Most Interesting Old Judge Players

[bbcard1]

It is a great and expansive set during an era where most all ball players were characters. Though not obscure, i would submit Billy Sunday is as interesting as any player ever to play the game. After growing up in an orphanage, he carouser with the best of them, when he converted to Christianity at the height of his career and left the game to work in service. He found a knack for preaching and became the most significant evangelist of the early 20th century...I'd say the most significant evanagelist of all time behind Billy Graham and ...well....Jesus. He was the key and driving force behind prohibition and had prohibition "taken" would be considered one of the more significant people in American history. His ministered to millions in traveling revivals in days where there was at best crude amplification. His ministry was never tainted by allegations of wrongdoing, through some people thought he made too much money.

Here's an old clip of him preaching. :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QgQuc_1pyY

I wanted to be involved in Old Judge collecting though I only have a couple and I recently decided that a Billy Sunday run was the way I was going to go. Have one down...but they come up quite a bit and are not overly expensive considering.

[Wite3]

The Phillies seemed to be a magnet for interesting old judge players...mentioned before are Irwin and Decker, I am sure Delahanty, Gleason and Brouthers will be talked about as well.

Little known catcher Jack Clements was a very interesting player. Clements was a left handed catcher (nearly unheard of in the history of major league baseball). He was first catcher to catch 1000 games in the major leagues. Credited with creating and wearing the first chest protector. Only day to day player of the 19th century to retire with more HRs than triples. Actually held the record for HRs by a catcher (career and season) until 1925 (Gabby Hartnett broke it FYI).

Batters learned to duck when Jack threw down to second...rumored that he threw no matter what because if he hit the batter, it was often called interference and the runner would be out.

Clements was also rumored to be a true studier of the game and players. He would talk about opposing players often and their hitting styles, stances, base running, etc. helping his team.

Played his last major league game in 1900 with Boston.

Joshua

[auggiedoggy]

Originally Posted by bbcard1

He was the key and driving force behind prohibition and had prohibition "taken" would be considered one of the more significant people in American history.

Stone him!!!

[mybuddyinc]

Have never come to grips how someone could be so "cool" and so "common" at the same time ----

calbrown.jpg



------- and, yes, my only OJ.

[Joe_G.]

Bump!

I didn't have a chance to post while this thread was on the front page so I'm giving it a bump. I'd first like to thank Chuck for posting the sweet Hardy Richardson and Baby Anson story . I'll honor Chuck's nomination with a Goodwin & Co. Grand Slam (being that Detroit disbanded after 1888, this is the only way to hit 4 Detroit variations of the same pose).

Time willing, I'll introduce a new player and his family later this weekend.

[jcmtiger]

Don't have any stories, but here are my 1887 Detroit Players. Whoops date was hundred years off.

Joe

[z28jd]

Originally Posted by jcmtiger

Don't have any stories, but here are my 1987 Detroit Players.

Joe

They all look like Jack Morris, which one is he?

[cyseymour]

I might vote for Dude Esterbrook.