1953 Topps Project - Eddie Miksis

Time for the first addition of 2014 to The 1953 Topps Project, Mr. Eddie Miksis of the Chicago Cubs...

Eddie enjoyed a 14-year MLB career that began with the Brooklyn Dodgers all the way back in 1944.  Brooklyn pursued Miksis as a youngster, but it was hard to crack that lineup as a teenage infielder with names like Reese and Robinson on the roster.  During the 1951 season he was dealt to the Chicago Cubs, where he remained through the end of 1956.  After that he hung on for two more years where he saw time with St. Louis, Baltimore and Cincinnati before hanging up the spikes.  He was basically your classic utility player, having played all four infield positions and patrolled the outfield during his time as a pro.

Of his 14 MLB seasons, Eddie appeared in 100 games or more just 4 times.  He admirably missed close to two years of play while, like so many athletes of this generation, he served his country (Navy) at the tail end of World War II.

Miksis is also famous for lending some young guy named Ernie Banks (a man who would largely marginalize Eddie's playing time) a glove during Banks' first spring training.  Eddie passed away in 2005 at the age of 78.

Set Progress:  62 of 274 (23%)