Weird Card Wednesday: 1903 Chief Bender

Scott Fennessy sends in this rather odd 1903 card of Hall of Famer Charles “Chief” Bender. 

Start with the fact that Bender’s rookie pitcher card was always rated as a 1B-2 and an OF-1.  He played three games at first and one in the outfield.   He also has a 15-10 (not to mention seven second column 11s) due to his three steals in 129 plate appearances. 

But what caught Scott’s eye was Bender’s 31-22 and 51-22.  He was hit by the pitch twice in 1903 (ten times in his career!). 

The 22 is such a situational result number.  The result is so different depending on the base situation.  With runners on, it’s usually positive (with the bases loaded it’s a double play though!).  However, with the bases empty it’s just a simple catcher to first base.  Simply put, there is no rhyme or reason to the result.  It’s APBA’s wild card number.  Like the 5, it does help to get runners on before you get that 22. 

Thanks Scott!