Albert L. "Al" Orth. Pitcher with the Washington Senators in 1902-1904. 204 wins and 6 saves in 15 MLB seasons. He was the MLB wins leader in 1906. He was known as "The Curveless Wonder" relying on control and differing speed.
He debuted with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1895-1901. His best season may have been 1901 with Philadelphia as he posted a 20-12 record with a 2.27 ERA in 281.2 innings pitched. He finished his career with the New York Highlanders in 1904-1909.
In the years before the National League provided for two umpires per game, it was not unusual for both teams in a baseball game to choose one of their players to alternate umpiring duties if the regular umpire failed to appear for the game. Orth sometimes served in this role and in one game umpired and pinch-hit in the same game. After he stopped playing, Orth debuted as an umpire in the NL in 1912 and in 1917 was the umpire when Toney and Vaughn each pitched 9 innings of no-hit baseball, the only time it has happened.
Like many of his Philadelphia teammates, following the 1907 season Orth jumped to the American League, signing with Washington. That fortunate decision allowed him to leave us this card.
https://www.net54baseball.com/attach...1&d=1616665639