Deacon White - Early Baseball HOF 3rd Baseman

Born December 2, 1847, in Caton, New York, was Baseball Hall of Fame Third Baseman Deacon White. This legend's claim to fame was that he was one of the first to throw right-handed but bat left-handed, which helped his Detroit Wolverines team win the 1887 World Series title. White also played stints with the Cleveland Forest Citys, Boston Red Stockings, Chicago White Stockings, Cincinnati Reds, Cincinnati, Buffalo Bisons, and the Pittsburgh Pirates. During his two-decade career, White batted .312 and had more RBI (988) than any player except Cap Anson. Deacon was near the top of baseball's all-time leaders in career games when he retired from playing at-bats, hits, and total bases.

Ned Hanlon

Born August 22, 1857, in Montville, Connecticut, was Baseball Hall of Fame Center Fielder Ned Hanlon. This player helped his team, the Detroit Wolverines take the National League pennant in 1887. Later Hanlon was a manager whose teams took five NL pennants Baltimore Orioles, Brooklyn Superbas.

Sam Thompson A Run-Producing Machine and Baseball Hall of Famer

Sam Thompson, nicknamed "Big Sam," was a 19th-century baseball player who carved his name in history as one of the most prolific run producers the game has ever seen. His 15-year career, spanning from 1885 to 1906, was a testament to his exceptional hitting ability and his impact on the teams he played for.

Early Career and Breakout Season:

Born in 1860, Thompson entered the major leagues with the Detroit Wolverines in 1885. However, it wasn't until 1887 that he truly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. In that season, he hit a staggering .406, drove in a record-breaking 166 runs, and helped lead the Wolverines to a National League pennant and victory in a postseason series against the American Association.

Sustained Excellence and Record-Setting Achievements:

Throughout his career, Thompson continued to display remarkable consistency. He led the National League in RBIs twice, hit over .300 in 11 seasons, and finished with a career batting average of .331. He also holds the record for the most RBIs driven in a single month, with 61 in August 1895 while playing for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Beyond Statistics: A Complete Player:

While his offensive prowess is undeniable, Thompson was more than just a slugger. He possessed a keen eye at the plate, with a career on-base percentage of .384. Additionally, he stole over 200 bases throughout his career, showcasing his well-rounded skillset.
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