Baseball Card #235 – Ron Fairly

Ron Fairly was a versatile major league baseball player who spent the majority of his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Montreal Expos. Born in 1940 in San Diego, California, Fairly made his major league debut in 1958 with the Dodgers at just 18 years old. He would go on to play in the majors until 1978, appearing on baseball card #235 in Topps sets from 1959 to 1977. Let’s take a closer look at Fairly’s career and what made him stand out on his classic baseball cards from the 1950s and 60s.

Fairly broke into the Dodgers’ lineup in 1958 as a third baseman and outfielder. Despite being just a rookie, he showed impressive power and hit 15 home runs that season while batting .270. Fairly’s athleticism and versatility allowed him to play almost every position except pitcher and catcher over his career. He split time at third base and in the outfield in his early Dodgers years. Fairly established himself as a reliable run producer who could hit for both average and power. On his 1959 Topps card, he is pictured in a Dodgers uniform smiling with a bat on his shoulder, showcasing the promise he had already shown in his first two big league seasons.

In the early 1960s, Fairly emerged as one of the top offensive threats in the Dodgers’ lineup. He hit over .300 in 1960 and 1962 with high home run and RBI totals both years. Fairly’s 1962 Topps card depicts him swinging the bat, exemplifying his reputation as a dangerous hitter. He made his first All-Star team in 1962 while establishing career-highs in home runs (25), RBI (97), and batting average (.296). Fairly was a fan favorite on some great Dodgers clubs that won National League pennants in 1962 and 1963, even if they fell short in the World Series both years.

After the 1963 season, Fairly was surprisingly traded to the expansion New York Mets along with Tracy Stallard and Johnny Lewis in exchange for Charlie Neal, Tommy Davis, and Frank Howard. The blockbuster deal signaled a changing of the guard for the Dodgers. Fairly struggled initially with the abysmal early Mets teams, but he bounced back to hit .266 with 13 homers in 1965. His 1965 Topps card in a Mets uniform showed he was still capable of contributing solid production despite playing for a last place team.

In 1967, Fairly was traded again, this time to the Montreal Expos in just their second season of existence as an expansion franchise. The change of scenery seemed to rejuvenate Fairly’s career. He enjoyed his best statistical season in 1968 when he hit a career-high .307 with 22 home runs and 113 RBI to finish 4th in MVP voting. Fairly’s 1968 Topps card featured him in an Expos cap, highlighting his emergence as a star for the upstart Montreal franchise. He made his third and final All-Star team that year.

Fairly continued producing for the Expos for several more seasons. He earned the nickname “The Mayor of Montreal” for his leadership both on and off the field in the city. Fairly hit over .300 again in 1970 and remained a mainstay in the Expos’ lineup through 1974. His versatility allowed him to still see time at first base, third base, and occasional outfield duties as he aged into his mid-30s. Fairly appeared on Topps cards every season from 1959 through 1977, showing his incredible longevity and consistency over 19 big league campaigns.

After the 1974 season, Fairly was traded back to the Dodgers for his final two seasons in 1975 and 1977. While past his prime, he provided a veteran presence and hit over .270 in a part-time role off the bench both years. Fairly’s last baseball card was issued in 1977, fittingly still depicting him in a Dodgers uniform nearly two decades after his debut. In total, he appeared in over 2,000 games and finished with a career batting average of .266 along with 205 home runs and 1,044 RBI. Fairly was known for his consistency, durability, and versatility at the plate and in the field throughout the 1960s and into the 1970s.

Since retiring as a player, Fairly has stayed involved in baseball primarily as a broadcaster. He spent over 30 years announcing Dodgers games after his playing career concluded. Fairly provided color commentary alongside legendary Dodgers announcers like Vin Scully. He brought his knowledge and personality to the broadcast booth. Fairly was also a longtime spring training instructor for the Dodgers, passing along his wisdom to younger generations. At age 81, he still makes occasional guest appearances on Dodgers’ broadcasts.

In summary, Ron Fairly was one of the most dependable and well-rounded players of his era. His 19-year career saw him make stops with four franchises while showcasing his all-around abilities. Fairly’s baseball cards from the 1950s and 60s captured him at different stages as a young star, veteran leader, and elder statesman. He left a lasting legacy on the Dodgers, Expos, and game of baseball. Fairly remains one of the most iconic and beloved figures to ever appear on a Topps baseball card.