He Draws Baseball Cards

I could have titled this "The Rick Stelmaszek Files: Part 24, but this isn't really about Rick. It's about Mark Mosley.

Mark is the creative force behind IDrawBaseballCards on twitter. He also hosts the Baseball Beyond Batting Average podcast, which is quite entertaining, too, but his artistry is what led me to him.

Mark has drawn hundreds of baseball cards and posted them on twitter.

It's such a simple concept, but that's the beauty of his work. Of course, there are artists who could recreate near duplicates of the cards. Mark can probably also create more exact versions if he chose to spend the time doing such. More exact versions wouldn't make better creations though. They would be different, but not better.

I love the simplicity of Mark's creations. While his Stelmaszek card is black and white, he does use color for many of his others. I am completely happy with the Stelmaszek creation. I requested Mark draw any of Stelmaszek's cards and he responded quickly with this one, stating, "Stelmaszek was too intriguing to pass up."

The card Mark chose is a 1974 Venezuela sticker #94. It's a rather rare card and made for a cool choice by Mark. I'm just happy he did one and so quickly was an added bonus.

Mark does really great work. I love scrolling down his twitter feed and checking out all of his creations. If you are a fan of baseball cards or of art, I encourage you to check out his work. I am sure you will find it as fascinating as I do.

Cards That Never Were: Rick Stelmaszek 1974 Topps Highlights

Cards That Never Were is a recurring series in which I create virtual trading cards for players missed in various sets over the years. It is a concept I have borrowed from far too many others to list, but I appreciate all of them.

Actually, today's card was created by Lynn Phelps, probably the most prolific card creator in the Custom Baseball Cards group on Facebook. Lynn has produced hundreds of cards and also takes requests.

While I usually only like legitimate cards that should have been made, Lynn started a series that I really liked. He created "1974 Highlights" for memorable events during the 1974 baseball season. After seeing a few of his creations, I asked him to do one for Rick Stelmaszek's first hit with the Chicago Cubs.

Rick's double happened 45 years ago today. He had just been acquired on July 28 by the Cubs from the California Angels for pitcher Horacio Pina.

In his first game with the Cubs, Rick was the starting catcher and batting in the 7th slot. In the bottom of the second inning, Rick doubled off of Steve Renko of the Montreal Expos. The double drove in Jerry Morales for the Cubs first run. Unfortunately, Rick got a bit too excited and unsuccessfully tried to stretch it to a triple. The Cubs went on to lose the game 4-3.

This was Rick's only double in his career and one of his 15 hits. He had no triples, but hit one home run (off of Don Sutton).

Sadly, Rick passed away in November of 2017. He played parts of 4 seasons in the majors, but his bigger baseball legacy comes from his lengthy tenure as a coach for the Minnesota Twins. He had the third longest stint with one team (behind Nick Altrock and Manny Mota). More importantly, Rick was a great guy who gave me many wonderful memories.

I appreciate Lynn creating this card for me. If you like baseball cards (or even if you have great memories of collecting), check out the Custom Baseball Cards group on Facebook. You will love it.

RIP Rick Stelmaszek

Over the years, I have written about Rick Stelmaszek many times.  I started calling those stories The Rick Stelmaszek Saga as a fun nod to the continuing series.  Unfortunately, this edition of The Rick Stelmaszek Saga is a sad one.  The former Major League catcher and longtime coach passed away earlier this week.
Rick was a neighbor, friend and my first baseball favorite.  He was a local legend, starring at Mendel High School and making the major leagues.  You can read his stats etc. on any number of sites.  I'd like to devote today to a few personal memories of Rick.
Back in my day, everyone collected baseball cards.  There were bigger stars in baseball, but Rick's cards were always the ones we wanted.  The neighborhood corner stores (remember those?) could not keep the shelves stocked.  When one of us pulled Rick's card in a pack, we were both cheered and booed by our friends who were happy for us, but also upset they hadn't gotten the card.
His wife Kathy was my 3rd grade teacher in th 1973-84 school year.  They planned on moving to California that summer, because Rick was with the Angels.  That plan got changed drastically, when Rick was traded to his hometown Cubs.
In 1975, he played the entire season in Wichita (the Cubs top minor league team).  My family made a road trip there to see a couple games.  We spent two evenings with Rick and Kathy.
That winter, he was traded to the Yankees, but never made it back to the majors.  A few years later, his coaching career started with the Wisconsin Rapids Twins.  My family made another road trip there to see Rick again.
In 1981, Rick joined the Minnesota Twins as their bullpen coach, a position he held for 32 years (the third longest tenure of any coach with one team).  We would always go see the Twins when they were in town playing the White Sox.
At the end of every season, Rick would call me to his house and present me with a signed team ball or a player bat.  I really appreciated these bits of memorabilia, but I also loved spending that time with him, hearing his stories of Kirby Puckett, Kent Hrbek, Tom Brunansky and the rest.
He was especially fond of Puckett, another Chicago area player.  Rick was too modest to brag, but he played a big part in the Twins drafting Puckett, who wne ton to a Hall of Fame career.
Fast forward many years and I became a bit of a reporter.  One of the coolest moments was when I got to interview him in the Twins dugout in Minnesota.  Thirty five years prior, I was staring at his Cubs baseball card and now I was talking to him as part of the media in the major leagues.  It was crazy.
My longtime friend, former Lerner Newspapers colleague and sports writer George Castle wrote a very nice piece for the Chicago Baseball Museum.  George asked me to be a contributor.  You can find the story at ChicagoBaseballMuseum.org.
Rick's passing is the end of an era.  It's another part of my childhood gone.  Life goes on, but Rick will be missed.
Good bye, my friend.  Rest in Peace and thank you for some great times.

