Old Judge Trivia Question Thread

[oldjudge]

Originally Posted by darwinbulldog

For anyone who complains about the current Hall voters, there are few mistakes more egregious than taking 14 years to induct Kid Nichols. I don't expect many people will agree with me, but Nichols was the single best player of the 19th century.

I think he may have been the best pitcher who played solely in the 19th century. However, I think Delahanty and George Wright were the two greatest 19th century players.

[oldjudge]

Bobby—My guesses would be Brouthers, Tip O’Neal, and Billy Hamilton

[BobbyStrawberry]

Jay, you have two out of the three, including the #1 player that Fred also had.

Hamilton is #1 (.455) and Brouthers is #2 (.423). Other guesses before I give a hint?

-Matthew

[BobbyStrawberry]

Alright, here's a hint: this player is best known for playing with the Cleveland Spiders during the 1890s.

[molenick]

I cheated and looked it up. I would never have guessed this person, but I do know who he is because I keep voting for him whenever there is a poll about overlooked HOF candidates. My guesses were more obvious (Hamilton, Delahanty, Brouthers).

[Misunderestimated]

The Cleveland Spiders hint gave it away ---- Cupid Childs ? Shortish career for a HOFer and one of the 19th Century guys who benefits from analytics. I doubt that people thought he was the greatest 2nd basemen of his time when he was playing. I think Bill James listed him as the best 2B of the 1890's Bid McPhee won the 1880's, played a lot longer, and was a legendary fielder.

My vote for the 19th Century who was overlooked too long would be Hamilton -- they got to him in 1961. If the object of the game is to score more runs than the other team (which it is) he was one of the best ever. Hamilton scored more than one run per game that he played for his career.

[BobbyStrawberry]

Brian, you are correct! Childs put up a career .416 OBP. Not too bad!

[RUKen]

Originally Posted by oldjudge

I think he (Kid Nichols) may have been the best pitcher who played solely in the 19th century. However, I think Delahanty and George Wright were the two greatest 19th century players.

I just wanted to point out that Kid Nichols pitched in the major leagues 1890-1901 and 1904-1906; his career was not confined to the 19th Century.