Pre War -- Top 3
 

Who are the top 3 pre-war players that you collect, and why?

Ethan, as the OP, I feel that YOU should be the first to answer your question!

(1) Walter Johnson - Because he is the greatest pre-War pitcher, because he is the greatest player the Wash. Senators ever had, and because he was a wonderful human being!

(2) Edgar C. "Sam" Rice - Because he had the greatest career of any Wash. Senators position player and because he experienced an incredible tragedy - his wife, kids, and parents were killed by a tornado while Sam was playing minor league ball in a neighboring state at the beginning of his baseball career.

(3) James E. "Pete" Runnels - Because he was my favorite Wash. Senators player as a kid - it broke my heart when he got traded to Boston after the 1957 season, his worst because management wanted him to pull the ball more (he was a spray hitter) - When he got to Boston, Ted Williams suggested he go back to hitting like he used to, which resulted in Runnels winning the AL batting titles in 1960 & 1962. Sorry, but I had to cheat by including a post-War player!

I believe that Leon now requires that every post have some pics :) :

Cobb, Ruth & Waddell. Such distinct players on and off the field.

How about you Ethan?

Merkle, Street, Cobb.

Top 3
 

Ruth, Matty & Cobb

Top 3
 

I guess I was asking because I have really only delved into Cobb and Ruth. I am kinda torn about who else to pursue.

Cy Young, Harry Heilmann, Eddie Collins.

I would think Jackson would be the next logical choice for you. Or Wagner.

Ethan, it’s not Wagner. So no need to extend your collecting efforts there ;)

Just look at the first 5 inducted - Cobb, Ruth, Wagner, Wajo, Matty. It’s those guys plus Joe Jackson and Cy Young. Ruth and Cobb are 1&2. Which of the others is 3rd...? All of them in my opinion.

But for your collection, I think you need a pitcher.

Cobb, Johnson and Ruth for me.

3,000 hits? Who knew?
 

Top 3
 

Ryan - you have to add one more “biggie” along with Jackson & Young (beside the original 5 HOF Charter Members). Henry Louis Gehrig!

Top 3...or 4
 

Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson and Lou Gehrig. Edd Roush is on gehrig’s heels because I grew up near his hometown and knew some of his family members. But Gehrig edges Roush because I love a line drive slugger.

Ruth, Cobb and Young...just because... :)

http://luckeycards.com/r319rutha.jpg

My favorites always were Ty Cobb and Christy Mathewson, two decidedly different people.

Ruth, Cobb, Young.

My top 3 favorites......
 

Hal Chase

http://photos.imageevent.com/tedzan7...edHINDUx50.jpg . http://photos.imageevent.com/tedzan7...dHINDUx50b.jpg



Eddie Plank

http://photos.imageevent.com/tedzan7...nkSC150x30.jpg . http://photos.imageevent.com/tedzan7...SC150x30xb.jpg



Joe DiMaggio

http://photos.imageevent.com/tedzan7...dimaggio41.jpg . http://photos.imageevent.com/tedzan7...oedimaggio.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/tedzan7...DiMaggio25.jpg . http://photos.imageevent.com/tedzan7...iMaggio25b.jpg




TED Z

T206 Reference
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That is because you got their autographs in person!!

Here's a few...