Rick Stelmaszek and me in Minneapolis, MN-Summer 2010.

The Rick Stelmaszek Files: Part 21

It's been a while since I have delved into the Rick Stelmaszek Files.  Recently, I found a bunch of old pictures, which I will be featuring sporadically here.

The first picture is from a Denver Bears game and features pitcher Dick Such, Manager Del Wilber and catcher Stelmaszek.  The picture seems to be from 1971, when all three were together on the Bears.

The Bears were the AAA affiliate of the Texas Rangers.  Several future big leaguers were on the team, including Jeff Burroughs, Bill Fahey, Larry Biittner, Joe Lovitto and Such and Stelmaszek, of course.  In summary, 29 of the 35 players played in the majors at some point.  In 1971, Such went 5-5, while Stelmaszek hit .247 for the Bears.

Wilber was a catcher who appeared in the majors from 1946-1949 and 1951-1954.  He managed for a while in the minors and coached in the majors.  He actually managed one game for the 1973 Rangers, a team which featured Stelmaszek as a backup catcher.

Such made it to the bigs in 1970, but spent the rest of his career (1966-'73) in the minors for the Rangers.  Stelmaszek and Such would be teammates a few times and would also reunite on the coaching staff of the Minnesota Twins 

I love these old pictures and the stories behind them.  In the pre-internet days, these pictures are rare.  Finding them now is like finding baseball gold.

Dick Such, Del Wilber and Rick Stelmaszek-1971.

The Rick Stelmaszek Files:Part 20

It's been a while since I delved into the Rick Stelmaszek Files.  Bob W's Custom Baseball Cards has given me material for this installment.

Bob W. is the masterful force behind a site loaded with great custom card creations.  While roaming around (okay, I admit, I spent hours on Bob's site), I found four custom cards he made of Rick Stelmaszek, one of JohngysBeat.com's all-time favorites.

I don't know where he found the pictures, but the cards are awesome.  I think the Yankees card is a PhotoShop, but it works, especially for a card of that era.  Stelmaszek never played for the Yankees major league team, only their minor league affiliate.

I love these cards for several reasons.  First, I just love custom cards, especially when there was no other card.  Even when there was another card, I like seeing alternate versions.  In this case, Stelmaszek did not have a 1969 card nor a 1976 one.  He had one from 1974, a card picturing him airbrushed decently into an Angels cap.

I wonder why Bob chose these particular years to use?  Maybe Bob will see this and answer my question.  I would have liked to have seen one of those psychedelic 1972's featuring Stelmaszek or even a full card version of his 1973 Rookie Prospects card.

Besides the Stelmaszek cards, there are a ton of other custom goodies on Bob's site.  Lately I have literally been spending hours marveling at all of the creations.  If you are into cards or custom cards, check out Bob's site.

The End of the Rick Stelmaszek Era?

