1969 One Cub At A Time - #483 Ted Abernathy

The original Topps card, where Ted's got a cheek full of something.



My Updated version

Ted Abernathy was in his second stint with the Cubs in 1969. He had previously pitched for the team in 1965 and 1966. In fact, in 1965 he set a National League record for appearances in a season with 84 and he was named Fireman of the Year. Yet halfway through the next season the Cubs traded him to the Braves. In 1967 with the Red he was again the NL's Fireman of the Year. Makes you wonder why he kept being bounced around from team to team.

After going 10-7 for the Reds in 1968, he was traded to the Cubs in January, 1969 for three no-name players. With the '69 Cubs Abernathy was used as the first guy out of the pen, not the closer. He made 56 appearances but saved only three games. He formed a pretty decent 1-2 punch with closer Phil Regan.

Abernathy is probably best known for his submarine delivery, something he adopted after shoulder surgery put his career in jeopardy. It was an unusual things for batters to face and probably extended his time in the majors.

After a slow start for the Cubs in 1970, he was traded to the Cardinals. He didn't last too long in St. Louis before being sent across the state to the Royals. With KC he had a few more good seasons. He finally retired after the 1972 season at the age of 39.