From 1888 through 1891, Alexander
Bennett "Ben" Sanders
played for two different teams in three different leagues, and never
left the city of Philadelphia. He spent 1888 and 1889 with the Phillies
of the National League, then spent 1890 and 1891 with the Athletics who
were members of the Players League the first year, then the American
Association the next. Sanders has five poses in
the N172 set. This issue depicts the Philadelphia Pitcher in a dark uniform with his hands cupped, held at shoulder height and extended out ready to catch a ball.
The image is striking, with incredible clarity and detail. From the wrinkles in Sanders' uniform, to the pads on his knees, to the hopeful look on his face as he awaits the ball coming his way, every possible detail is easily viewed. The contrast is wonderful, and while there is a brownish-pink hue on the front, indicating a possible attempt to dye the image, the back of the card remains the original, intended color. Nice corners for the grade, and great edges, save for the right side which has some light chipping.