Manufacturer: Topps
Set: 1981 Topps Baseball ➡️
Player Name: Rusty Kuntz, Fran Mullins & Leo Sutherland
Position/Team: Kuntz: Outfield for White Sox
Card #: 112
Card Size: 2-1/2” x 3-1/2”
Card Values: See Pricing Table Below
Russell Jay “Rusty” Kuntz is a well-known figure in Major League Baseball, recognized for a modest playing career but a much more impactful and long-lasting career as a coach.
Rusty Kuntz’s playing career spanned seven seasons in MLB as an outfielder. He played for the Chicago White Sox (1979-1983), Minnesota Twins (1983), and Detroit Tigers (1984-1985). Despite his limited playing time, Kuntz etched his name into World Series history. In the decisive Game 5 of the 1984 World Series against the San Diego Padres, with the score tied and the bases loaded, Kuntz pinch-hit for Johnny Grubb. He hit a pop-up to short right field that was caught by second baseman Alan Wiggins. However, Kirk Gibson tagged up from third base on the play, scoring the go-ahead run. This “game-winning RBI” (an official statistic at the time) proved to be the winning run as the Tigers went on to win the game and the series, securing Kuntz his first World Series ring as a player.
It’s in coaching that Rusty Kuntz has truly made his mark on baseball. He is highly regarded as one of the best baserunning and outfield coaches in the game.
After his playing career, Kuntz worked in the Houston Astros organization before becoming a first base coach for the Seattle Mariners (1989-1992). He then moved to the Florida Marlins (1995-1996, 1999-2000), where he earned a second World Series ring in 1997 as a roving instructor and later first base coach. He also coached for the Pittsburgh Pirates (2003-2005). Kuntz has had a long and impactful tenure with the Kansas City Royals. He served multiple stints as the team’s first base coach (2008-2010, 2012-2017, 2021). During his time with the Royals, he became a crucial part of their success, particularly during their run to two American League pennants and the 2015 World Series championship.
Rusty Kuntz shares this 1981 Topps “Future Stars” card with Fran Mullins and Leo Sutherland.
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Pricing Data For This Rookie Card
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Pricing chart includes raw card price & some graded card value estimates.
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