- Series: Pilgrims
- League: National League
- Hall: National Baseball Hall of Fame
William Joseph Klem (nee Klimm) (1874-1951) was the great founding-father of baseball umpiring. He brought a level of expertise and dignity that helped transform officiating and the game itself. And he was colorful: “It ain’t nothin’ till I call it;” “Gentlemen, he was out because I said he was out;” and “Son, when you pitch a strike, Mr. Hornsby will let you know.”
- Joined the NL crew in 1905, worked a record 18 World Series (no one else did more than 10)
- Was the longest-tenured and oldest umpire until exceeded in both by Bruce Froemming
- Elected to Hall of Fame: 1953
Auction History
Cartophilia
T201 Mecca Canvas: Fred Odwell
- Series: Pilgrims
- City: New York
- Team: Giants
- League: National League
- Hall: National Baseball Hall of Fame
William Henry Keeler (1872-1923) retired in 1910 trailing only Cap Anson in career hits with 2932. He still stands 14th in all of ML baseball in that category. Keeler’s proficiency with the bunt led baseball to change the rules, making a two-strike foul an out. In 13 of his 19 seasons, little William (5’4”) hit over .300 with a BA of .341.
- Ned Hanlon brought Keeler to his Orioles in 1894, building one of the most formidable teams ever. Keeler was one of seven future Hall of Famers on Baltimore’s squad
- No less an authority than John McGraw said “Keeler had the best batting eye I have ever seen.”
- Elected to Hall of Fame: 1939
Auction History
Cartophilia
T201 Mecca Canvas: Grant McGlynn
- Series: Pilgrims
- City: St. Louis
- Team: Cardinals
- League: National League
- Hall: National Baseball Hall of Fame
Miller James Huggins (1879-1929) played 2B for the Reds and Cards (1904-16), then managed the Cards and Yankees during the latter’s dominant decade, winning 6 AL pennants and 3 World Series. Despite a low-key style, Huggins shook up the NY roster, drawing heavily from the Red Sox and even reined in the mighty Babe, laying the groundwork for Murderers’ Row.
- Presided over consecutive World Series sweeps in 1927 & 28
- Following Huggins’ untimely death at age 50, all AL games were canceled in tribute
- Elected to Hall of Fame: 1964
Auction History
Cartophilia
T201 Mecca Canvas: Miller Huggins
- Series: Pilgrims
- City: Boston
- Team: Doves
- League: National League
Charles Lincoln Herzog (1885-1953) was loved and hated by John McGraw: “I hate his guts, but I want him on my club.” Traded 3x and brought back to the Giants twice, this most versatile of infielders played with a fire matched by few of his era. His 1,493 career games were equally divided between 2nd, 3rd and shortstop.
- Herzog’s 12 hits in the 1912 Series stood as the record for half a century
- Always a shrewd negotiator, signed a record $12K minor league contract in 1920
Auction History
Cartophilia
T201 Mecca Canvas: Buck Herzog
- Series: Pilgrims
- City: Cincinnati
- Team: Reds (NL)
- League: National League
- Hall: National Baseball Hall of Fame
Clark Calvin Griffith (1869-1955) was a successful pitcher for over 20 years but had only just begun his baseball career. AL founder Ban Johnson prevailed on Griffith to take the helm of the NY entry into the new league in 1903. That began a tenure as manager and owner that lasted until Griffith’s death in 1955. With a showman’s touch and a veteran player’s savvy, Griffith turned around the D.C. franchise.
- Only one in history to be a player, manager and owner for over 20 years in each role
- Counted eight U.S. presidents as friends during his long tenure as owner of the Senators
- Elected to Hall of Fame: 1946
Auction History
Cartophilia
T201 Mecca Canvas: Harry Baker
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