Manufacturer: Topps
Set: 1980 Topps Baseball ➡️
Player Name: Tom Brookens
Position/Team: 3rd Base for Tigers
Card #: 416
Card Size: 2-1/2” x 3-1/2”
Card Values: See Pricing Table Below
Brookens played 12 seasons (1979–1990) in the Major Leagues, primarily with the Detroit Tigers, followed by short stints with the New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians.
1984 World Series Champion: Brookens was an essential part of the legendary 1984 Tigers team that started the season 35–5. While he platooned at third base, he provided crucial defensive depth and grit throughout their championship run.
The “Pennsylvania Poker”: Legendary broadcaster Ernie Harwell gave him this nickname, a play on the “Pennsylvania Polka,” in a nod to Brookens’ home state and his consistent hitting.
Emergency Catcher: In one of the most famous displays of his “team-first” attitude, Brookens—who had never caught a professional game in his life—was forced to don the catcher’s gear during a 1985 game against the Rangers. He caught five “flawless” innings from the 11th to the 15th until the Tigers finally secured a win.
Brookens remained a loyal member of the Tigers organization long after his playing days ended. He managed in their minor league system and eventually returned to the big league club as a coach under manager Jim Leyland, serving as the first base and later third base coach from 2009 to 2013.
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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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