loading
reading
writing
saving
searching
Seattle legend Fred Hutchinson vintage baseball card - $30 (Astoria)
QR Code Link to This Post
Then, at age 22 when he was just getting started WWIl intervened, as it did for many promising athletes, and he saw active duty in the U.S. Navy during a 4-year stint, becoming a Lt. Commander. Think about it, four long years away from the game he loved, away from the chance to hone his skills and realize the promise he had shown as a teenager. Bad timing, for sure.
He pitched his entire career for the Detroit Tigers, including the final two where he was player-manger. In 1954 he made the successful transition from player to manager, including a first-place finish in 1955 with the Seattle Rainiers. Three years later, now back in the bigs for good, he led St. Louis to a 2nd place finish, and even though they didn't win the N.L.pennant he was named 1957 Manager of the Year, for which he was rewarded with a new 1-year contract . . . and then at season's end, he was fired! Sheesh.
Undaunted, he moved up to Cincinnati and the year after this 1960 vintage card he led them to a 1961 N.L. pennant--after they were picked to end up in the 2nd division. Two years later cancer was detected, and although he continued managing things deteriorated and in 1964 at the age of 45 he died.
HIS REAL LASTING LEGACY was when his surgeon brother created the prestigious Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, a Seattle cancer treatment hub that continues to treat athletes and non-athletes alike. Then there's the annual Hutch Award, given to a Major League player who best exemplifies the courage, dedication and fighting spirit of "Hutch" himself.
This 65-year-old 1960 card is in great shape, sharp edges and corners, great color, and the tough-but-still-human pose captures him perfectly and is probably the best baseball card image there is of him. Check the photos, this is the exact card you'll get. There are a couple small surface blemishes that aren't noticeable in a penny sleeve, but they're there. Free shipping. PayPal only.