Manufacturer: Topps
Set: 1975 Topps Baseball ➡️
Player Name: Larry Hardy
Position/Team: Pitcher for Padres
Card #: 112
Card Size: 2-1/2” x 3-1/2”
Card Values: See Pricing Table Below
Originally drafted by the Padres in the 23rd round of the 1970 amateur draft out of the University of Texas, Hardy spent three seasons in the big leagues as a right-handed relief pitcher. When Hardy broke camp with the Padres in 1974, manager John McNamara called his number constantly. Hardy appeared in 76 games—all but one coming out of the bullpen. His 76 appearances shattered the previous National League rookie record (70, set by Wayne Granger in 1969) and established a new Major League record for rookies, though it was eventually surpassed by Texas Rangers reliever Mitch Williams (80 games) in 1986. Hardy logged an impressive 101.2 innings of relief work, pitching his way to a 9–4 record with a 4.69 ERA and 2 saves. His 9 wins remained a high-water mark for a Padres pure reliever for years.
The massive workload of 1974 took a toll. Hardy appeared in only three games for San Diego in 1975 before being traded. He wrapped up his major league playing career in 1976 with the Houston Astros, sliding into a late-inning role where he notched 3 saves in 15 appearances.
This 1975 Topps #112 featuring the classic, vibrant two-toned borders of the ’75 set, this card captures Hardy in his classic San Diego Padres uniform. Because he didn’t share the card with other prospects (a common practice for rookies at the time), it stands out as his definitive standalone rookie card.
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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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