Thursday, October 19, 2023

1961 Back-O'-The-Card: Billy Gardner

"Billy appeared in 62 games for the World Champion New York Giants and batted .213. He had a home run among his 23 hits and batted in seven runs.
He is a snappy man in the field. He is a good man to have around, and he should be with the Giants for some time to come."

-1955 Bowman No. 249

"Billy is always on the move because the entire infield is his position. Last season the scrappy infielder was stationed at second, third and shortstop, playing each position with major-league ability.
Always known as a fine fielder, Billy had to work on his batting to join the Giants. In 1953 at Nashville, he found his eye, batted .308, and came up New York."

-1955 Topps No. 27

"Billy played almost every infield position in 1954 and played them well.
A real pepperpot, he hit 22 homers at Sioux City in 1950 and batted .308 at Nashville in '53."

-1955 Topps Doubleheader No. 61

"After 10  years of minor and National League service, Billy got his first taste of the Junior Loop last season- and he liked it. He stepped right into the Oriole lineup as their regular second sacker and stayed there all season, doing an excellent job.
Billy can play any infield position and, if need be, chase flies in the outfield, too. He's the hustling type of ballplayer that Baltimore fans love."

-1957 Topps No. 17

"After years of ups and downs in the Giant farm system, Billy found a home with the Orioles. His average is on the upgrade and his fielding is excellent. He's a tough man for baserunners to 'ride out' of a play.
Billy was voted Outstanding Oriole by Baltimore fans. He was the top fielding second sacker last season."

-1958 Topps No. 105

"Billy's hustle has made him one of the favorites among Baltimore fans. He previously had sported the colors of the New York Giants but was never fully able to hit his true stride until given a chance to play regularly. Last year, he batted .262 for the Orioles in 154 games and never stopped hustling.
Always a superb fielder, this strong-armed shortstop continues to improve and bids fair to become one of the American League's shortstop stars of the future. AL players have nicknamed Billy 'Shotgun' because of his bullet-like throwing arm."

-1958 Hires Root Beer No. 37

"Billy's fine fielding placed him second in putouts, assists and double plays among American League second basemen last year.
While with the Giants, Billy didn't hit his stride and compiled a mediocre .207 batting average in two years. Now in the Junior Circuit, he's boosted his mark and delivers important hits when the chips are down.
He once made 12 putouts in a 16-inning game."

-1959 Topps No. 89

"After a couple of lackluster seasons, Billy came to Baltimore and showed his value. In his first season as an Oriole he led the American League with 36 doubles.
He has a flare for the dramatic. Last April, Billy blasted an 8th-inning triple to beat the Yankees, and in May his 10th-inning homer beat the White Sox 4-2. In '57, Billy established a record for putouts in an extra-inning game with 12."

-1960 Topps No. 106

"Billy had his best RBI year in 1960. He hit a grand slam against Boston last June. He got four hits in two consecutive games last season."

-1961 Topps No. 123

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