If you have read "Fifty-nine in '84" (if you haven't, you should), you understand what Hoss Radbourn endured to win 59 (or 60) games with 73 complete games and 678.2 innings pitched. The 59 wins is a permanent (presumably) MLB record and the innings pitched is second all-time.
You also understand that Radbourn's decision to "pitch the rest of the season" meant that his battery mate, Barney Gilligan, would catch the rest of the season. Catching is difficult (and dangerous) today, but not nearly as brutal as it was in 1884. The physical trauma experienced by Gilligan was at least as difficult as that endured by Radbourn.
Gilligan eventually played for the Washington Nationals in 1886 and 1887, fortunate timing that allowed him to leave us this card.
https://www.net54baseball.com/attach...1&d=1616522018