After 32 years as a coach with the Minnesota Twins, Rick Stelmaszek was not offered a contract for 2013.  Technically, the Twins did not fire him.  They just chose not to rehire him.
Rick's carer started when he was drafted by the Washington Senators in 1968.  He made the majors with them in 1971, the Rangers in 1973, the California Angels in 1973 and the Chicago Cubs in 1974.  His playing career ended after the 1978 season, in which he managed the Wisconsin Rapids Twins and also played a bit.
In 1981, he was promoted to the Twins and he stayed there for the next 32 seasons.  This put him third all time (behind Nick Altrock and Manny Mota) for most years coaching with just one team.
I have written about Rick many times (probably more than I have any other subject).  I have a long history with him, going back to my childhood when his wife was my third grade teacher and they lived across the street from us.
I am sure it will be very weird for him this season as he experiences life away from baseball.  It's weird for even me to experience baseball without him.
The Twins have been struggling of late, but I don't think anyone saw his departure coming.  Replacing the bullpen coach generally isn't the main ingredient to a successful season.  Of course I do not know how it all came down, but I would have hoped that after 35 years in the organization, his departure would have been handled differently (but perhaps I need only look back at my unceremonious departure from Lerner Newspapers after 17 years to remember the uglier side of business).
Whatever happened and whatever lies in Rick's future, I would like to publicly thank him for a lot of great baseball memories.  He always was a class act and a good friend.

Frank Wroblewski, me and Rick Stelmaszek in Chicago, IL-Summer 2012.

Old and New with Rick Stelmaszek

I have written many times about Rick Stelmaszek.  You can do a search on here and find a bunch of posts.  It has been such a blast following his career from local star to major league player (including a stint with the local Chicago Cubs) to longtime major league coach with the Twins.
A few weeks ago, I joined my family for an afternoon at US Cellular Field to watch the Sox and the Twins.  Prior to the game, my nephew Matt, my dad and I hung out down the right field line and waited for Rick to make his way to the bullpen.
Rick came over and talked to us for several minutes.  The Twins were having an unusually bad season, but Rick was positive about the future.  They have some young players who look good.
It was really cool to hang with Rick and my dad, even if only for a few minutes.  My dad got me my first autographed photo and ball.  Yep, you guessed it.  Both were of Rick.  Now, some 40 years later, all things converged to bring us together.  This was awesome.  I love the picture below.  It represents so much to me in my baseball fandom.

Rick Stelmaszek, Frank Wroblewski and me in Chicago, IL-Sept. 2012.

The Rick Stelmaszek Saga:Part 19

I have written before about finding rare baseball pictures on Ebay.  Back in the day, you were lucky to find any such pictures of any players unless they were stars.  That's why finding these pictures now is so cool.
Recently, I came across the picture below of Rick Stelmaszek from his time with the California Angels (pre-Anaheim Angels of Los Angeles).  This is the first real photo I have seen of Stelmaszek in an Angels uni.  His 1974 Topps card is a decent airbrush of him from his time with the Rangers.  His 1975 card is a mediocre airbrushed Cubs card.
I don't know the origin of this photo.  Obviously, it was taken in 1973 (his only season with the Angels).  I am not good enough to pinpoint stadiums on a regular basis, let alone with this limited background view.  I am just guessing it is a home shot, because his uniform looks more like the home uni.  Since he is not wearing the full catcher's gear, other than the mitt, the picture was probably taken pre-game. 
His stance does not indicate he was playing long toss.  He looks more like he was preparing to field a bouncer or maybe an errant throw.
The picture does not tell a lot, but it does do a lot.  It brings back great memories and that childhood feeling when I first fell in love with baseball.

Rick Stelmaszek-Summer 1973.

The Rick Stelmaszek Saga:Part 18

I routinely check Ebay for oddball items of may favorite celebs.  For athletes, that usually means scrolling by a bunch of trading cards, signed index cards and a handful of signed balls.  Occasionally though, I find some very cool items, like the picture below.
I have written about Rick Stelmaszek a few times before, so I will spare all the whole story.  As most know, he was a backup catcher, the husband of my third grade teacher and is currently a coach for the Minnesota Twins.
In 1971 and 1972 he played for the Denver Bears, a AA minor league affiliate of the Texas Rangers.  The picture below is from his time with Denver.  He is the catcher and unfortunately for him, it looks like the runner was safe.
I love old photos like this.  I just wish they were a bit cheaper on Ebay.  I know it is a free marketplace and the seller has every right to name his sale price.  My problem is that there are a bunch of these type of pictures out there that I would like to purchase, but at the standard sales price of about $15, I can't justify buying more than a couple.
Oh well, while I cannot buy as many as I would like, I can at least enjoy the pictures and present them here for your enjoyment.  I just wonder who the baserunner was.

