The Dale Murphy Collection #2: Rookie Reprise

Coming off his Major League debut in 1976, Dale Murphy had already been recognized by Topps as a potential star when they included him on a four-player catching prospects card in the 1977 set. Murph was then once again showcased in 1978 with three other young catchers on a four-panel "Prospects" card.

Featuring Bo Diaz of the Red Sox, Ernie Whitt of the Blue Jays, Lance Parrish of the Tigers, and soon-to-be first baseman Dale Murphy, the card itself is a classic example of Topps' multi-player rookie cards of the era. With a clean, simple design, it divided its real estate among four aspiring backstops, each peering out from a small, thumbnail-sized box. 

At the time of its release, there was little to distinguish one player from the next for the average collector. They were all simply "prospects," players who had a shot at a solid big-league career behind the plate. And unlike many of the four player prospect cards of the past, each player on card #708 enjoyed successful major league careers, albeit at different levels of success.  

Bo Diaz was a two-time All-Star over the course of a 13 year Major League career and was known for his strong arm, solid defense behind the plate, and enough pop to be a menace at the plate. 

Ernie Whitt carved out a long and admirable 15-year career (which included 1 All-Star appearance), most notably with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he became a fan favorite and an anchor for the franchise through its formative years. 

Lance Parrish would go on to have the most successful career as a catcher among the four. He became the cornerstone for a powerful Detroit Tigers team, winning three Gold Gloves, six Silver Slugger awards, and making eight All-Star teams. His inclusion on this card was prescient; he was, by every measure, a successful and impactful player who fulfilled his prospect promise.

And then there was Dale Murphy. Drafted by the Braves as a catcher in 1974, his career behind the plate was famously short-lived. Plagued by erratic throws to second base—a case of the "yips" that threatened to derail his career—the Braves' organization made a fateful decision. Recognizing his immense athletic talent and powerful bat, they moved him out from behind the plate, first to first base and then, most successfully, to center field. And the rest, as they say, is history.