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Walter Blair

Catcher
  • Series: Pilgrims
  • City: New York
  • Team: Highlanders
  • League: American League

Walter Allen Blair (1883-1948) was a back-up catcher for the NY Highlanders from 1907-1911. After a two year absence from MLB, Blair finished his career with the Federal League’s Buffalo Blues. Those two years with the “outlaw” Federal League were his most productive offensively and he even served as manager for a doubleheader.

  • Left MLB for the college ranks, coaching Pitt and Bucknell
  • Inducted into the Bucknell Hall of Fame in 1987

Auction History

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T201 Mecca Canvas: Walter Blair

Chief Bender

Pitcher
  • Series: Pilgrims
  • City: Philadelphia
  • Team: Athletics (AL)
  • League: American League
  • Hall: National Baseball Hall of Fame

Charles Albert Bender (1884-1954) won 212 games en route to a Hall of Fame career. He began life amid the abject poverty of a Minnesota reservation, was mentored by Pop Warner at the Carlisle Indian School and hit the majors with a bang for the Athletics in 1903. “Albert” as Connie Mack called him, beat future Hall members Cy Young and Clark Griffith compiling 17 wins in his rookie season. He led the league 3x in win percentage but was at his best under pressure. In 5 World Series, Bender won 6 games with a 2.44 ERA and completed 9 of his 10 starts.

  • Connie Mack said that of all his players he would most trust Bender to win in the clutch
  • Admired for his brilliance, Ty Cobb dubbed him the most intelligent pitcher he ever faced
  • Elected to Hall of Fame: 1953

Auction History

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T201 Mecca Canvas: Chief Bender

Jack Barry

Shortstop
  • Series: Pilgrims
  • City: Philadelphia
  • Team: Athletics (AL)
  • League: American League

John Joseph Barry (1887-1961) was part of Connie Mack’s “$100,000” infield, with Stuffy McInnis, Eddie Collins and Home Run Baker, winning 4 pennants and 3 Series from 1910-14. Barry won even greater fame after retiring from MLB. He coached Holy Cross for 40 years, earning one of the highest winning % in collegiate history (.806).

  • Helped the Red Sox win the ’15 & ‘16 Series, then managed the club in 1917
  • Led Holy Cross to the 1952 College World Series title

Auction History

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T201 Mecca Canvas: Jack Barry

Frank Baker

Third Base
  • Series: Pilgrims
  • City: Philadelphia
  • Team: Athletics (AL)
  • League: American League
  • Hall: National Baseball Hall of Fame

John Franklin Baker (1886-1963) was released by his minor league mgr who declared he “could not hit.” Connie Mack needed a 3rd baseman and gave Baker a try at the end of the 1908 season. Baker played 13 years exclusively at 3rd. He wielded his 52-oz bat like no other in the dead ball era.

  • Led the AL in HRs 4 straight years for the Athletics
  • Helped Connie Mack’s team to 3 Series victories, closed his career with Babe Ruth’s Yankees
  • Elected to Hall of Fame: 1955

Auction History

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T201 Mecca Canvas: Frank Baker