1976 Topps Traded #661 Rick Stelmaszek

I am "borrowing" intellectual property from several bloggers for this piece.  I first was inspired to create virtual cards after seeing  the outstanding card creations from bloggers including Cards That Never Were (at White Sox Cards), Chachi Cards (at The Phillies Room), random card creations and corrections (at Wrigley Wax), Final Tribute cards (at Garvey, Cey, Russell and Lopes) and random stuff (at Punk Rock Paint).
Over the past couple of years, Matt R. has done an incredible job exploring the 1976 Topps set through his site Project Baseball 1976.  Matt has already gone through the regular set and is now about midway through the "traded" set.  It's not Matt's fault, but one card is missing, a card that never was.  Of course, I am talking about Rick Stelmaszek's 1976 traded card.
Stelmaszek spent the 1975 season playing for Wichita, the Cubs AAA ninor league team.  On January 23, 1976, 25 years ago last Sunday, Stelmaszek was traded to the New York Yankees for Jerry Pirtle (who finally made it to the majors with Montreal in 1978).
In 1976, Stelmaszek played for the Syracuse Chiefs, the Yankees AAA team.  He was unable to beat out Elrod Hendricks and Fran Healy as Thurman Munson's backups and was never promoted to the major league roster.  By 1977, Stelmaszek was with Tucson via an unknown transaction.
While Stelmaszek never officially played for the Yankees nor was he featured on a regular Topps 1976 card, I decided to make a traded card for him.  It's my blog and my insanity.  Besides, I blame Steve, Matt, Jim, Paul...

On the Beat with Rick Stelmaszek

As discussed many times before, I have known Minnesota Twins coach Rick Stelmaszek since his wife was my 3rd grade teacher. I have talked to him on many occasions, but earlier this summer, we officially interviewed him for the first time.

We asked Rick about the new stadium. Rick has praise for the new stadium. Of course, he liked it much better than the old Dome.
Then we asked him about being third on the all-time list of tenured coaches with one team. I thought he was behind Nick Altrock and Manny Mota. Rick's answer is pretty funny. I think it's cool that he knows where he ranks and talks about it a bit. He isn't bragging, just stating facts.
It was a bit surreal interviewing Rick in the Twins dugout, considering our history. Thirty some years ago, I was just hoping to get his card in the pack I bought at the corner store.

The Rick Stelmaszek Saga:Part 16

About a year ago, thanks to Steve over at White Sox Cards, my old friend Rick Stelmaszek has a 1974 Topps Traded baseball card. Steve is a master at such creations. He has also helped me with a Mick Kelleher Cardinals card, a Ricky Seilheimer White Sox card and a couple Mike Squires cards. Steve is so dedicated that he sent me a corrected version after he realized he mistakenly listed Rick as a pitcher. Ironically, I didn't even catch the error!
The Chicago Cubs would be Stelmaszek's last major league team. After finishing the 1974 season with the Cubs, Stelmaszek spent all of 1975 with the Wichita Aeros (the AAA affiliate of the Cubs). In January of 1976, he was traded to the New York Yankees for Gerry Pirtle (who never pitched for the Cubs, was released two years later and pitched in 19 games for the 1978 Montreal Expos).
Stelmaszek played one season in Syracuse (the Yankees AAA affiliate) before heading back to the Texas Rangers organization for one season. Finally, he landed with the Wisconsin Rapids Twins (the A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins) as a player-manager.

However, Stelmaszek's career started in the Washington Senators' (now the Texas Rangers) organization. There is an Ebay auction ending in two days which features a very young Stelmaszek while with the Senators. The picture has to be about 40 years old. It's a great piece of baseball nostalgia.

Vintage Rick Stelmaszek photo as found on Ebay (#390211387607)

The Rick Stelmaszek Saga:Part 15

I have been collecting baseball cards since 1973. Over the last 15 years or so, I haven't bought as many, but I have purchased more specifically desired cards. With this internet thing, it has become a lot easier finding these desired cards.
I thought I knew and had all of the cards of my favorite players. I even have a few more virtual cards of some of them, thanks to Steve (at White Sox cards) and other nice bloggers. Then Steve sent me a link to the card pictured below.
It is a 1974 Venezuelan sticker card of Rick Stelmaszek. As you can see, it is done in the style of a 1968 Topps card. It has a blank back.
Back in those days, I knew Stelmaszek played some winter ball, but had no idea these cards were printed. I wonder if even Stelmaszek knows.
It's a bit pricey, with a VG card going for about $10. Still, that's not bad for a 40 year old card. It's not like I'm buying the entire set.

Rick Stelmaszek's 1974 Venezuelan sticker card.

