Name the Game - 1983 Topps Phil Garner

It has been a long time since I've named a game, so let's give it a go!  Today's entry is a fabulous Phil Garner card from the ever-loved 1983 Topps set.  It is also the first game I've named that featured two players will awesome nicknames: Bad Dude and Scrap Iron.

Bad Dude (aka John Stearns) was a "speedster" catcher that played every game of his 11 year career for the New York Mets, save for his debut game with the Philadelphia Phillies. Growing up, Stearns was known to me because from 1978 to 1982 he held the record for most stolen bases by a catcher in a single season (25).  This record was obliterated in 1982 by John Wathan who stole 36 bases.  So, I find it very appropriate that today's Name the Game card features Stearns stealing a base.

As for the other cool mustachioed cat, that's Scrap Iron (aka Phil Garner).  Garner earned his nickname for his style of play, and Stearns earned the Bad Dude handle from his early football days.

Looking at Garner's card, we can tell this game is played at Shea Stadium between the visiting Houston Astros and the New York Mets.  What I absolutely love about this card is that both Garner and Stearns are looking at the second base ump to find out if Stearns stole a bag or was caught stealing by Alan Ashby's "cannon."  Considering Ashby only caught 19% of the base runners stealing in 1982, it's no surprise that Stearns is safe.

This is verified by the second base ump's outstretched right arm.  Well, given all this photographic evidence, I found that Stearns only stole one base at home against the Astros in 1982.  This game was the front end of a double header on May 30, 1982.  Man, I sure do miss the old double dips of old.  I remember going to double headers back in San Diego where we'd watch the first game, then the Beach Boys would play a concert and then we'd watch the second game.  Good times...

So, we know the date, May 30, 1982.  Review of the box score shows that this play took place in the bottom of the 2nd.  Prior to this play, Steans had been hit by a pitch from Mike LaCoss, so I guess Bad Dude was flashing his wheels to rub an extra base into LaCoss' ego.

And for you completists out that, the second base ump was Paul Runge!  Also, if you want me to Name a Game for a specific card, please leave a comment!