1976 Topps Mike Schmidt redux

I absolutely love Mike Schmidt's 1976 Topps card for a couple of reasons: 1) it is the first action shot card in his career 2) he appears to be bunting and 3) he is wearing the white shoes the team wore during the 1975 season.

My redux card shows a photo of him from the 1976 season (note the Bicentennial patches on both sleeves) against Johnny Bench and the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds swept the 1976 Phils out of the NLCS en-route to their World Series victory.

On April 17th, 1976 Mike Schmidt hit four consecutive home runs at Wrigley Field in Chicago. The Phillies and Cubs combined for a staggering 43 hits and 9 home runs, as the Phils won 18-16.

In the game Schmidt got Cubs starter Rick Reuschel twice and finished his record day going deep on Rick's big brother Paul. By the end of the month, Schmidt tied the National League record with 11 April home runs.

This was one of several "career" days at Wrigley Field for Mike Schmidt. With eight multiple home run days and 50 career blasts at "the Friendly Confines" Schmidt . This total is 21 more than any other ballpark the Phillies visited.