How about some "new" old judge trivia?

[oldjudge]

I knew Joe would want to comment on Lady Baldwin. Another great pitching performance in 1886 was turned in by Chicago's rookie Jacko Flynn. He had the same ERA as Baldwin, 2.24, and a better winning percentage at 23-6. He led Chicago to the pennant but, at the end of the season, injured his arm, never to be the same again. He doesn't have an 1887 card but does have an 1888 card (with Omaha). His card is the rarest non-California League card in the set.

[Joe_G.]

After a long day of work I was hoping to see more activity on this thread. Oh well.

Zach, interesting thought but I do not think it was a conspiracy. Afterall, Goodwin & Co. was trying to boost sales by offering the public cards of their favorite players and teams. If Goodwin objected to Detroit's acquisition of the big 4 and retaliated by not issuing certain players, I think they may have pulled Brouthers, Richardson, and Rowe together with White. The main objectors to the Buffalo team purchase were the other team owners.

On a financial side note, Detroit actually did well in 1886, 1887, and even 1888 due to the sale of their players. None of the Detroit share-holders lost money. The writing was on the wall however in 1888 when gate reciepts were no longer split, injuries to Thompson & Richardson (limited playing time), and a growing resentment towards manager Bill Watkins. Detroit was forced to either disband or become a shadow of its former glory.

And the answer I was looking for to my question was 1888.