• Card series: Pioneer Portraits I: 1850-1874
• City: Cincinnati
• Team: Red Stockings (NABBP)
• League: National Association (NABBP)

Douglas L. Allison (1846-1916) helped create the “Dead Ball Era” by cannily moving his catcher position closer to the plate, thus drastically reducing steals. Run production plummeted from 50-60 per game thanks in part to this savvy early player. Doug was present at the creation of professional baseball: an original Cincinnati Red Stocking in the NABBP.

• Later, Doug starred for the Washington Olympics, inaugurating the National Association (NAPBBP) in 1871
• He is credited as the 1st professional player to use a glove when he donned buckskin mittens to catch a game for the Cincinnati Red Stockings against the Washington Nationals, 6.28.1870
• Purportedly made pitchers chase down their own wild pitches
• Allison was hearing impaired. The Boston Globe reported that Allison suffered his hearing loss during his service with the Union Army during the Civil War.
• Brother Art Allison was an MLB outfielder over five seasons, 1871-1876
• Occasionally umpired games from 1872-1875
• Managed the 1873 Elizabeth Resolutes of the NA to a 2-21 record.
• Because he played in the second game in MLB history (5.5.1871), he is credited with the 17 other players that day as the 27th player to debut in MLB. (The 18 players in game #1 are all credited as the 9th player to debut in MLB).
• Died at age 70 en route to his job at the Post Office

These are reportedly Allison’s hands after years of catching barehanded: