Everyone loves a trophy. In 1960, Topps created an All-Rookie Team and the baseball cards of outstanding young players had trophies added to their pictures.
There were a pair of National Baseball Hall of Fame Inductees on the squad 40 years ago along with several all-stars and most valuable players.
The sixth member of the 1975 team to be profiled in the this series is Tom Underwood.
Tom Underwood was drafted in 1972 by the Philadelphia Phillies in the second round. Underwood appeared in seven games for the Phillies as a reliever in 1974 and earned his first major league win.
With a 14-13 record in 1975, the 21-year old Underwood was the second best starter for Philadelphia behind National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Steve Carlton. He was 10-5 in 1976 as the Phillies won the National League East.
During the 1977 season, Underwood was dealt to St. Louis in a five-man swap that included Bake McBride.
Prior to 1978, the left-hander was sent to the Toronto Blue Jays where he played until he was traded to the New York Yankees after the 1979 season.
In 1980 with the Yankees, Underwood posted a 13-9 record as helped the team to the American League East crown.
During the middle of 1981, the Oakland A’s acquired Underwood as they made the post-season. His top year with Oakland was in 1982 when he was 10-6.
Underwood finished his 11-year career with an 86-87 record as he went 1-0 for Baltimore in 1984.
Next up in the series: John Montefusco of the San Francisco Giants.