- Series: Pioneer Portraits II: 1875-1899
- City: Chicago
- Team: Colts
- League: National League
John Perkins Luby (1869-1899) pitched for the Chicago Colts and Louisville Colonels from 1890-95, compiling a 40-41 record. In his rookie season for Cap Anson’s Colts, Luby won 18 straight lifting the club to a 2nd place finish. This flash of brilliance was followed by a steady decline due to alcohol abuse, and a very early death at 30.
- Luby still holds the dubious record of three hit-batters in an inning.
- Playing in a tempestuous era, Luby lost one victory in ’92 by forfeit due to a home fan riot
- Series: Pioneer Portraits II: 1875-1899
- City: Chicago
- Team: Columbia Giants
- League: Independent
George “Chappie” Johnson (1877-1949) was a popular and talented catcher for the early Negro teams. His playing days ended just as the “Negro Major Leagues” began @1920. Johnson broke color barriers with several teams for whom he could not play but valued his expertise as coach and trainer, especially in spring training.
- Innovated shin guards at his position
- Owned and managed several successful teams such as the Dayton Chappies
- A skilled handler of pitchers, Johnson was a mainstay for many of the top Black clubs
- Series: Pioneer Portraits II: 1875-1899
- City: Chicago
- Team: Colts
- League: National League
- Hall: National Baseball Hall of Fame
Clark Calvin Griffith (1869-1955) was a successful pitcher for over 20 years but had only just begun his baseball career. AL founder Ban Johnson prevailed on Griffith to take the helm of the NY entry into the new league in 1903. That began a tenure as manager and owner that lasted until Griffith’s death in 1955. With a showman’s touch and a veteran player’s savvy, Griffith turned around the D.C. franchise.
- Only one in history to be a player, manager and owner for over 20 years in each role
- Counted eight U.S. presidents as friends during his long tenure as owner of the Senators
- Elected to Hall of Fame: 1946
- Series: Pioneer Portraits II: 1875-1899
- City: Chicago
- Team: White Stockings
- League: National League
“Piano Legs” (1857-1933). An outfielder for 4 teams over 14 major league seasons, Gore was an excellent hitter who played on 7 pennant winning teams and in 4 World Series. His alcoholism oftentimes put him at odds with teammates, fans, and managers.
- All-time leader in OF errors: 368
- Stole 7 bases in 1 game; a record
- Had 5 extra-base hits in 1 game: a record he achieved by hitting 3 doubles & 2 triples against Old Hoss Radbourn
- Won NL batting title: 1880
- Series: Pioneer Portraits II: 1875-1899
- City: Chicago
- Team: White Stockings
- League: National League
Abner Dalrymple (1857-1939) was one of the most prolific hitters of the fledgling NL. He was the leadoff batter for 8 straight years (with 5 pennants) for the Chicago White Stockings, contributing to a team home run record in 1884 that stood until eclipsed by the ’27 Bronx Bombers. He hit over .300 six times.
- Still shares a record for 4 doubles in 4 at-bats, July 3, 1883
- A.G. Spalding paid $2500 (!) to get Dalrymple from the Milwaukee Grays in 1878
- Dalrymple earned that confidence, winning the NL batting title in his rookie year
- In 1881 became first ever batter to be intentionally walked with bases loaded
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