- Series: Pioneer Portraits II: 1875-1899
- City: Boston
- Team: Beaneaters
- League: National League
- Hall: National Baseball Hall of Fame
Victor Gazaway Willis (1876-1947) pitched for the Beaneaters, Pirates and Cards over a 13-year career. The “Delaware Peach” was renowned for finishing his starts (388 of 471.) Willis won 22 of the Pirates’ 110 victories in 1909, leading his team to the World Series against Ty Cobb’s Tigers.
- Still holds the NL (modern) record for complete games: 45 in 1902
- Hurled his only no-hitter in 1899 (the last of the 19th Century)
- Elected to Hall of Fame: 1995
- Series: Pioneer Portraits II: 1875-1899
- City: Chicago
- Team: White Stockings
- League: National League
Edward Nagle Williamson (1857-1894). A 3rd baseman & shortstop for 3 teams over 13 seasons, Ned was an above average hitter & excellent defender (despite his portly physique). Ned held the single season HR record (27 in ’84) until topped by Ruth’s 29 in ’19. Ned’s career was shortened by a knee injury he sustained while participating in Al Spalding’s baseball world tour.
In 1894, the Reach Guide convened a panel of 11 former ballplayers, including HOFer Jim O'Rourke, to debate who was the greatest baseball player of all time. The panel concluded that the honor belonged to Ned Williamson. Cap Anson himself called Ned "the greatest all-around ballplayer the country ever saw."
- Won 5 NL pennants
- Played in two World Series
- Once owned single season doubles record: 49
- Series: Pioneer Portraits II: 1875-1899
- City: Boston
- Team: Beaneaters
- League: National League
James Evans Whitney (1857-1891) was a RHP with the Beaneaters who still ranks 4th in Atlanta franchise history in ERA. “Grasshopper Jim” played 10 seasons for 5 teams, ending his career in 1890 with the Athletics. Incredibly, he led the league in BOTH wins and losses (31-33) in his rookie campaign, leading Boston to the title.
- Was NL strikeout champ in 1883
- In 1884 he achieved a rare SO to Walk ratio of 10:1 (270-27)
- Series: Pioneer Portraits II: 1875-1899
- City: Buffalo
- Team: Bisons
- League: National League
- Hall: National Baseball Hall of Fame
James Laurie “Deacon” White (1847-1939). Considered the greatest catcher of baseball’s barehanded period (1870s), White eventually moved to 3rd base, played 23 seasons, won 6 championships, and played with a number of the century’s best players on a number of the century’s best teams.
- 1st person to bat in 1st pro league, in 1871, earning a hit – a double
- Reportedly believed the earth is flat
- 2 batting titles; 3 RBI titles
- Elected to Hall of Fame: 2013
- Series: Pioneer Portraits II: 1875-1899
- City: New York
- Team: Giants
- League: National League
Lewis W. Whistler, nee Wissler, (1868-1959) played four years in the majors beginning with the Giants in 1890-91. He played for Baltimore and Louisville in ‘92 before concluding his stint in the big leagues with the Colonels and Browns in 1893. Lew was primarily a first-baseman but saw duty at short and outfield. Over the four years he batted .244 with 133 RBI and a dozen dingers. According to Baseball-Reference, Whistler had a career .976 fielding percentage at first base, ranking him with Cap Anson, Dan Brouthers, Joe Start and Harry Stovey albeit over a much shorter term. Lew had come into the minors in 1887 with the Wichita Braves of the Western League and hit .320 in 25 games. The following year saw him with four Texas clubs where he couldn’t hit much at all. A good season with the Senators in the Atlantic Association launched him to New York.
- Whistler played sporadically for a dozen teams in six minor leagues following his time with the Browns. He ended his pro career in the Southern League playing for two teams: the Montgomery Black Sox and Memphis Egyptians from 1903-05
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