1978 Topps Baseball #29 - Bob Lacey

• The 6'5" pitcher Bob Lacey was drafted by the Oakland A's from Central Arizona College in Coolidge, Arizona in 1972. Bob was only 18 when he started in the A's system, so he must not have spent very much time at CAC. Lacey pitched in the minors from 1972-1976. 
• Lacey started the 1977 season in AAA and got his chance with the A's in May as a relief pitcher. He pitched in 64 games and was 6-8 with 7 saves and had a 3.03 ERA.
• Bob had a similar season in 1978. He led the AL with 74 appearances and went 8-9 with 5 saves and had an ERA of 3.01.
• In 1979 Lacey had a reversal of fortune. He pitched in 42 games and went 1-5 with 4 saves and had a 5.85 ERA.
• Lacey bounced back in 1980 with a 3-2 record with a 2.94 ERA and six saves in 47 games. He wasn't getting much use because of all the complete games the Oakland starters were throwing (94). Lacey got a start at the end of the season and pitched a shutout against the Milwaukee Brewers.
• During spring training in 1981 Lacey irritated manager Billy Martin with repeated requests for more work. Bob wanted to be a starting pitcher as well. Martin ordered Lacey out of the clubhouse and a few days later the A's traded Bob to the San Diego Padres with a minor leaguer for Kevin Bell, Tony Phillips, and a minor leaguer. The Padres turned around and traded Lacey to the Cleveland Indians for Juan Bonilla. The Indians were hoping Bob would be a strong left handed reliever, but Lacey faltered and had a 7.59 ERA in 14 games. Lacey was sent to AAA in late August. In September Lacey was sold to the Texas Rangers. Bob made one appearance for the Rangers and allowed one run in one inning pitched.
• Lacey was released by the Rangers during spring training in 1982. Bob spent the 1982 season pitching in the Mexican League.
• Bob signed with the California Angels as a free agent in 1983. He pitched for AAA Edmonton until the major league rosters expanded to 40 players in September. Bob went 1-2 with a 5.19 ERA in eight September games for the Angels.
• Lacey was cut by the Angels at the end of spring training in 1984. Bob signed with the San Francisco Giants in May and went to AAA Phoenix. Lacey was brought up in July and went 1-3 with a 3.88 ERA in 34 games (1 start). 
• Bob didn't make the Giants club in 1985 and went to Phoenix. He was released in late June and then went to the independent Class A Miami Marlins to finish the season. Lacey retired after the 1985 season.
• There isn't much known about Lacey after his major league career. Bob was the pitching coach for the independent Tri City Posse in 1996. He managed the independent Greenville Bluesmen in 1998 and in 1999. Bob pitched in four games for the club in both seasons.
• 1978 Stats: 8-9, 5 saves, 3.01 ERA in 74 games
• 1978 Highlights:
• May 26 - Combined with Alan Wirth on a six hit 3-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox. It was the first win for new manager Jack McKeon.
• June 25 - Pitched four innings of two-hit relief and earned the win in Oakand's 6-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals. Bob got into a fight with Darrell Porter after a play at first base. The fight turned into a benches clearing brawl. Porter was the only player ejected. Porter later called Lacey a "crazy, immature punk." Lacey had a lot of negatvie things to say about the Royals, especially George Brett, Hal McRae, Al Hrabosky, and Porter. Lacey also blasted McKeon for not being more supportive of his players on close plays.
• Other card blogs: 1979, 1980