John Walker Lapp (1884-1920) was a catcher for the White Sox and Athletics from 1908-16. Played a key role in Philadelphia’s 1911 Series win, catching 2 overtime games. Set a record with 5 runners caught stealing in game 3. Usually a reserve, he still caught over 500 games over his 9-yr. career.
T201 Mecca Canvas: Jack Lapp
Frank Breyfogle LaPorte (1880-1939) was an infielder for the Highlanders, Red Sox, Browns and Senators before ending his career in the ill-fated Federal League. His best year in the AL was 1911 when he hit a career-high .314. LaPorte struggled with a reputation for uninspired play and was bounced from club to club before trying the new “outlaw” Federal League.
T201 Mecca Canvas: Frank Laporte
Napoleon Lajoie (1885-1959) joined the American League at its inception and became its first superstar en route to a Hall of Fame career as one of the best all time 2nd basemen. In that first year of the junior circuit, Lajoie set a record never exceeded in the AL with a .426 BA (also never exceeded in the modern era in the NL). Won the Triple Crown in 1901 and 4 more AL batting titles.
T201 Mecca Canvas: Nap Lajoie
Dennis Patrick Aloysius Lyons (1866-1929) was a strong hitting third-baseman over a thirteen year career in the major leagues from 1885 with Providence to 1897 with the Pirates. His lifetime batting average was .310. In 1890 he led the American Association in on-base percentage and slugging, and was second to Chicken Wolf in BA. He hit 62 home runs in the Deadball Era and was known as a formidable fielder in the no-glove era. Lyons’ era was also a time of rapid evolution in the game. In 1887, the year Denny “hit” safely in 52 straight, the pitcher’s box had been tightened and the pitcher’s delivery shortened to one step. Walks were also considered hits that year which has caused most modern students of the game to dismiss his “streak,” second only to Joltin’ Joe. But DiMaggio didn’t have to hit a fastball hurled from fifty feet. Only two of the 52 games was affected by walks but they were in the middle of the run. Despite such quibbles, Lyons was clearly a very accomplished player both offensively and afield.
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.
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