Most Interesting Old Judge Players

[oldjudge]

Here is a biography that I found on line, from SABR, of Charlie Ferguson. Ferguson was one of the stars of the Natinal League when he fell victim to typhoid fever and died just prior to the 1888 season. To honor him, Goodwin & Co continued to issue his Old Judge cards through 1889. The picture in the article is not Ferguson, but is Jim Tyng.

http://sabr.org/bioproj/person/727aabbe

[Joe_G.]

Well, history has made George perhaps a little more interesting than should be. Since the OJ book was published, more details have come to light that suggest Treadway wasn't negro (in part or wholly) and that his career ran a somewhat normal course (although he did face racist taunts and slurs).

http://baseballhistorydaily.com/2012...orge-treadway/

I really have enjoyed this thread, so many more characters could be discussed.

[CW]

Great stuff, Joe, Joe, and Jay!

[Matthew H]

Fascinating stuff Joe, it's incredible how much you know about early Detroit Baseball, and their families!


Nice job to all, I'm blown away by how knowledgeable the Old Judge collectors/researchers here are.

[oldjudge]

The scarcest non-California League player in the Old Judge set is Jocko Flynn. Jocko was a one season wonder with the 1886 Chicago club. The following is another excellent SABR bio:

http://sabr.org/bioproj/person/dd24ba1b

[RCMcKenzie]

There is not a lot of biographical information about Mike Dorgan on the net. His wikipedia bio is brief, but includes the quote, "Once known as 'The greatest Ball player in the country' (citation needed)"

The fact that Dorgan had 17 different poses in the n172 set, suggests that he must have been one of the best players at that time. ( see pages 210-211 of The Photographic Baseball Cards of Goodwin & Co. (1886-1890).
jwooddorgan212.jpg

[RCMcKenzie]

lesliewoodcutexcerpt1134.jpg


Stop the presses.

This J Wood photo from the latest Legendary is actually of Thomas Deasley per my Leslie's woodcut...