Swings and misses

Fran Healy caught for nine seasons in the majors, mostly as a reserve for the San Francisco Giants, Kansas City Royals and New York Yankees. He had one season as a starter, playing 139 games for the Royals in 1974. He hit .252 with nine home runs, 53 RBIs and 59 runs scored that year. Healy was a member of the 1977 Yankees’ team that won the World Series. He did not, however, appear in the postseason. Following his playing career, Healy was a broadcaster for the Yankees and the New York Mets.

Dave Heaverlo pitched in 356 major-league games between 1975-1981 for the San Francisco Giants, Oakland A’s and Seattle Mariners. He was used exclusively out of the bullpen and did not make a start in his career. His best year came in 1978 when he saved 10 games for the A’s.

A veteran of 18 seasons, Denny Walling played in the majors from 1975-1992, posting a .271 career average with 49 home runs. His best year came for the Houston Astros in 1986. He hit .312 that season with 13 home runs, 58 RBIs and 54 runs scored. All of these numbers were career highs. His production at the plate helped the Astros reach the playoffs, where they fell to the New York Mets in the National League Championship Series. Walling was a great pinch hitter. He ranks 13th all time in pinch hits. Following his playing career, Walling has worked as a hitting instructor for many teams.