Topps 1978 #50 Rick Reuschel We've got Big Daddy posing at Candlestick Park. This photo was most definitely taken in 1977 because of the black band on his left sleeve, which was worn when owner P. K. Wrigley died. Reuschel was coming off of a great 1977 season, going 20-10 and had established himself as the ace of the staff. He slumped a bit in 1978, with a record of 14-15.
Leaf 1990 #45 Mike Bielecki Here is another guy who was coming off of a banner season. In 1989 he tripled his previous best win total, going 18-7. On a staff that included Greg Maddux and Rick Sutcliffe, the ace that year was Mike Bielecki. I remember feeling very sure the Cubs would win any time he took the mound that season. He must have sold his soul for one good year, because he never came close to repeating his '89 numbers. In 1990 he fell to 8-11 and by the end of 1991 he was traded to Atlanta
Fleer 1994 #401 Rick Wilkins This is the third card in a row of a guy coming off a career year. In 1993 Wilkins took over the job as starting catcher and hit .303 with 30 home runs! But he too had a huge drop off the next season, hitting only .227 with 7 home runs. By 1995 he was no longer a Cub.
Bowman 2003 #272 Wes O'Brien Finally a guy who didn't have a career year! In fact, this guy never had a major league career. In 2002 he was 3-3 in class A ball. How that earned him a card, I have no idea. His career stalled and he never advanced beyond class A, and by 2005 he was out of organized ball.
Topps 1986 #431 George Frazier He came to the Cubs in 1984 from the Indians in the deal that brought Rick Sutcliffe (and the 1984 division title) to the north side. Frazier was a no-good middle innings bullpen guy. He was 7-8 with a 6.39 ERA in 1985 and was sent to the Twins in August, 1986.
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