The Glory of Their Time, Chapter 2: Al Oliver

1976 Topps #620 Al Oliver

Often overshadowed by other Pirates stars such as Roberto Clemente and Willie Stargell, Al Oliver had a tremendous 18-year baseball career as an outfielder and first baseman. He was as consistent as they come, and one of the finer contact hitters of the 1970s. Oliver's 1976 issue is my favorite of his, perfectly capturing him in action at the pinnacle of his career.

I met Oliver at a card show a few years ago (the same show where I met Bill Lee). A lot of people forget that Oliver was a seven-time All-Star. He's always been one of my favorites, hence this GOTT post.

2001 Topps Archives #283 Al Oliver

Oliver's big league career began in 1968, where he appeared in four games for the Pirates and collected his first big league hit. Oliver would not post a batting average lower than .270 from 1969 to 1972, and was a major factor in the Buccos' World Series victory in '71.

1973 Topps #225 Al Oliver

1974 Topps #52 Al Oliver

Oliver's 1973 and 1974 seasons were arguably his greatest two seasons as a Pirate. In '73, he'd set a personal best for home runs (20) and RBI's (99) as a Pirate. 1974 would be one of his best seasons, posting a .321 average and collecting 198 hits, also a best for him in Pittsburgh. Surprisingly, he didn't make the All-Star team either year, but he'd finish seventh in the MVP voting in '74.

1980 Topps #260 Al Oliver

After a 1977 season where he posted a .309-19-82 stat line for the Pirates, Oliver would be traded to the Rangers in December of that year; it was the trade that brought Hall of Famer Bert Blyleven to Pittsburgh. Oliver responded by posting his two best batting averages yet (.324 in '78, .323 in '79). In 1980, Oliver would play in an amazing 163 games for the Rangers, while hitting .319 and posting a career-best 117 RBI's.

1982 Topps Traded #83T Al Oliver

Without a doubt, Oliver's best year was his 1982 campaign. He'd set career highs in batting average (.331), home runs (22), and would tie his career-high in doubles (43). He'd also lead the NL with 109 RBI's and finished third in MVP voting. He was traded to the Expos on March 31, 1982, just before the start of the season. He'd hit .300 with the Expos in '83, while also leading the league in doubles (38) for the second straight year.

1985 Donruss #598 Al Oliver

1984 Topps Traded #87T Al Oliver

Oliver would be traded to the Giants in February of 1984, where he'd post a solid .298 batting average in 91 games. He was traded to Philadelphia in August of '84 for the stretch run, where he'd finish up the season. He'd fail to hit a single home run in 119 total games in '84.
 

1986 Topps #775 Al Oliver

2005 Throwback Threads "Throwback Collection" #TC-11 Al Oliver
 

I wish I had an actual '80s issue of Oliver as a Dodger. However, I don't have the '85 Fleer Update that pictures Oliver as a Dodger (thanks for letting me know about that one, Night Owl!), so this 2005 card will have to make do, even though it's half-blank and horrendous.

1985 would be Oliver's final and most underwhelming major league season. He'd again be traded in early 1985, this time to Los Angeles. After an unspectacular 35-game stint with the Dodgers, he'd be dealt to Toronto, where he'd hit just .253 in 61 games to close his career. 

1975 Topps #555 Al Oliver (In-Person Autograph)

He'd finish his career with a .303 batting average, 219 homers, and 1,326 RBI's, as well as being a seven-time All-Star as I previously mentioned. Not a bad career at all, I'd say. He really should get a lot more recognition in the baseball card community. But for now, I'll settle for his autograph. Thanks, Al!