Pilgrims > E

Kid Elberfeld

Third Base
  • Series: Pilgrims
  • City: Washington, D.C.
  • Team: Senators
  • League: American League

Norman Arthur Elberfeld (1875-1944), nicknamed the “Tabasco Kid” for his fiery temper and violent outbursts against umpires, covered 2nd base with a ferocity that daunted even Ty Cobb – who never slid head-first again after losing an encounter with Elberfeld’s spikes. Played mostly SS for 7 teams, 1898-1914 and was a solid hitter (.271 lifetime).

  • Never afraid to take a spike, a punch or a pitch, he still ranks 13th on hit-batter list
  • Career stats suffered from frequent suspensions and injuries
  • Had a knack for mentoring young players, including rookie Casey Stengel

Auction History

Cartophilia

T201 Mecca Canvas: Kid Elberfeld

Billy Evans

Umpire
  • Series: Pilgrims
  • League: American League
  • Hall: National Baseball Hall of Fame

William George Evans (1884-1956) began as the youngest ML umpire and went on to a Hall of Fame career of whom a top Yankee pitcher said “He is the best, fairest and squarest umpire in the league.” A rare official with no playing experience, Evans quickly established his credibility in a rowdy era. In “one of the most disgraceful scenes ever witnessed on a ball field” his skull was fractured by a hurled bottle in a Browns/Tigers game.

  • A gifted writer and analyst of the game, authored books and was an early sports columnist
  • Went on to executive positions with teams and head of the minor league Southern Association
  • Elected to Hall of Fame: 1973

Auction History

Cartophilia

T201 Mecca Canvas: Harry Gasper

Johnny Evers

Second Base
  • Series: Pilgrims
  • City: Chicago
  • Team: Cubs
  • League: National League
  • Hall: National Baseball Hall of Fame

John Joseph Evers (1881-1947) was immortalized as the pivot man with Joe Tinker and Frank Chance in the most famous double-play combo of all time. Evers was a good-hitting, slick-fielding 2nd baseman, winning World Series with the Cubs and Braves. A fiery-tempered man, Evers was said to have had more impact on a team than any at his position.

  • The quintessential “small ball” player, Evers excelled in bunts, steals and heads-up play
  • Saved a pennant race for Chicago by calling ump’s attention to Fred Merkle’s “Boner”
  • Elected to Hall of Fame: 1946

Auction History

Cartophilia

T201 Mecca Canvas: Johnny Evers