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Buck Ewing
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| Catcher | San Francisco
Giants/New York Giants
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Buck Ewing |
Until Mickey Cochrane, Bill Dickey, and Gabby Hartnett came along, Ewing was listed as the catcher on virtually everyone's all-time team. A lifetime .303 hitter, Ewing was also a dead-ball-era NL home run champ, hitting 10 for New York in 1883. He topped the NL with 20 triples in 1884, and hit 15 triples four other times. When stolen bases started being tallied, Ewing averaged 37 a season, with a high of 53 for the 1888 Giants.
Buck Ewing was perhaps the finest all-around player of the 19th century. Although best-remembered as a catcher, he also played the infield and the outfield with consummate skill. He hit over .300 in 11 of his 18 major league campaigns, compiling a .311 career average. His remarkable arm enabled him to throw out runners without rising from his squat position behind the plate. A great field leader, he went on to enjoy further success as a manager.
Ewing played during a time when catchers did not catch every day. He never caught more than 97 games a season, and only once caught more than 80. He was said to have been a master at throwing out baserunners; he led NL catchers in assists three times in the 1880s, and in double plays twice. He spent few games behind the plate after 1890, stationed instead mostly in the outfield and at first base.
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