Bobby Tolan
From BR Bullpen
Robert Tolan
- Bats Left, Throws Left
- Height 5' 11", Weight 170 lb.
- Debut September 3, 1965
- Final Game September 19, 1979
- Born November 19, 1945 in Los Angeles, CA USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Bobby Tolan began his career with the St. Louis Cardinals and played in the World Series with the team in 1967 and 1968. He was traded to the Cincinnati Reds prior to the 1969 season and responded by having his best year, hitting .305 with 21 homers and 93 RBIs. The next season, he hit .315, led the National League with 57 stolen bases, and appeared in the World Series again. After missing the entire 1971 campaign with an injury, he bounced back in 1972 and was named NL Comeback Player of the Year as he played in the World Series for the fourth and final time in his career.
Tolan almost became the test case against the reserve clause. He and Sparky Lyle were both playing the 1974 season without signing contracts. The San Diego Padres and New York Yankees respectively renewed their contracts under the reserve clause while the players held out for a better contract. Lyle signed a two year deal on the last day of the season (for 1974-1975). Tolan didn't sign and the Player's Union filed two grievances on October 17. The first was for a clarification of the reserve clause, the second was for Tolan, and requested his free agency, on the grounds that the reserve clause was only for one year. On December 9, the Padres announced an agreement with Tolan for two years (1974-1975). Both grievances were dropped.
In 1989, Tolan was a player-manager of the St. Petersburg Pelicans of the Senior Professional Baseball Association and led the club to the league's first, and only, championship. Tolan batted .320 in 24 games. In 1990, Tolan again was the player-manager for the Pelicans. Tolan only played in one game and did not bat before the league folded.
Since then, he has managed various minor league teams over the years and was manager of the Great Falls White Sox of the Pioneer League in 2006.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 1972 NL Comeback Player of the Year Award
- NL Stolen Bases Leader (1970)
- 20-Home Run Seasons: 1 (1969)
- 100 Runs Scored Seasons: 2 (1969 & 1970)
- 50 Stolen Bases Seasons: 1 (1970)
- Won a World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1967
