Card Statistics
Germany Schaefer is presented in Helmar’s T3 series with the Washington Senators in a relaxed batting pose, standing squarely with the bat held upright in front of his body. The cream uniform, bright blue stockings, blue-trimmed cap, and large “W” chest emblem give the figure a clean Washington identity. The pose is notably informal, with Schaefer appearing almost conversational rather than poised for immediate action, which suits one of the most colorful personalities of the Deadball Era.
The original artwork was painted by Natalia Valiukavich in watercolor. She models the pale uniform with warm cream and cool gray washes, using stronger blue in the cap, stockings, collar, piping, and chest emblem to organize the figure. The bat is rendered in warm brown tones and rises vertically through the left side of the composition. Behind Schaefer, the green field is broad and uncluttered, while the distant buildings and fence are softened into pale gray and lavender forms beneath a light blue sky.
Herman A. “Germany” Schaefer was a versatile infielder and one of the great baseball characters of the early twentieth century. He played primarily at second and third base and appeared in the major leagues from 1901 through 1918. Schaefer spent important portions of his career with Detroit and Washington, and he was a member of the Tigers clubs that won three consecutive American League pennants from 1907 through 1909. He was valued for his defensive versatility, baserunning, and ability to fill a variety of roles.
Schaefer became especially famous for his humor and theatrical behavior on the field. He was associated with one of baseball’s best-known baserunning stories, repeatedly stealing second base and then attempting to steal back to first in an effort to manipulate the defense and help a runner score from third. Whether every detail of the oft-told story occurred exactly as later recounted, Schaefer’s reputation as an inventive and mischievous player was firmly established during his own lifetime.
Numbered #129, the Schaefer card adds an important Deadball Era personality to the Washington portion of the T3 checklist. His long career, association with pennant-winning Detroit clubs, and enduring reputation as one of baseball’s great eccentrics give the card interest well beyond his conventional statistics.
Original watercolor artwork by Natalia Valiukavich.
- Description: Choking up on bat
- Team: Washington Senators
- Population (# Sold): 16
- First Date Sold: 2021-08-31
- Latest Date Sold: 2025-06-04
- Card Status: Active
- # Sold in past year: N/A
- Highest Auction: $ 43.89
- Average Auction Result: $ 16.28
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Visit these teammates on the Washington Senators in the T3-Helmar series
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