• Card series: 1880s: Diamond Duos
• City: Philadelphia
• Team: Quakers
• League: National League

Charlie Ferguson:

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

Tommy McCarthy:

Thomas Francis Michael McCarthy (1863-1922) failed as a pitcher, but established himself as a fast and intelligent outfielder and base runner over 13 professional seasons. While with the Boston Beaneaters from 1892-1895, he and Hugh Duffy were called the “Heavenly Twins” as they comprised one of the best outfield tandems of the era.

• Had a .292 lifetime average
• Although records are incomplete, he probably stole 500+ bases
• Introduced the Hit & Run play
• Elected to Hall of Fame: 1946