Bill Dahlen

Shortstop
  • Series: Pilgrims
  • City: Brooklyn
  • Team: Superbas
  • League: National League

William Fredrick Dahlen (1870-1950) retired after 21 years for four ML clubs having played in more games than any other big leaguer. He was one of the most productive hitters of his era and a prolific shortstop (7,500 assists, 13,325 chances—still the record.) His 42-game hitting streak in 1894 is still the longest by a NL right-hander. “Bad Bill” (a fiery temper) led Brooklyn to titles his first two years with the franchise and finished his superb career as the Superbas’ player-manager 1910-13. Getting his wish to play for the Giants, he led the league in RBI in 1904 and provided great defense in the team’s first World Series win in ‘05.

  • Dahlen is still being considered for Cooperstown. He came close in 2012, falling two votes short
  • That year SABR’s 19th Century Committee named him the “Overlooked 19th Century Baseball Legend” recognizing great early players not in the Hall of Fame

Auction History

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T201 Mecca Canvas: Ralph Stroud

Jake Daubert

First Base
  • Series: Pilgrims
  • City: Brooklyn
  • Team: Superbas
  • League: National League

Jacob Ellsworth Daubert (1884-1924) is considered by some the best first-baseman NOT in the Hall. His fielding was never below .989, he led the NL in batting 1913 & ’14, and was MVP in ’13. Seven times from 1911-19 he was named to Baseball Magazine’s All-America team. Popular with players and fans, his union activity alienated mgmt.

  • Charles Ebbetts sent him from Brooklyn to the Reds in 1919 following a salary dispute
  • Became ill and died during his final road trip with the Reds in 1924

Auction History

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T201 Mecca Canvas: Jake Daubert

Bill Donovan

Pitcher
  • Series: Pilgrims
  • City: Detroit
  • Team: Tigers
  • League: American League

William Edward Donovan (1876-1923) paid a $10 fine for earning his nickname, awarded after walking 9 straight for his minor league Hartford team. He went on to a fine ML career over 18 years with 4 clubs as player & manager. He emerged from Brooklyn’s bullpen obscurity to compile a 25-15, 2.77 ERA record in 1901 & really came into his own with the Tigers from ’03-12. He led his team & the AL with a 25-4 mark in ’07, still the franchise’s best winning %. Like his Detroit mates, Donovan struggled in his World Series opportunities, going 1-4 & earning the dubious distinction of losing two straight finales in ’08 and ’09. Until his arm gave out in ’12, Donovan was a consistent closer & still ranks 50th all-time in complete games.

  • Donovan stayed in baseball as manager of the New Haven Profs in the EL. He was en route to Chicago for winter meetings when he died in a train wreck of the 20th Century Limited
  • Lifetime: 378 games, 186 Ws with 289 completed & a 2.69 ERA

Auction History

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T201 Mecca Canvas: Wild Bill Donovan

Red Dooin

Catcher
  • Series: Pilgrims
  • City: Philadelphia
  • Team: Phillies
  • League: National League

Charles Sebastian Dooin (1879-1952) played nearly all of his long and successful catching career for the Phillies, 1902-14. He batted .240, managed the club for 5 years and nurtured the young Grover Cleveland Alexander in his early years. Still holds the Phillies team record for games caught. Despite his small stature, was known for his fearless plate-blocking.

  • Dooin always claimed Roger Bresnahan got the idea for shin guards from him in 1906
  • After the Depression wiped out his wealth, used his rich baritone on the vaudeville circuit

Auction History

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T201 Mecca Canvas: Red Doin

Larry Doyle

Second Base
  • Series: Pilgrims
  • City: New York
  • Team: Giants
  • League: National League

Lawrence Joseph Doyle (1886-1974) was one of the premier 2nd basemen of the NL for much of his 14 yr career, most of it with the Giants. Led the league in several hitting categories including BA in ’15, hits in ’09. He also won 3 pennants and was MVP in 1912. His .290 lifetime avg. was 4th among veteran 2nd basemen.

  • Still holds modern Giant record for triples in a season — 25 in 1911
  • In 1913 became 1st to hit a HR out of the Polo Grounds

Auction History

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T201 Mecca Canvas: Larry Doyle