Claude Osteen appears on card 28 of the 1964 Topps set. As I have run out of un-posted 1963 Topps cards, it's time to move up a year.
Osteen had been a Senators mainstay in 1963 and was looking to establish himself as the team ace in 1964. That he was able to do.
Claude appeared in 37 games, all but one of them as a starter. He tossed a team leading 257 innings. He also led the team in strikeouts (133) and wins (15). His 3.33 ERA and 1.245 WHIP were the best in the starting rotation.
Claude Osteen locked down his position as team ace during the 1964 season. At just 24 years of age his future looked bright. Bright enough to attract attention from the west coast. The Dodgers were looking to place a good arm behind Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale. Claude looked like that arm. Desperate to improve the team, Washington made the trade. On December 4, 1964 Claude Osteen and John Kennedy headed to Los Angeles. Arriving in return were Ken McMullen, Phil Ortega, Pete Richert, Dick Nen, and a big guy named Frank Howard.
1 comment:
Same photo as his 1963 card!
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