In order to comprehend and appreciate genuine greatness we must also understand mediocrity, failure and even tragedy. Baseball is full of examples of this truism but few share the stark irony of the three Mathewson brothers. Born between 1880 and 1890 in Factoryville, Pennsylvania, to parents Gilbert and Minerva, the three Mathewson brothers were raised evenly in a stable, … [Read more...]
Helmar Card of the Week: Hooks Wiltse, A Giant Among Men
The word “distinguished” may not immediately come to mind when considering a player known to players and fans alike as “Hooks”, especially when he had a brother known as “Snake”. Yet George “Hooks” Wiltse, the great New York Giant hurler of the first decade of the 20th century, was as distinguished as any player could possibly be. Most importantly, he was known as a gentleman … [Read more...]
Helmar Card of the Week: John Adelbert, Salamanca Indians
Sports, including ball and stick games, have always had an important place in traditional Native American culture. It was no surprise, then, that the tribes fully embraced baseball when the opportunity arose. This opportunity was largely due to the efforts of the Federal Indian Office, which hoped to use the game to “Americanize” the population. Teams sprung up on nearly every … [Read more...]
New Baseball History and Collecting Magazine Debuts with Cobb Insert
If Babe Ruth, with his warm personality and easy-going manner, is baseball’s version of the Beatles, then Ty Cobb, with his attitude and intensity, can only be baseball’s version of the Rolling Stones. Those attributes make him a perfect choice for Baseball History & Art’s first insert card, available in the inaugural issue of the magazine, which has just launched. The … [Read more...]
Helmar Card of the Week: Slim Caldwell, 1914 New York Yankees
One step forward, one step back…but never quitting. This is an apt description of the career—and life—of Ray “Slim” Caldwell. Very few ballplayers have ever been blessed with the natural talent exhibited by this 6’2”, 190 pound, right-handed hurler. His outspoken devotees included such fine baseball personalities as Grantland Rice, Fred Lieb, Calvin Griffith (who once offered … [Read more...]
Helmar Card of the Week: Boss Schmidt, 1909 “Our Guy” Series
The position of catcher has always been the most physically demanding position, by far, in baseball. As such, it has appealed to some of the roughest characters ever to wear a uniform; tough men who have taken pride at tackling the most challenging role in sports. George Ellard, a backstop for the 1869 Red Stockings, grasped the flavor of it when he said, “We used no mattress … [Read more...]
Helmar Card of the Week: Benny Kauff, 1915 Brooklyn Tip-Tops
In 1914 the formation of a new “major” league blew shock waves across the baseball world. The Federal League, as it was called, promised fans top-quality play and an exciting brand of baseball. Fans in Buffalo, Baltimore, Indianapolis, and Kansas City were especially thrilled; they would be finally able to root for a major league home team. Fans in Pittsburgh, Brooklyn, … [Read more...]
Helmar Card of the Week: Jimmy Slagle of the…Bob-O-Links?
Jimmy Slagle, a native of Worthville, Pennsylvania, began his ball playing career with the Omaha Omahogs in 1895. At 5-foot-7 inches tall and around 140 pounds, it was a humble beginning for a 21-year-old who didn’t impress the scouts as much of a prospect. Jimmy, however, was a quick learner and prospered with the Omahogs, hitting .345 with a dozen triples in just eighty-six … [Read more...]
Helmar Card of the Week: George Mullin, Tigers’ “Fugitive”
Cy Young, Eddie Plank, Rube Waddell, and “Big George” Mullin are legendary names that belong together. Um, hold on a minute there. Sure, the first three are the winningest American League pitchers of the 1901-1909 era. But George Mullin? Who is George Mullin? Born in Toledo on the Fourth of July, 1880, George Joseph Mullin was a gregarious and handsome man, blessed with a … [Read more...]
Helmar’s Card of the Week: Claude Rossman, 1909 Detroit Tigers
We've teamed up with Helmar Brewing Company, makers of some of the hobby's most iconic art cards, for the "Card of the Week". This is the second installment in the series as we again feature one of the company's original, unique creations--and the story behind it. Learn about the cards, the series, the history and how you can own them through these weekly tales from the … [Read more...]