"Dead-ball" era Characters wanted....tell us of your favorites ?

[MooseWithFleas]

Donlin would go under the "What Could Have Been" category for me along with Joe Wood, Dick Allen, Darryl Strawberry, Bo Jackson, and Doc Gooden. It would be a great debate, but one could suggest the HoF begin to induct those who's career were cut short. Longevity takes too much stake in HoF candidacy. For instance, Joe Wood had amassed 117 wins by age 25 with an ERA+ near 150. He only started in one more game after that point though because of a freak thumb injury when bunting. There is no doubt that he was one of the most talented pitchers of his time. Isn't that what the HoF is for? Recognizing the best talents of specific generations?

Anyway, I don't want to stray too far off-topic.

"Ee-Yah" Hughie Jenkins has to be mentioned! Known for his "Ee-Yah!" shouts when something went well on the field. Dancing on the field and taunting the opponents (to the point of suspension) are some of his more famous shticks.

It's actually a miracle the guy lived til age 58 considering he jumped head first into an empty pool in the middle of the night, broken both of his legs, overturning his car and breaking his arm and fracturing his skull a second time. He also got hit by a pitch to the head and finished out the game. Shortly after he collapsed and remained unconscious for 3 days.