1978 Topps Baseball #20 - Pete Rose

• Early in 1978 I can remember getting this card a lot. At first I had no idea why -- Pete Rose cards were traditionally cards that were highly sought after. Later I found out that this card was double printed. Rose cards were no longer "hard to get." That took the luster off of getting his card. 
• Although the Reds didn't win the NL West, Pete had a lot of accomplishments in 1978. He got his 3000th hit early in the season and he also had the memorable 44 game hitting streak.
• 1978 Stats:
• .302, 7 HR, 52 RBI, 103 runs, 51 doubles (led the NL)
• 1978 Highlights:
• May 5 - Got his 3000th career hit with a single in the 5th inning off of pitcher Steve Rogers of the  Montreal Expos.
• July 5 - Was voted by the fans as the starting third baseman in the All Star Game. It was his seventh All Star start. Pete had one double in four at bats.
• Aug 1 - Pete's 44 game hitting streak came to an end against the Atlanta Braves. Gene Garber struck Rose out in the 9th inning. Pete had four hits in the next game on August 2.
• Dec 5 - Became baseball's highest paid player after agreeing to a five year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. Pete would have made more money if he would have taken one of his other offers, but he took the Phillies $800,000/year deal.