Buck Ewing

William "Buck" Ewing (October 17, 1859 – October 20, 1906) was an American Major League Baseball player and manager known for both his offensive and defensive abilities. Born in Hoagland, Ohio, he joined the National League in 1880 with the Troy Trojans. He rose to prominence in 1883 after joining the New York Gothams, later known as the Giants. That season he hit 10 home runs — a total he would never again match — while batting .303. In an era when triples were more common than home runs, owing to spacious ballparks and the poor quality of the balls in use, he led the league in 1884 with 20 triples and frequently ranked among the league leaders.

Ewing was equally renowned for his work behind the plate. Writing in the 1938 Spalding Guide, John Foster said of him that as a thrower to bases he never had a superior, and that no more than ten men could come anywhere near being his equal. It was said of Ewing that he handed the ball to the second baseman from the batter's box. Primarily a catcher, he played the bulk of his career at that position.

In 1939, Ewing was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, becoming the first catcher to receive the honor.