harrelson, while Nolan Ryan is off on the 1st base side of the mound.  Problem is, there were two stolen base attempts in that game.  One by Jim Wynn and the other by Joe Morgan (both safe).  I’m almost positive that is Jim Wynn sliding into second because of the monster sideburns in the photo.  However, the distance is too far and the resolution is too low to correctly Name the Game.

Yet, this card fits nicely into the Cameo Card Club.  I love the action in the shot with Nolan Ryan appearing to clench his right fist in a “we got’em out” gesture.  But, if you look really closely, second base umpire, Ken Burkhart is beginning his “safe” motion.  Man, I would have loved to have seen Ryan’s reaction after the “safe” call was made.

By the way, this 1971 Bud Harrelson card is an inexpensive way to pick up a ‘71 Topps Nolan Ryan (cameo) card!!