1978 Topps Baseball #257 - Hector Cruz

• I knew him as Heity Cruz instead of Hector. Heity Cruz was traded (with Dave Rader) to the Chicaco Cubs after the 1977 season for Jerry Morales, Steve Swisher, and cash.
• Cruz played for the Cubs until June 15. Hector was traded to the San Francisco Giants for pitcher Lynn McGlothen. If Topps had made a traded set that year Cruz likely would have been pictured as a Cub instead of a Giant.
• Cruz originally came up as a third baseman. The Cardinals thought he would be able to replace Ken Reitz, but Heity's defense left something to be desired. Cruz spent the rest of his career as a backup outfielder and occasional third baseman.
• 1978 Stats:
• Chicago Cubs: .237, 2 HR, 9 RBI in 30 games
• San Francisco Giants: .223, 6 HR, 24 RBI in 79 games
• TOTAL: .227, 8 HR, 33 RBI in 109 games
• 1978 Highlights:
• April 28 - Went 3 for 4 with two solo home runs to help the Cubs beat the Atlanta Braves 4-3. Cruz had three games against the Braves in which he had three hits. He was 15 for 42 (.357) against the Braves during the season.
• Aug 26 - Had two hits (including a home run), scored twice, and knocked in two runs in the Giants' 4-1 win over the Montreal Expos.
•