The 1977 Topps baseball card set featured 660 total cards. Card #660 featured Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Bryan Clark. This card provides an in-depth look at Clark’s career up to that point after his first two seasons in Major League Baseball.
Bryan Clark was born on November 9, 1950 in Hemet, California. He attended Hemet High School and was drafted by the Dodgers in the 6th round of the 1968 MLB Draft. Clark spent several seasons in the Dodgers minor league system, working his way up from Rookie ball to Triple-A. He made his MLB debut on September 6, 1974 at the age of 23.
In 1974 and 1975, Clark split time between the Dodgers and Triple-A Albuquerque, getting limited pitching opportunities. He posted an 0-1 record with a 5.40 ERA in 18 total games and 25.1 innings pitched over those two seasons. Clark showed promise but was still developing as he gained experience against major league hitters.
The 1976 season represented Clark’s first full year in the Dodgers starting rotation. He appeared in 33 games, making 26 starts, and logged 158.2 innings pitched. Clark turned in a solid performance, going 10-9 with a respectable 3.69 ERA. He pitched well down the stretch and helped the Dodgers capture the National League West division title that year.
While Clark’s 10 wins were modest, his 3.69 ERA ranked 6th best on the Dodgers pitching staff. He showed continued improvement in his command and ability to get both hitters outs. Clark’s 1976 campaign was viewed as a breakout season establishing him as a quality mid-rotation starting pitcher in the National League.
Going into his age 26 season of 1977, expectations were rising for Clark within the Dodgers organization and fanbase. The 1977 Topps card encapsulated Clark at this pivotal point in his career where he looked to build upon his success from the prior year. The card photo shows Clark mid-delivery, featuring his wind-up and over-the-top throwing motion.
Some additional stats listed on the back of the 1977 Topps #660 Bryan Clark card include: a career 8-10 record and 3.81 ERA over parts of 4 seasons spanning 1974-1976 totaling 201 innings pitched. He was listed at 6’2″ and 190 lbs, throwing and batting right-handed. Clark’s minor league stats between 1968-1973 were also provided, giving an overview of his development path to the major leagues.
In 1977, Clark appeared in 33 games for the Dodgers, making 21 starts. He logged 129 innings pitched and posted an 8-6 record with a solid 3.74 ERA. Clark was now a mainstay in the Dodgers starting five, resembling a workhorse throwing quality innings every fifth day. His 8 wins tied for 3rd best on the Dodgers pitching staff that season, showcasing his growing importance.
While the Dodgers took a step back in 1977 with an 81-81 record, Clark established himself as one of their more dependable starting pitchers. At just 26 years old, he looked to continue progressing and help get the Dodgers back to the postseason. Unfortunately, injuries would derail Clark’s promising career after the 1977 campaign.
In 1978, Clark made only 9 starts for the Dodgers, limited to 34 innings due to discomfort in his throwing elbow. He underwent surgery that season which sidelined him for an extended period. Clark attempted a comeback in 1979 but struggled in a handful of minor league rehab appearances before calling it a career at the young age of 29. In retrospect, the 1977 Topps card captured Clark at the peak of his major league success before injuries prematurely cut his career short.
For Dodgers fans and collectors of the 1977 Topps set, card #660 starring Bryan Clark serves as a reminder of a talented pitcher who flashed potential. Injuries are an unfortunate reality that can end a players career unexpectedly. While Clark’s tenure in Major League Baseball was brief, the 1977 Topps card remains a keepsake from when he was establishing himself as a solid starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
