Cards That Never Were: Rick Auerbach Topps 1977 & '81

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 thank, but I appreciate all of their efforts. One such creator is Gio of When Topps Had (Base)Balls.

Ordinarily, I post my own creations, but sometimes others, like Gio, has already done the card, maing it better than I could anyway. In those instances, like today's card, I showcase their efforts.

Rick Auerbach was selected y the Seattle Pilots (now the Milwaukee Brewers) in the 7th round of the 1969 MLB Draft. He debuted in 1971 with the Brewers. In early 1973, he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, but was purchased by the Brewers late in the season. At the end of the season, he was purchased by the Dodgers. Before the 1977 season, Auerbach was traded to the New York Mets, then traded to the Texas Rangers, then purchased by the Cincinnati Reds midseason. In the middle of the 1980 season, the Reds sold him to the Rangers, who then later traded him to the Seattle Mariners. He played for the Mariners in 1981 and then retired. His career included two stints with the Rangers, without ever playing for the team. In his career, the light-hitting infielder played in parts of 11 seasons, appearing in 624 games, collecting 309 hits for a .220 batting average.

For his efforts, Topps gave Auerbach cards from 1972-'76, '77-'80 and '82. That left missing '77 and '81 cards. As I wrote, Gio already made a beautiful Auerbach '77 card. That left the 1981 card for me to create.