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Bob ManningRobert Vavoseur “Death to Flying Things” Ferguson (1845-1894), alleged to have been nicknamed for his fielding prowess. (The original “Where Triples Go to Die?”) Except he was an infielder, and hardly a Steady Eddie. Playing third with the Brooklyn Atlantics in 1873 came close to making more errors ( 104) than putouts (109) thereby “achieving” a fielding average of .755. His career FA was a robust .849
Moses Yellowhorse – the first full-blooded Native American to play ML baseball, alas introduced to alcohol by Pirate teammate Rabbit Maranville. Relief pitcher who, long after he left the Pirates, was remembered by frustrated fans who, on appropriate occasions, would shant "Bring in Yellowhorse."
Joe Bauman – hit 72 homers while playing for the Roswell Rockets in 1954, at age 33. (Yes, that Roswell.) Never played ML ball.
Steve Bilko – “Stout Steve” (6’1”, 230 lbs), first to play for both the Dodgers and the Angels, last to hit a homer at Wrigley Field … Los Angeles. Outstanding minor league hitter; could never quite duplicate his act in he majors.
Germany Schaefer, added one to the rulebooks by successfully stealing first base. Had originally stolen second as the back half of a double steal. The lead runner was also successful. So at the next opportunity, Schaefer took off for first, hoping the confusion would allow the run to score. Legend suggests that it did. By the 20’s, players were barred from repeating the stunt.
Homer Peel, (see ’34 Goudey #88) Great name; sounds like the kid who sat behind you in social studies who picked his nose and ended up in hardware. With the Houston Buffaloes managed to single in a run while hitting into a triple play.
08-20-2008, 06:19 AM
Favorite Pre-1960 Obscure Player(s)
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