• A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • K
  • L
  • M
  • N
  • O
  • P
  • Q
  • R
  • S
  • T
  • U
  • V
  • W
  • X
  • Y
  • Z

Pretzels Getzein

Pitcher
  • Series: Pioneer Portraits II: 1875-1899
  • City: Detroit
  • Team: Wolverines
  • League: National League

Charles H. Getzein (1864-1932) mastered the “pretzel curve,” thrown with a skipping delivery and a sharp overhand swing. The pastry analogy may have been hyperbole, but he was able to baffle hitters for nine major league seasons for five teams. Charlie came into his own with the Detroit Wolverines and was stellar in 1886-87 winning 59 games plus hurling six complete games in the ’87 “Series.”

  • Game 6 of that tourney was witnessed by 10,000 at the Polo Grounds. Getzein no-hit St Louis for 8 innings, shutting them out en route to a Detroit championship
  • Teamed with catcher Charlie Ganzel, a duo sports writers dubbed the “Pretzel Battery”
  • Career record: 145-139 including 277 complete games with an ERA of 3.46

Auction History

Dan Brouthers

First Base
  • Series: Pioneer Portraits II: 1875-1899
  • City: Detroit
  • Team: Wolverines
  • League: National League
  • Hall: National Baseball Hall of Fame

Dennis Joseph Brouthers (1858-1932). One of the truly great hitters of the 19th century, Big Dan played for 10 different teams over 19 seasons. He lead the league in OBP 5x, SLG% 7x, Runs 2x, Hits 3x, Doubles 3x, HRs 2x, & RBI 2x. In an unfortunate incident, catcher Johnny Quigley died of injuries sustained from a home plate collision with Dan.

  • One of 29 to play in 4 decades
  • Career .342 BA is 9th all-time
  • Career .423 OBP is 15th all-time
  • Elected to Hall of Fame: 1945

Auction History

Charlie Bennett

Catcher
  • Series: Pioneer Portraits II: 1875-1899
  • City: Detroit
  • Team: Wolverines
  • League: National League

Charles Wesley Bennett (1854-1927). A catcher for 4 teams over 15 seasons, Bennett was an above average hitter and one of the best defensive catchers of the 19th century. He lead the NL in FLDG % 7 times and is credited with inventing the chest protector. Bennett played all 7 seasons of the Detroit Wolverines existence and the Detroit Tigers’ 1st ballpark was named for him: Bennett Park.

  • Won 2 World Series: ’87 & ’92
  • Lost both legs when he slipped & fell under a train

Auction History