Pioneer Portraits II: 1875-1899 > J

Hughie Jennings

Shortstop
  • Series: Pioneer Portraits II: 1875-1899
  • City: Baltimore
  • Team: Orioles
  • League: National League
  • Hall: National Baseball Hall of Fame

Hugh Ambrose Jennings (1869-1928) became the premier ML SS for the Orioles in the mid-90s, hitting .401 in ’96. Nearly killed by an Amos Rusie quick-pitch, this survivor returned to be hit 46x in ’96. Irrepressibly good-natured and brilliant, Jennings was an attorney and manager after his playing days, guiding the volcanic Ty Cobb to his phenomenal career.

  • Still holds record for being hit by pitch (287)
  • Is credited with inventing the platoon system
  • Elected to Hall of Fame: 1945

Auction History

Chappie Johnson

Catcher
  • Series: Pioneer Portraits II: 1875-1899
  • City: Chicago
  • Team: Columbia Giants
  • League: Independent

George “Chappie” Johnson (1877-1949) was a popular and talented catcher for the early Negro teams. His playing days ended just as the “Negro Major Leagues” began @1920. Johnson broke color barriers with several teams for whom he could not play but valued his expertise as coach and trainer, especially in spring training.

  • Innovated shin guards at his position
  • Owned and managed several successful teams such as the Dayton Chappies
  • A skilled handler of pitchers, Johnson was a mainstay for many of the top Black clubs

Auction History

Dick Johnston

Outfield
  • Series: Pioneer Portraits II: 1875-1899
  • City: Boston
  • Team: Beaneaters
  • League: National League

Richard Frederick Johnston (1863-1934) played OF, primarily for the Boston Beaneaters, over an 8-season career. He began with the Richmond Virginians of the AA and last played for King Kelly’s Cincinnati club in 1891. Johnston compiled a .255 lifetime BA with a high of .296 for Boston in ’88, when he led the NL in triples and extra-base hits.

  • Led the NL in outfield put-outs in ’86 & ’87
  • Turned nine OF double-plays, leading the league in 1887

Auction History

Charley Jones

Outfield
  • Series: Pioneer Portraits II: 1875-1899
  • City: Cincinnati
  • Team: Red Stockings (AA)
  • League: American Association

Charles Wesley Jones (1852-1911) was a star slugger in the NL and AA from 1875-88. Though he never led his teams to pennants, Jones held many early HR records, notably with Boston and Cincinnati. A victim of the Blacklist, Jones lost two seasons in his prime. Despite this, he was the career HR leader thru 1884.

  • Was the first player to hit 2 HRs in same inning, 6/10/80. The pitcher was Tom Poorman
  • Nickname: Baby
  • Birth name: Benjamin Wesley Rippay
  • Was the 274th player to debut in MLB
  • Was an MLB umpire, 1890-1891
  • According to Jay Jaffe's JAWS system, Charley ranks as the 80th best left fielder in MLB history, between Larry Hisle & Joe Rudi
  • Until 2012 Jones was the best-known MLB player for whom death info was unknown. The “mystery” was solved by SABR researcher Greg Perkins.

Auction History