thanks to some left-to-right cropping differences between o-pee-chee and topps, we are here to recognize the 1977 o-pee-chee bill stein variation. but, what's this? could his facsimile autograph remain untouched by o-pee-chee? i think it might have been. that would be a rarity in this set. here is stein's 1977 o-pee-chee card:
the easiest way to see the cropping variation is to look at the guys over stein's left shoulder.
here's the topps front:
now the o-pee-chee back:
and the topps back:
o-pee-chee could have gone with the position variation as stein was the mariners' primary third baseman during their first two years of existence. in 1977, stein became the first third baseman in team history, as well as the first mariner to hit a double. he was also the first mariner to have two doubles in a game, and was the first mariner to be left on base. he did all that in their inaugural game agains the angels on opening day, 1977. for the season as a whole, stein hit .259 with 13 homers and 67 rbi, and he tied for the team lead with 25 doubles.
voici à vous, 1977 bill stein!
