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T206CollectorGeorge Florian "Pinch" McBride was a former shortstop for the Milwaukee Brewers, Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, and the Washington Senators from 1901 to 1920. He started off with the short-lived Milwaukee Brewers (they moved to St. Louis, Missouri after the 1901 season and became the Browns), but he only had 12 at-bats in three games. After stints in semi-pro ball, he joined the Pirates in 1905 but was traded mid-season to the Cardinals. He did not become a regular starter until the 1908 season, when he joined the Senators and became their everyday shortstop. He never hit for a high average (his best season was in 1911 when he hit .235 with 11 doubles and 4 triples), but was very talented with the glove, leading the American League in fielding for four straight seasons (1912 - 1915). He was given the nickname "Pinch" for his ability to hit in the clutch.
In 1921, he was named manager of the Senators, succeeding Clark Griffith, and led the team to a 80-73 record (.523 winning percentage). At the end of the 1921 season, he was hit in the face with a ball during batting practice, paralyzing one side of his face. He was forced to retire from the Senators, but later joined the Detroit Tigers.
The following is a very beautiful example of his signature captured on a T206 card, encapsulated by SGC and certified authentic by JSA. The reverse has a spot of paper loss, but overall does not detract from the luster of this card.
SOLD!