The Rick Stelmaszek Saga:Part 14

Tomorrow marks the 30th year Rick Stelmaszek will be a coach for the Minnesota Twins. That makes him the Dean of Coaches (active with one team). This is the third-longest such tenure with one team in baseball history. Nick Altrock spent 42 years with the original Washington Senators. Manny Mota is entering his 31st consecutive year as a coach with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Stelmaszek joined the Minnesota organization in 1978 as Manager-Player for the Wisconsin Rapids Twins (single A club). Stelmaszek hit .273 in 55 at bats for the WR Twins. More importantly, had started his managerial career which would produce a 199-212 record over three seasons. Even more importantly, he helped such future Twins as Kent Hrbek, Gary Gaetti, Jim Eisenreich and Brad Havens.
It looks like I will be venturing up to Minneapolis later this summer to cover the new stadium. Until then, I wish Rick and the Twins the best of luck. With Nathan's injury, they are going to need a lot of luck.

Rick Stelmaszek and me in the MetroDome in Minneapolis, MN-July 2007.

The Rick Stelmaszek Saga:Part 13

You had to know this one was coming. Today is Rick Stelmaszek's birthday. Our favorite ex-Cubs catcher and current Twins coach turns 61 today!

Stelmaszek just finished his 29th consecutive season as a coach with the Twins. This ranks 3rd all-time in mlb history (behind Nick Altrock with 42 and Manny Mota with 30 and counting).
For his birthday present, Stelmaszek and the Twins got a trip to the playoffs this season (along with another post here). On Tuesday, the Twins beat the Detroit Tigers to win the AL Central. Unfortunately for the Twins, they face the New York Yankees in the first round of the playoffs.

Rick Stelmaszek in a very early photo with the Washington Senators-late 60's/early 70's.

The Rick Stelmaszek Saga:Part 13

I have been going to AU Sports in Skokie (IL) for years. They have the largest supply of sports card singles in the country. The best part is that you are allowed behind the counter to find your own cards in the boxes on the wall of cards. I have spent many hours in AU Sports, looking for cards, meeting players or just talking to other collectors. I have also had many great chats with owner Steve Gold or his late mother Audrey (a dear woman).
For years I tried to get Steve to approach the former Chicago Cubs catcher about doing a signing. Well, that day finally occurred several years ago. Of course I had to check it out. Stelmaszek drew a pretty good crowd. He has several key accomplishments that a collector might value.
-Member of the Chicago Cubs
-World Series winner twice as a coach with the Minnesota Twins
-Local Chicagoan
-Longest current tenured coach with one team
Of course, there is also that near-miss with Nolan Ryan's no-hitters. Darn it.
It was fun to witness this. I still remember nervously (even though he was a neighbor) approaching him 30 years ago for his autograph. Wow...time does fly.

Rick Stelmaszek and me at AU Sports in Skokie, IL-early 00's.

The Rick Stelmaszek Saga:Part 12

This post could also be called 'Cards That Never Were', but I decided to stick with the 'Stelmaszek' theme. Besides, the CTNW title really belongs to Steve over at White Sox Cards.
Steve has a great White Sox blog and occasionally creates specific cards for players, who either needed a different card or missed being part of a certain set. Steve is also producing a cool bunch of cards called 'Birth Year Cards', an imaginative collection showcasing current White Sox players featured on cards from their birth year.
A few days ago, I asked Steve if he would produce a card of Rick Stelmaszek in a Cubs uniform from a picture I had. Stelmaszek did have a Cubs card, but that 1975 Topps card was one of their trademark airbrushes. I gave Steve 3 options (1974 Traded, 1975 Regular or even a 1976 Regular, though that would be a stretch).
Much to my surprise, I was catching up on stuff after a 3 day weekend in Milwaukee and Minneapolis, when I checked Steve's White Sox Cards site and saw 'Cards That Never Were #8', featuring Stelmaszek in a Cubs uni on a 1974 Traded card. How very cool.
Steve selected the '74T because he felt it made the most sense. I totally agree, but I wanted to give Steve options.
Steve's creation is very special for several reasons. First, it is now the only card of Stelmaszek legitimately in a Cubs uni. Ironically, his regular '74 card features him in an airbrushed Angels cap.
Second, most '74T featured a close headshot or even some airbrushing. Steve's creation shows a nice posed shot of Stelmaszek.
Finally, this brings to life my first autographed picture. I got this picture at an athletic banquet at my school in 1975. Now, Steve has breathed fresh life into it.
I really appreciate Steve's efforts. I know creating these cards is no small task and I am thankful for his effort. I also highly recommend his site, whether you are a White Sox fan or not.

