Noteworthy players and their cards: Lave Cross

[z28jd]

I noticed this a few years ago, and it has changed since then (adding two players to the total) due to Negro League players from 1920-48 being considered Major League players BUT there were seven players with the last name Cross in the majors from 1884 through 1901. There has been one in the AL/NL/FL since 1901. How did Cross go from one of the most common names in baseball to one of the least common?

Also, I'm a fan of Lave Cross going into Cooperstown. I don't think people properly credit him for being a catcher at the start of his career. He caught during each of his first eight seasons (technically nine if you count one game in 1895). He then moved to third base and led the league in fielding percentage five times. He moves to third base earlier in his career and then he plays more often during his early years, so he compiles more stats. You have to factor in his catching when looking at the overall package.

Eight of his ten most comparable players all-time are in the Hall of Fame according to Baseball-Reference.

[Michael Peich]

Good thread.

I've always liked Lave as well and offer here one of the most difficult cards in Series 5 of T210. It took me 6+ years to find this card and complete the series.

Cheers,
Mike

[sb1]

His Sporting Life debut