Cards That Never Were is a recurring series in which I create virtual trading cards for players missed in various sets. It is a concept I have borrowed from far too many to list, but I appreciate all of their efforts.
After starring at Grambling State University, Ralph Garr was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 3rd round of the 1967 MLB June Amateur Draft. He made his MLB debut in 1968 and became a starting outfielder in 1971. "The Roadrunner" led the National League in hitting in 1974 with a .353 average Through 1976, Garr had a .315 career batting average.
After the '75 season, he was traded to the Chicago White Sox. He stayed with the Sox until late in the '79 season, when the California Angels purchased his contract. He hit .291 with the Sox.
Midway through the '80 season, the Angels released Garr after he hit .167 in 27 games during his brief tenure there. He retired after that with a career .306 batting average.
For his efforts, Topps gave Garr cards in their sets from 1970 through 1980. His '70 card was a multi-player rookie prospects card and his '80 pictured him still with the Sox, despite him finishing the '79 season with the Angels. Therefore, he was missing a card from the '69 and '81 sets.
Since his '70 card was a rookie prospects card, I had to also make his '69 a prospects card for continuity. I gave him a "career capper" '81 card showing him with the Angels. This comnpletes the Garr collection.
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