A 1974 Topps Traded card of Rick Stelmaszek as created by Steve at White Sox Cards.

The Rick Stelmaszek Saga:Part 11

After a decent 1977 season at AAA Tucson in the Texas Rangers organization, Rick Stelmaszek joined the Wisconsin Rapids Twins (the single A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins) as a player-manager. At the age of 29, Stelmaszek's playing career was near the end, but his coaching career was just beginning.
Stelmaszek had 55 at-bats in 23 games for the Twins. More importantly, he guided them to a 62-76 record.
The WR Twins did not have a lot of promise. In fact, only Mark Funderburk ever even made it to the majors (and only for 31 games in parts of 2 seasons).
Stelmaszek's 1978 TCMA card (courtesy of TwinsCards.com) shows just how much things have changed in 30 years. Black and white pictures are generally only used in 'throwback' type cards now. Not only is the picture colorless, the card itself appears to be a simple black + 1 color (green). It is hard to tell from the scan, but this card has a non-glossy front.
One last thing to note is the very boring cap. Any good marketer knows you won't be selling many souvenir caps with WR block letters.

Rick Stelmaszek's 1978 TCMA Wisconsin Rapids Twins card.

The Rick Stelmaszek Saga:Part 10

In the Rick Stelmaszek Saga:Part 9, I noted that Stelmaszek's career was better than his 2 1970 cardmates. Today, I am going to compare him to his 1973 Topps cardmates.
Sergio Robles was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1968. Robles was traded to the Baltimore Orioles in 1971 (as part of the big Frank Robinson deal). Robles got 2 hits in 21 AB's in 16 games over 2 seasons with the Orioles.
Baltimore sold Robles to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1975 and they sold him to the Dodgers in 1976. Robles never played for the Cardinals, but made it into 6 games (going 0-3) for the Dodgers. His major league career ends there, but he did play 19 seasons in Mexico.
All told, Robles hit .095, going 2 for 21. He had no HR's, RBI's or R. He did walk 3 times in his career.
George Pena started in the Los Angeles Angels organization in 1963. By 1973, Pena was 29 and with his 6th organization, the Cleveland Indians. He would seem to be an odd choice for Topps. Still, he hit about .250 in the minors with a little pop in his bat, but he never made i to the majors, retiring after the 1975 season (2 teams removed from the Indians).
Much like for the 1970 card, Stelmaszek is once again King of his card. Stelmaszek played parts of 3 seasons, collecting 10 hits in 88 AB's (including a couple big hits off of future Hall of Famers). Of course, currently he is in his 29th year as a bullpen coach with the Twins.
The book value of this card is $5. If you are into autographs, Stelmaszek is very good, but I have no idea about Robles or Pena.

Rick Stelmaszek's 1973 Topps Rookie card.

The Rick Stelmaszek Saga:Part 9

The Washington Senators became an American League franchise in 1961. They endured many sub-.500 seasons, until 1969, when Manager Ted Williams guided them to a 86-76 season.
In the 3rd round of the 1965 amateur draft, the Senators selected outfielder Gene Martin. In the 8th round of the 1966 draft, they selected pitcher Dick Such. In the 11th round of the 1967 draft, they selected Rick Stelmaszek. Those 3 players are forever connected via their 1970 Topps Rookie Stars card.
By the time this card came out, Martin's major league career was already over. Martin played in 9 games, getting 4 hits in 11 AB's. Martin played in the Philadelphia Phillies system from 1971-73 and in the San Diego Padres system in 1973. Martin went on to have a good career in Japan, hitting 189 HR's or 1 every 13.5 AB's.
Such made it to the majors in 1970, going 1-5 in 21 games. Such stayed in the Rangers organization through 1974, but never made it back to the majors. Such would go on to spend 17 years as the pitching coach for the Minnesota Twins (joining Stelmaszek), helping them to 2 World Series.
It can therefore be argued that Stelmaszek had the best mlb career of these three. Stelmaszek played parts of 3 seasons, collecting 10 hits in 88 AB's (including a couple big hits off of future Hall of Famers). Of course, currently he is in his 29th year as a bullpen coach with the Twins.
The book value of this card is $4. If you are into autographs, Stelmaszek and Such are consistently good signers. I don't know Martin's signing habits.

Rick Stelmaszek's 1970 Topps rookie card.