A couple years ago, I separated out a pile of ’70s Topps cards on which guys were called out as music lovers: generally little cartoons of a baseball player wearing headphones, with a bubbly caption to the effect of “Bob enjoys listening to records.” Then, with some help from Jack Smalling’s essential book of ballplayer addresses, I wrote to these players, and included a survey that asked them some questions about their musical pasts.

I was happy to get a few responses. (Then I moved like three times, and the letters went missing for a little while, but now they’re found.) Let’s start with Tommy Hutton.

Tom Hutton
1B/OF: Dodgers, Phillies, Blue Jays, Expos, 1966-1981

What styles of music did you most enjoy during your playing career?

Most Rock & Roll.

Who were your favorite artists?

Eagles, Bob Seger, Springsteen, AC/DC, Queen, Jackson Browne, Van Morrison, Dylan, etc.

What do you like to listen to now?

Mostly the same stuff, but enjoy new things as well. Two sons ages 30 & 25 keep me up to date.

What about that thing about once performing in Vegas?

Played guitar & sang with Maury Wills in the winter of 1971 at the old Las Vegas Hotel in downtown Vegas. Maury invited me to be part of his show and we did 3 shows a nite for 6 wks.