• Card series: Beginnings: 1880's
• City: Philadelphia
• Team: Quakers
• League: National League

Charles J. Ferguson (1863-1888) was considered by future Hall of Famer Wilbert Robinson to be the 5th best player of all-time when Ferguson succumbed to typhoid fever at age 25. Primarily a pitcher for the Quakers over four seasons, the right-hander also handled the outfield and second-base. He won at least 21 games each year and was lights-out in 1886, winning 30 with a 1.98 ERA (2nd in the league). Playing more outfield the next year, Ferguson not only won 22 but drove in 85 with a .327 average. The youngster was stricken before the ’88 season and never recovered.

• Hurled a no-hitter against the Providence Grays on Aug 29, 1885
• In tribute to this young warrior, the Quakers and three other NL teams wore black crepe for the entire 1888 season
• Decades later, W.B. Hanna dubbed him “the game’s best all around player”
• Robinson ranked Ferguson 5th all time after Cobb, Keeler, Ruth and Wagner