Bill Dahlen

Shortstop
  • Card series: Pilgrims
  • City: Brooklyn
  • Team: Superbas
  • League: National League

William Fredrick Dahlen (1870-1950) retired after 21 years for four ML clubs having played in more games than any other big leaguer. He was one of the most productive hitters of his era and a prolific shortstop (7,500 assists, 13,325 chances—still the record.) His 42-game hitting streak in 1894 is still the longest by a NL right-hander. “Bad Bill” (a fiery temper) led Brooklyn to titles his first two years with the franchise and finished his superb career as the Superbas’ player-manager 1910-13. Getting his wish to play for the Giants, he led the league in RBI in 1904 and provided great defense in the team’s first World Series win in ‘05.

  • Dahlen is still being considered for Cooperstown. He came close in 2012, falling two votes short
  • That year SABR’s 19th Century Committee named him the “Overlooked 19th Century Baseball Legend” recognizing great early players not in the Hall of Fame

Auction History

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