1978 Topps

In 1977, the Red Sox finished 2.5 games behind the Yankees. In November, they signed Mike Torrez away from the Yankees. In December, GM Haywood Sullivan traded their ace and future Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins to the Rangers because Don Zimmer, the Red Sox manager, didn’t like him.[1]

But in order to win the eastern division they would need a true front line starter and not just a ‘scoreboard’ pitcher in Torrez.  On March 30, 1978 they traded for Cleveland Indians’ 23 year-old ace Dennis Eckersely.

From June 21 – July 3, 1978 Dennis Eckersley face the Yankees THREE consecutive starts.

He won all 3 starts with a combined line of 24 IP, allowing 23 Hits, 8 ER, 6 BB, 19 Ks, 3.00 era including holding Reggie Jackson to 2 -11 with just 1 run, 1 walk & 4 ks.

After the July 3^rd win "Eck" had buried the Yankees 9 games back.

About the Card

1978 Topps is perfectly simple.   A classic design.   
When it comes to graded cards PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) dominates the vintage market but I prefer Beckett Grading Services.  
Their vintage grading division is titled Beckett Vintage Grading and subjectively speaking slightly more stringent.
Aside from the BVG moniker the slab itself is the same as a BGS slab although it doesn't feature sub grades. A practice I find to be a questionable mistake. 
If you're looking to purchase or grade vintage cards for resell value you have to go with PSA. Their registry competitions have given PSA a major premium over BVG.
If you're looking for the best protection - Beckett slabs are superior. 


Note
1. Bradley, Richard (2009), The Greatest Game, Free Press, pp.68-69