Charlie Bennett, catcher, Detroit, National League
The whole concept of Detroit having a team in the National League seemed so weird when I was 12. Bennett Park, named after Charlie, of course eventually became Tiger Stadium. How could a player have a stadium named after him and not be in the Hall of Fame?!
Charlie and his wife supposedly invented the chest protector, and poor Charlie lost his legs in a train accident which ended his career. He, along with fellow Detroit Wolverine Sam Thompson, used to team up to throw out the first pitch of the season well into the 1920's. I find the history of that team, and that era, fascinating. I only have one card of his though. I'd love an Old Judge some day.
