1912 T202 Hassan Cigarettes #79, McGrawithBresnahan MLB Hall of Fame SGC 1

1912 T202 Hassan Cigarettes - #79 "Just Before the Battle" - John McGraw and Roger Bresnahan - MLB Hall of Fame - SGC 1. John Joseph McGraw (1873 - 1934) is a prominent figure in Major League Baseball history, excelling as both a player and manager. Born in poverty in Truxton, New York, baseball became McGraw's escape from adverse circumstances. At the young age of 18, he joined the Baltimore Orioles, where he played third base for the successful 1890s teams. Under his leadership, the Giants won ten pennants and three World Series titles. With 2,763 victories as a manager, McGraw ranks third in all-time wins behind Connie Mack and Tony LaRussa. Revered as one of baseball's greatest managers, McGraw was dedicated to mentoring young players. He was posthumously elected to the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame in 1937.

Across his MLB tenure, Bresnahan maintained a solid. 279 batting average after 4,480 at-bats.

His significant contributions extended beyond his performance on the field; in 1907, he pioneered the use of protective gear in baseball, introducing shin guards for catchers. Additionally, he was the mind behind the first batting helmet. Even after retiring from active play, Bresnahan continued his involvement in professional baseball. He took ownership of the minor league team Toledo Mud Hens and served as a coach for both the Giants and Detroit Tigers.

He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1945.. The T202 baseball cards, dubbed the Hassan Triple Folder, were produced and circulated by the American Tobacco Company in 1912. These cards were folded and tucked into packs of Hassan Cork Tip Cigarettes.

" The collection presents 132 cards, each unfolding to about 2¼" by 5¼. Each card showcases dual-color player portraits on either side, with a grayscale center panel portraying various action scenes. The player portraits were borrowed from the T205 set.

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