1980 Topps Cincinnati Reds Rookies (Frank Pastore)
We lost another one recently. Former Cincinnati Reds hurler Frank Pastore was killed when the motorcycle was struck by a car while driving in Los Angeles. He was only 55 years old. Another former player dies too young.
Now I'd like to sit here and tell you all about my wonderful memories of his parts of eight years in the show, but the truth is, I have very little recollection of his exploits. He won 48 games in his career and had an ERA of 4.29, which was okay but nothing special in the 80s. He pitched mainly for the Reds with a brief stint in Minnesota. Bet you didn't know that!
Aside from that, he was just another in the revolving door that is major league baseball. In the 1980 Topps set, he shared a card with Harry Spilman, who spent a few years kicking around as a utility player, and Art DeFreites, who I know nothing about. Let's just say, this card isn't going to hold much value to card collectors.
Although I don't know much about Pastore, research shows he was a Chrsitian radio host, and pretty popular according to the "The Hollywood Reporter." Who knew? I bet very few people that don't listen to Christian radio. The site also says he predicted he would get into an accident like this. I'm not so sure I buy into that, but it is an interesting read: .
It's sad everytime a major leaguer that I remember from my youth passes away. Even if it isn't a big name player, it's something you hate to see. Rest in peace Frank Pastore...although I don't remember much about you, I do remember you. And can you really ask for that much more?
