Signed in 1973 as a non-drafted free agent, Canadian Terry Puhl spent four seasons in the team's farm system before getting a callup to the majors in 1977. Promoted to fill a spot on the bench after a spate of injuries, Puhl immediately turned heads by going on a hitting tear that included a 17-game streak, cementing a place in the everyday lineup.

What followed was a 14-year career with the club lasting through the 1990 season. Puhl was never a superstar, but he was the kind of solid and consistent player upon which good clubs depend. Never known for power, Puhl compensated with good speed, excellent defense and a healthy batting average. When he finally hung up his spikes, Puhl had finished second only to Jose Cruz in all-time games played for the franchise.