1977 Topps Bob Apodaca
Too bad he had arm problems...
The one thing I remember about Bob Apodaca is the low ERA on the back of his baseball card. In 1975, he had a 1.49 ERA which was pretty impressive. Then, he just disappeared.
Back in those days, there was no internet or any way for a 10 year-old to find out what happened to players from other teams. But in 1979, my new family doctor was a Mets fan. The first thing I asked him was, "do you know what happened to Bob Apodaca?" He told me arm problems ended his career.
Funny, more than 25 years later, I had pain shooting through my legs and he ignored the question. I wonder if he would have told Bob Apodaca that his arm problems were no big deal. Needless to say, I found a new doctor who thought leg pains might be something to look into which I’m quite thankful for.
But that's not the point. The point is, it's always a shame when a good relief pitcher like Bob Apodaca finds his career cut short due to injuries. Sorry Bob!
