Monroe Tobacco Cards: Dwyer, McKenzie, and Sliger
All of the images were traced from T206 cards using Inkscape and then texture was added using GIMP. The GMs in the league were offered the opportunity to sign the card for their team as the relevant player. So, that’s the source of the signatures on the cards below.
Demetrius Dwyer was blessed with an unbelievable batting eye. At times, his approach at the plate has been mistaken for passivity, but his mantra has always been consistent: do not swing at anything outside of the strike zone and make the pitcher beat him. Several Kings’ managers have accused him over the years of placing his own stats above the good-of-the team, often drawing a walk rather than swinging the bat with men in scoring position. Despite the criticisms, Dwyer can indisputably count himself among the best second basemen to ever play in the LBL. He debuted with the inauguration of the LBL in 1895 and, like his batting approach, has been quietly consistent throughout his time in the majors. He has won both a Golden Bat award and a Grande Snagger aware at 2B and generally finishes each season between 2 and 3 WAR like clockwork.
Leo McKenzie is the most decorated ballplayer in the LBL. McKenzie has won the MVP Award nine times, and is a big reason the Brewers have won an LBL-leading five Legacy Cups. It would be impossible to overstate his impact at the plate. The living legend boasts an impossible career slash line with nearly unparalleled speed on the bases. He has wrecked the Eastern League since his debut with the Brewers in 1895 with his bat and with his legs. When McKenzie retires (hopefully many seasons from now), the baseball world will mourn and weep. But, his legacy will endure and the impact that he has made on the early LBL will be the stuff of legends passed down over generations of LBL fans.
All he’s done since joining the Legacy Baseball League is hit. The unquestioned leader of the Pittsburgh offense, Sliger has compiled an impressive career line. He has taken home the Golden Bat award five times (1895 and 1899, 1901, 1902, and 1904). Solidly built at 5’9” and 200 lbs., the Ohio native is well-known around Pittsburgh for the show he puts on at the plate. His exploits around town are nearly as legendary. On four occasions, the slugger has led the Western League of the LBL in hits and four times in total bases. He is routinely among the league leaders in batting average and extra base hits. The all-time hit king, he is the engine that makes the Oilers' offense go and the emotional leader of the squad from Western PA.