Manufacturer: Topps
Set: 1976 Topps Baseball ➡️
Player Name: Kent Tekulve
Position/Team: Pitcher for Pirates
Card #: 112
Card Size: 2-1/2” x 3-1/2”
Card Values: See Pricing Table Below
Few baseball players in the late 1970s and 1980s were as instantly recognizable or as structurally unique as Kent Tekulve. Standing a lanky 6’4″ and famously sporting thick, dark-rimmed glasses, “Teke” was the quintessential rubber-armed relief ace of his era.
Tekulve utilized a strict, low-to-the-ground submarine/sidearm delivery. His knuckles scraped so close to the dirt that his release point completely baffled right-handed hitters, creating a heavy, sinking action that induced an endless stream of ground balls. Because the mechanics of a true submariner put less stress on the overhand rotator cuff, Tekulve was able to take on a staggering, historical workload.
The 1979 “We Are Family” World Series: Tekulve was the ironclad door-slammer for the 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates. He tied a then-World Series record by saving 3 games against the Baltimore Orioles, including striking out Pat Kelly for the final out in Game 7 to seal the championship.
The 90-Game Milestone: Tekulve is one of only two pitchers in Major League history (alongside Mike Marshall) to appear in 90 or more games in a single season three different times (1978, 1979, and 1987).
The Ageless Wonder: In 1987, at the age of 40, he led the National League by pitching in 90 games for the Philadelphia Phillies. He remains the oldest pitcher ever to cross the 90-game threshold in a season.
The Ultimate Reliever Record: Over a 16-year career with the Pirates, Phillies, and Reds, Tekulve pitched in 1,050 games—and never made a single major league start. He retired holding the MLB record for the most career appearances and innings pitched without a start.
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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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Did You Know? Beyond the diamond, Tekulve’s approachable, distinct look made him a pop-culture favorite in Pittsburgh. In 1983, he famously appeared on an episode of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, donning his full Pirates uniform to chat with Fred Rogers and explain the mechanics and joy of playing baseball to children.
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