OK, to try and categorize some themes, it feels like here are some reasons a players cards might be higher OTHER than baseball ability:
1. Post baseball career (I think this category would encompass Berg, Uecker, and any another player who went on to be a politician, actor, etc.)
2. Tragedy (Ray Chapman)
3. Overcoming physical disabilities ("Dummy" Hoy, Jim Abbot, etc.)
4. Religious or Heritage (Jewish players, Native American players, etc. or other traits valued by large collector bases).
5. Freak Athlete in Other sports (Jim Thorpe, Michael Jordan, Bo Jackson)
What am I missing here?
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