#539 Gary Blaylock

After toiling in the Cardinals organization since 1950 Gary Blaylock made the big club out of spring training in 1959. He began the year in the starting rotation and had a decent start to the year. He had a 3-1 record and an ERA of 2.60 when things went south in late May.

After a few bombings Blaylock lost his starting job and his ERA rose to over 5.00 before he was waived in late July. He was picked up by the Yankees and finished the season in their bullpen. Unfortunately (for Gary Blaylock) 1959 was one of the few seasons during that decade that the Yanks didn't get to the World Series. Blaylock was out of the majors after '59, pitching in the minors for Yankee farm clubs through 1963. 

Blaylock coached and managed in the minors following his playing days and made a one game appearance as a player/manager in 1966.

Two more Gary Blaylock facts:

• He earned a World Series ring as pitching coach of the '85 Royals.
• He was one of two Blaylocks that pitched for the Cards in '59. Rob Blaylock was a September call-up for St. Louis so the two never got the chance to appear in the same box-score. Rob has a card in this set and will appear one of these days. 

This is a high number '59 and one of those color-enhanced black and white shots that are pretty common in the set, particularly among cards of the lesser known players. It's really off center but has nice corners and color. Looking at the card Blaylock looks like Larry Dierker to me. 

#211 Bob Blaylock

Bob Blaylock was a Cardinal signee in 1953 after high school. He was a hard throwing righty and had some impressive numbers at times in the minors. He got a 1956 whirl with the Cardinals and went 1-6. That led to another stint in the minors.

Blaylock pitched the last of his 17 major league games in 1959. He started a September game against the Cubs after two other relief appearances and was beaten. He never returned to the majors, retiring prior to the 1963 season. His career numbers include a 1-7 record and a 5.94 ERA.

Blaylock owned and operated a motel after his playing days. There were three Blaylocks in the National League in the 50s. They were not related although Gary Blaylock also played on the Cardinals in '59 they were there at different times of the season. His name is a link to his card in this set. Marv Blaylock was an first baseman/outfielder for the Giants and Phils in mid-decade. He appeared in a couple of Topps sets, the last being 1957. Bob Blaylock did have a couple of grandsons, Justin Beal and Josh Beal that played minor league ball in the recent past.

Blaylock's card is nicer than his career. Always like the Polo Grounds in the background and Blaylock is wearing the mid '50s Cardinal road jersey that does not show off the iconic 'birds on a bat'.