TTM Stats
- Sent: 4/5/2022 | Received: 4/15/2022 | 10 Days
- ’75 Topps, ’77 Topps, ’78 Topps, ’82 Fleer
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Mike Tyson, a reliable and steady infielder during his ten-year Major League Baseball career, was a valuable player known for his defensive skills and consistent play. While he may not have been a household name, Tyson contributed to the success of his teams through his dependable glove work and versatility on the field.
Michael Ray Tyson was born on January 13, 1950, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Like many professional athletes, Tyson grew up with a passion for sports, particularly baseball. His skill as a shortstop and second baseman caught the attention of scouts, and after attending high school, he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 3rd round of the 1970 MLB Draft. Tyson spent the early part of his career working his way through the Cardinals’ farm system, showcasing his defensive abilities and developing his offensive game. After a few seasons in the minors, Tyson earned his call-up to the big leagues in 1972.
Tyson made his MLB debut with the St. Louis Cardinals on September 5, 1972, a team known for its strong pitching staff and solid defense. Tyson quickly proved himself to be a reliable player, primarily serving as a middle infielder. His versatility allowed him to play both shortstop and second base, making him a valuable asset for the Cardinals’ lineup.
Throughout his time with St. Louis, Tyson was known more for his glove than his bat. He was a consistent defensive presence, often making tough plays look routine. While he wasn’t a power hitter, Tyson’s ability to put the ball in play and contribute to the team’s offensive strategy made him a solid part of the Cardinals’ infield rotation. One of Tyson’s best offensive seasons came in 1976, when he posted a career-high .286 batting average, with 3 home runs and 28 RBI. Though never a major offensive force, his steady fielding and ability to handle pressure situations made him a trusted player for the team.
After spending nearly a decade with the Cardinals, Tyson was traded to the Chicago Cubs before the 1980 season. In Chicago, Tyson continued to provide reliable defense at second base and shortstop, helping to stabilize the Cubs’ infield. Though his offensive numbers declined during his time with the Cubs, Tyson’s professionalism and experience were valuable in a young clubhouse. Tyson played two seasons with the Cubs before retiring from baseball in 1981, concluding his career with 714 hits, 27 home runs, 269 RBIs, and a .241 batting average over 1,17 games.
Following his retirement from Major League Baseball, Mike Tyson largely stepped out of the public eye. Like many former athletes, he focused on his family and private life after his playing days were over. While Tyson may not have pursued the fame and attention that some athletes seek after retirement, his contributions to baseball, particularly his time with the Cardinals, are remembered by fans of the era.
This is my fourth successful return from him. To see the other successful returns, check out these posts:
The Score on Mike Tyson – 6.5
Mike has a great signature but I feel like something tends to happen when he signs for me. Not that it doesn’t happen with others, but it happens on his a lot. Maybe it’s the marker he likes to use. You can see it on the 1982 Fleer card but the marker bubbled just a little bit on that one. It’s something that tends to happen on cards from that era from time to time.
Thanks Mr. Tyson! I’m givng this return a 6.5 overall.
>>> READ MORE ABOUT MY AUTOGRAPH SCORING SYSTEM <<<
Thanks for visiting BravestarrCards.com: Card Collecting and TTM Autographs.
Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.