TTM Stats
- Sent: 4/19/2022 | Received: 5/21/2022 | 32 Days
- ’75 Topps, ’77 Topps (2), ’78 Topps (2)
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Eric Soderholm’s baseball career is a story of determination, perseverance, and success. A talented third baseman with a powerful bat and a sharp glove, Soderholm overcame injuries and setbacks to carve out a productive MLB career during the 1970s and early 1980s. His journey, both on and off the field, exemplifies the resilience needed to thrive in professional sports.
Eric Thane Soderholm was born on September 24, 1948, in Cortland, New York. Growing up, Soderholm demonstrated athletic talent, particularly on the baseball diamond. After excelling in high school, he attended West South Georgia College, where he continued to shine as a ballplayer. The Minnesota Twins drafted Soderholm in the 1st round with the first overall pick of the 1968 MLB January draft. Known for his versatility and strong work ethic, Soderholm quickly worked his way through the minor leagues.
Soderholm made his MLB debut with the Minnesota Twins on September 3, 1971. By 1974, he had established himself as the team’s everyday third baseman, showcasing both defensive reliability and offensive power. In 1975, Soderholm had his breakout season, hitting .286 with 11 home runs and 58 RBI. His offensive production and smooth fielding earned him recognition as one of the American League’s rising stars at third base.
Unfortunately, his career took a significant hit in 1976 when he suffered a major knee injury. The injury sidelined him for the entire season and raised questions about his ability to return to form.
In 1977, Soderholm signed with the Chicago White Sox, and what followed was one of the most remarkable comeback stories in baseball. Fully recovered from his knee injury, he put together the best season of his career, hitting .280 with 25 home runs, 67 RBI, and an .850 OPS.
His performance earned him the American League Comeback Player of the Year Award, as well as the admiration of fans and teammates. Soderholm played a crucial role in the White Sox’s success that season and became a fan favorite on Chicago’s South Side.
Soderholm’s tenure with the White Sox into through the 1979 season. He then spent time with the Texas Rangers (where he finished the 1979 season) and the New York Yankees (1980–1981), contributing as a veteran presence and role player. While injuries continued to take a toll on his playing time, Soderholm remained a productive hitter when healthy. He retired after the 1980 season with a career batting average of .264, 102 home runs, and 383 RBI over 894 games.
Following his playing career, Soderholm transitioned to business and philanthropy. He became involved in real estate development and also ran a successful business specializing in custom-built saunas. Soderholm has remained connected to baseball, participating in alumni events and sharing his story with young players. His journey, particularly his comeback from a devastating injury, serves as an inspiration to those facing challenges in sports or life.
Eric Soderholm’s legacy is one of resilience and determination. Despite facing significant obstacles, he achieved success at the highest level of baseball and left a lasting impact on the teams he played for. His 1977 comeback season stands out as a highlight of his career and a testament to his perseverance. More than just a player, Soderholm has continued to give back to the community and remains a respected figure in the baseball world.
Eric Soderholm’s career is a reminder that setbacks can be overcome with hard work and determination. His ability to bounce back from adversity and excel on the field is a testament to his character and talent. For fans who remember him, Soderholm represents the kind of player who makes baseball special—a gritty competitor who never gave up and always gave his best.
The Score on Eric Soderholm – 6.0
Eric has a really cool “flat” signature. Of course it isn’t actually flat, but if there was a guy that I thought drew a line on your card to sign on and then tried to stick to it, it would be him. The 1978 Topps cards didn’t come out so well on this one. That was probably something that happened in the envelope shortly after signing them and stuffing them back in the return. There’s no smudges or something he would have done.
Thanks Mr. Soderholm! I’m giving this return a 6 overall.
This is my third successful return from him. To see the other successful returns, check out these posts:
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.