After his playing career, Koplitz went on to star in 'WKRP in Cincinnati' as bumbling newsman Les Nessman.

Did anyone not first read that as Howie Kendrick?

Did anyone not first read that as Howie Kendrick?

I usually read Howie Kendrick as Howie Koplitz because Repoz has seared this card into my mind.

That card looks to be from the mid 60s and the man in it looks like he was in his 50s at least at the time. No WAY was Koplitz only 73. Was he from a South American country?

Those clear frames...why, you can hardly tell he has glasses on at all.

It's a 1966 Topps card. If you didn't know better, you'd think he was a senator, rather than a Senator.

My grandpa played baseball in the mid-60's? When HE was in his mid 60's? Amazing.

He is remembered as a nice guy with a major league arm, who enjoyed the game of baseball.

The card pretty much nails him then.

Believe it or not, Koplitz was once looked upon as the Tigers' pitcher of the future, after he'd gone 23 and 3 with a 2.11 ERA for Birmingham of the Southern Association in 1961. What didn't seem to be noticed was that the Southern Association was in its last year, and as the last all-white league left in professional baseball its level of competition made that 23-3 record a bit dubious.

The card pretty much nails him then.

It also shows that he and Clint Courtney could've shared a Playgirl centerfold.