[tbob]

Fred Merkle, a rookie, only started one game all year, this one. Regular first baseman Fred Tenney had lumbago and did not start this one game. It should be pointed out that Merkle years later ended up being the captain of the Giants and had a decent career. Merkle did nothing that other players didn't do at that time, but he was forever taunted by fans, media and others as "Bonehead" Merkle.
Fred Snodgrass in a Game 7 of the World Series years later, dropped an easy fly ball in the 9th inning against the Red Sox. Snodgrass was an excellent defensive outfielder and later that inning made a tremendous catch of a line over his head but when the Red Sox rallied to win, Snograss was the goat. In his obituary some 70 years later, it said "Fred Snodgrass dies, muffed fly ball in Series."
Both played for John McGraw who also witnessed the famous 9th inning foul pop which Chief Meyers muffed when he thought Matty was going to take it which resulted in Mathewson being denied a 7th Game win and a championship. The Giants were truly cursed....