1963 was an exciting year for the MLB, with a fresh crop of talented rookies entering the league. One of the standout rookie cards from that year is the 1963 Rookie Stars card featuring four promising players – Rogelio Alvarez, Dave Roberts, Bob Saverine, and Tommy Harper.
Rogelio Alvarez, a right-handed pitcher, was signed by the San Francisco Giants as an amateur free agent in 1962. He made his MLB debut in 1963, appearing in 17 games for the Giants and starting in 7 of them. Alvarez had a rough start to his career, posting a 0-6 record with a high ERA of 6.53. Despite the early struggles, he showed flashes of potential and went on to have a solid career, playing 9 seasons with the Giants and Chicago White Sox.
Dave Roberts, an infielder, was drafted by the Kansas City Athletics in 1962 and also made his debut in 1963. He started out as a utility player, playing multiple positions for the A’s. In his rookie year, Roberts hit .289 with 10 home runs and 35 RBIs, earning himself a spot on the All-Star team. He continued to showcase his versatility and became a well-respected player in the league, playing 13 seasons with the A’s, Pittsburgh Pirates, and San Diego Padres.
Bob Saverine, an infielder, was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 1962. He made his debut the following year, appearing in 33 games for the Tigers. Saverine was known for his strong arm and defensive skills, playing primarily at second base and shortstop. He had a career batting average of .224, but his contributions on the defensive side of the game were highly valued. Saverine played 5 seasons in the MLB, all with the Tigers.
Tommy Harper, an outfielder, was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in 1960 but didn’t make his debut until 1963 with the Milwaukee Braves. He quickly established himself as a top prospect, finishing his rookie year with a .278 batting average, 15 home runs, and 67 RBIs. Harper’s speed was also a major asset, stealing 21 bases in his rookie season. He went on to have a successful 15-year career, playing for 6 different teams and was known as a reliable hitter and base-stealer.
The 1963 Rookie Stars card featuring Alvarez, Roberts, Saverine, and Harper captures the beginning of their promising careers. These four players all had different paths and experiences in the MLB, but they each played a significant role in shaping their respective teams. This card not only represents the young talent that entered the league in 1963 but also serves as a reminder that even the most successful players have to start somewhere.