Portraits of Arthur Irwin are rare. This is simply a case of having struggled to make a card out of a particularly difficult image, only to find a better image later. This card is now an outtake and has been replaced by another.
Sargent Perry “Sadie” Houck (1856-1919) was a much-traveled shortstop, playing for seven teams over his eight year career. A native of Washington D. C., Houck debuted with the Boston Red Caps in 1879 and closed his playing days with the New York Metropolitans in 1887. Houck was among the first players to be blacklisted by the National League owners as management combined to assert its dominance over the then-unorganized players.
James G. Fogarty, (1864-1891) was a speedy outfielder and infielder with the Philadelphia Quakers of the NL and the Philadelphia Athletics of the Players’ League where he was also the manager. Fogarty was one of the swiftest of the early era, stealing a league high 99 bases in 1889. In his seven years in Philly, Fogarty was a consistent offensive contributor, driving in 35 to 58 runs each season.
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.
“Big Ed” Delahanty (1867-1903). Primarily an outfielder, Delahanty was one of the 19th century’s great power hitters. At .346, Big Ed has the 5th highest batting average of all-time. Ed once had 10 consecutive hits and twice had 6 hits in a game. One of five brothers to play pro baseball. Ed died in 1903, having been swept over Niagara Falls.
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