When Wilbert Robinson catcher for the old Baltimore Orioles and later the Brooklyn Robins was asked in 1931 who were the five greatest players he ever saw, he listed former teammate “Wee” Willie Keeler, Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner . . . and Charlie Ferguson. Even casual baseball fans have probably heard of the first four on Robinson’s list, but very few hardcore fans know of Charlie Ferguson, a right-hander whose life was cut short by typhoid fever.
Upon discovering that he had been born, and was buried in Charlottesville, I went on a pilgrimage, along with Jesse and Becky Dice to find his grave. The result was the 10th episode of Off the Beaten Basepaths. You’ll have to forgive the fact that I stumble a couple of times, but it was hot and Becky is pregnant and you don’t want to keep a pregnant director out in the sun for too long!
You have an awesome career waiting for you in broadcasting!
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Yeah, I think I missed the boat on that one. Maybe another ship will come along.
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While I don’t remember Wilbert Robinson, I do remember four out of five of his favorite players, including “Wee” Willie Keeler, who had this famous saying that many people may not remember:
“Hit it where they Aint”
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Robinson was a member of the 1890s Orioles of John McGraw. He was so popular in Brooklyn that their original nickname, the Robins, was a play on his name.
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