Posted By:
J HullI think what's been said already is pretty much the "method". The vast majority of minor leaguers pictured on T206s had spent some time with a major league club, usually prior to 1909. That is, they'd made it to the majors, performed for some number of seasons, and then been demoted in some way (trade, sale, or waivers) and continued their career in the lesser leagues. Given their time in the big leagues and the attendant news coverage, these players had a level of national name recognition that players who'd always been in the minors couldn't achieve. I think that's the largest factor.
Another thing to keep in mind is that being the team's manager also increased one's profile. By my rough list I note the following player-managers pictured:
Eastern League:
Dunn - Baltimore
Casey - Montreal
Ganzel - Rochester
Kelley - Toronto
American Association:
Clymer - Columbus
Carr - Indy
Collins - Minneapolis
Abbott - Toledo
Southern League:
Molesworth - Birmingham
Greminger - Montgomery
Bernhardt - Nashville
Virgina League:
Orth - Lynchburg
Shaughnessy - Roanoke
Lipe - Richmond
South Atlantic League:
Mullaney - Jacksonville
Jamie