I have mentioned 'art cards' before without much interest. However, one of my favorite sources of such cards, Ars Longa Art Cards, has really good write-ups on the players portrayed.
It has been several months since any of these cards have been listed on EBAY ; I hope everyone is okay.
Anyway, I was just looking up Phenomenal Smith to find out where he got his name:
'John Francis Smith (1864-1952). Despite his name, Smith never had a winning season in the major leagues, going 54-74 for 6 different teams over 8 seasons. Smith earned his nickname after striking out 16 batters in a minor league game. Before one game, Smith bragged he was so good that he did not need his teammates; they proceeded to commit 14 errors & Smith lost the game 18-5. The players were fined $500 and Smith was released.
•Discovered Christy Mathewson
•Won a minor league batting title'
http://arslongaartcards.com/
Lots of fun reads!