TTM Stats
Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.
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- Sent: 6/9/2022 | Received: 6/27/2022 | 18 Days
- ’68 Topps, ’69 Topps, ’70 Topps
- Address: Home Address (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
Pat Jarvis, often remembered as “The Little Bulldog,” carved out a solid career as a starting pitcher for the Atlanta Braves during the 1960s and early 1970s. Known for his tenacity on the mound, Jarvis played a crucial role in the Braves’ rotation and left a lasting impact both on and off the field.
Born on March 18, 1941, in Carlyle, Illinois, Jarvis’s journey to the major leagues was not a straight path. After attending Murray State University, he was signed by the Chicago Cubs as an amateur free agent in 1960. Jarvis worked his way through the minors, showcasing grit and a strong work ethic that eventually earned him a call-up to the big leagues. that path involved two moves before he made his major league debut, first to the Detroit Tigers and then to the Milwaukee Braves.
Jarvis made his MLB debut with the Atlanta Braves (after they had moved from Milwaukee) on August 4, 1966. He quickly established himself as a reliable arm in the Braves’ rotation. From 1967 through 1970, Jarvis was one of the team’s most consistent starters, achieving double-digit win totals in four consecutive seasons. His best season came in 1968, when he posted a 16-12 record with a 2.60 ERA.
Jarvis was known for his bulldog mentality—earning his nickname by fearlessly challenging hitters and keeping his composure under pressure. Though not a power pitcher, he relied on precise control and smart pitching to outwit batters. Over his eight-year career, Jarvis also played briefly for the Montreal Expos before retiring in 1973. He ended his career with a 85-73 win-loss record, a 3.58 ERA, and 755 strikeouts over 1,284 innings pitched.
Following his retirement, Pat Jarvis stayed active in his community. He made a unique transition from baseball to law enforcement and politics, becoming the sheriff of DeKalb County, Georgia, where he served for several years. His work as sheriff demonstrated his continued dedication to public service.
In the 1990s, Jarvis found himself entangled in legal troubles related to his time as sheriff. Despite these challenges, he remained a respected figure among many in the Atlanta area who remembered his contributions on the field and his community involvement.
Pat Jarvis’s career is a testament to hard work and perseverance. He may not have been a perennial All-Star, but his contributions to the Braves during a transitional era for the team were invaluable. He helped stabilize the pitching staff and brought a competitive spirit that influenced those around him.
Today, Pat Jarvis is remembered not just for his pitching but for the toughness and tenacity he displayed throughout his life. His story is one of overcoming the odds, adapting to new challenges, and always fighting like the “Little Bulldog” he was known to be.
The Score on Pat Jarvis – 6.5
Pat did a great job on these cards. I prefer a thicker marker than this, but I don’t think that these cards hold back the use of the thin marker. It looks like on the 1969 Topps card he tried to find a different place to sign, but on the others he didn’t. That’s a little odd only because that might be the one card of these that if he signed in the same place it probably would have been good.
Thanks Mr. Jarvis! I’m giving this return a 6.5.
This is my second successful return from him. To see the first successful return, check out my post from July 2022.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.