Cy, I like the idea that the name could possibly have something to do with his religious beliefs. People already knew him as "Deacon", and I'd like to believe people were clever enough to create something with similar meaning. I still believe it was a jab at his appearance, so with the fictitious name actually having meaning... That would be pretty cool.
If you look closer at pg87 of the OJ book, you'll notice it says "...the oldest player in the league, was
apparently better suited to manage..."
No need for etymology, see the standard definition. It seems to me this was left open to interpretation.
Also, I'm pretty sure Joe was complementing your beautiful Delahanty card, offering to trade one of his Deacon White cards for it. I'm surprised you weren't able to decipher that one. Personally, I'd hold him to that statement, but that's just me.
