Hi Ted & Jantz,
Interesting theories.
I personally think ATC’s sensitivity to high customer interest in Midwestern teams among Polar Bear (Factory 6, Ohio) customers, particularly interest in the Cleveland Naps and St. Louis Browns and Cardinals,is a common thread that helps explain not only subject swaps in the 350/460 print run but also certain Polar Bear superprinting.
We know Nichols (Batting) and Rhoades (Arm Extended) were original 350/460 subjects who were pulled early from production -- not just from Polar Bear sheets but from all sheets.
We suspect that Demmitt (St. Louis) and O’Hara (St. Louis) were replacement 350/460 subjects on Polar Bear sheets.
And my 350/460 subject sales data show that Joss (Pitching) and Willis (Throwing) are unusually common with Polar Bear. (Let’s call these two “Polar Bear superprints," for short).
Now consider the career trajectories of these guys.
1. Nichols
Nichols was traded to Cleveland during the 1909 offseason and retired in April 1910 after playing only three games with the Tribe, making him a candidate for early removal.
2. Rhoades
Rhoades was a staple in the Cleveland rotation for many years who retired after the 1909 season, making him a candidate for early removal.
3. Demmitt
Demmitt was traded to the Browns during the 1909 offseason, making him a candidate for late addition.
4. O’Hara
O’Hara was acquired by the Cards during the 1909 offseason, making him a candidate for late addition.
5. Willis
Willis was a star hurler who was acquired by the Cards during the 1909 offseason after going 22-11 for the World Champion Pirates in 1909, making him a "Polar Bear superprint" candidate.
6. Joss
Joss was Cleveland’s star hurler for many years who threw his second no hitter in April 1910, making him a "Polar Bear superprint" candidate.
I don’t know exactly how all the pieces fit, but I do think there is a cause-and-effect relationship between ATC’s sensitivity to Midwestern team favoritism among Polar Bear (Factory 6, Ohio) customers and printing swaps/anomalies in the 350/460 subject group.
Scot
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