As Halloween approaches, baseball offers its own eerie lineup of players whose names evoke the spirit of the season. These spine-chilling names will send a shiver down your spine, these players bring a spooky twist to the sport. In the spirit of Halloween, we’ve assembled a lineup of the spookiest Halloween baseball cards. These are inspired by the spookiest baseball players, each with a name that perfectly suits the haunted holiday.
These players’ names alone are enough to stir up images of ghosts and ghouls. All of these players have also left an indelible mark on the game—both for their performances on the field and for the Halloween-worthy names they carried. So grab your pumpkin spice, settle in, and enjoy this hauntingly fun look at some of baseball’s spookiest characters.
Mysterious Walker
Pitcher Mysterious Walker was born Fred Mitchell Walker. He had a career that spanned from 1910 to 1915, with a brief return in 1921. Walker played for the Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Naps, Brooklyn Tip-Tops, and the St. Louis Cardinals. Despite his relatively short career, he was known for his versatility, often switching between starting and relieving roles. His career ERA stands at 3.24. While his overall win-loss record was modest, he earned a reputation as a reliable, if enigmatic, presence on the mound.
One of Walker’s more notable achievements came during his time in the Federal League with the Brooklyn Tip-Tops. In 1914, Walker led his team in saves, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure. He was also known for his control, rarely walking batters, which made him a dependable arm in tight situations.
There are varying origin stories for Walker’s “Mysterious” nickname. One story says that Walker was secretive and unpredictable in general, and he picked up the nickname that way. Another says that, while playing for the San Francisco Seals in 1910, he was playing under a pseudonym. Observers said he was acting “Mysteriously,” refusing all interviews and even, by some accounts, wearing a mask to hide his true identity. Others said he was hiding from the law.
Best Card: 2013 Helmar T206 Mysterious Walker
Mysterious Walker didn’t appear on any baseball cards in his lifetime, but he was recognized by Helmar with a T206-style card in 2013. According to Charles Mandel: “I make cards of guys most collectors have not even heard of. And we don’t skimp on the art used for those players either. When we make a card of Art Neft, for example, we put just as much time and effort into that card as we would a card of Ty Cobb.” The cards are hard to find, but one sold on eBay recently for $10.
Jimmy Bloodworth
Jimmy Bloodworth, a second baseman and occasional shortstop, played in Major League Baseball from 1937 to 1951. Bloodworth spent the majority of his career with the Washington Senators. He also had stints with the Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds, and Philadelphia Phillies.
Bloodworth was known for his solid defensive skills and reliable bat. He posted a career batting average of .248 with 70 home runs and 451 RBIs. Blloodworth was a key player during the World War II era. He took two years away from baseball to serve in the military.
Bloodworth’s best season came in 1942 with the Senators, where he hit .268 with 10 home runs and 59 RBIs. He was known for his clutch hitting. He was also a valuable asset in the infield, providing stability in the middle of the diamond. Though he never made an All-Star team, Bloodworth was respected for his work ethic and consistency. He earned a steady role in the big leagues over 15 seasons.
With a last name like Bloodworth, perhaps he was a vampire masquerading as a ballplayer – perfect for a Halloween baseball cards lineup.
Best Card: 1940 Play Ball “Jim” Bloodworth #189
This is Bloodworth’s first baseball card; his second one came in his final season in 1951. The black and white style of the 1940 Play Ball set is classic on its own, but it’s especially relevant for Halloween baseball cards like Bloodworth. The card is available for $10-$20 in ungraded condition.
Ricky Bones
Okay, his name is pronounced “Bone-us,” but who cares? Ricky Bones, a right-handed pitcher from Puerto Rico, enjoyed a 10-year career from 1991 to 2001. He began his career with the San Diego Padres before moving on to the Milwaukee Brewers, where he had some of his best seasons. Bones was named an All-Star in 1994, a year in which he posted a 10-9 record with a 3.43 ERA for the Brewers. He also played for the New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, and Baltimore Orioles. He was a reliable arm in the rotation and bullpen over his career.
Bones’ pitching style induced ground balls and kept the ball in the park, thanks to his effective sinker. His best season statistically was in 1993, when he recorded a 3.43 ERA over 31 starts for the Brewers. Though he wasn’t overpowering, Bones was known for his durability and his ability to eat up innings.
Imagine a fall evening when Ricky Bones, with a name fit for the spookiest night of the year, takes the mound to send batters back to the dugout, chilled to the bone.
Best Card: 1995 Topps Finest Ricky Bones #234
The watershed Topps Finest sets of the mid-90s are beloved, and they were the first baseball card refractors. Commons of Ricky Bones appeared in 11 seasons of baseball card sets, but the Topps Finest are the most memorable. Ungraded, the card can be found for around $1-$2.
Kendall Graveman
Kendall Graveman, a right-handed pitcher, has established himself as a reliable presence since his debut in 2014. He started his career with the Toronto Blue Jays but found greater success after being traded to the Oakland Athletics. Graveman quickly became a key part of Oakland’s rotation, leading the team in starts in 2016 and 2017.
Graveman’s career took a turn in 2018 when he underwent Tommy John surgery. His post-surgery career has seen him thrive in the bullpen. In 2021, he posted a stellar 1.77 ERA across 53 appearances, splitting the season between the Mariners and Astros. His performance in high-leverage situations earned him a reputation as a reliable closer and setup man. This culminated in a key role during the Astros’ deep playoff runs. Graveman’s ability to keep the ball down and limit hard contact has made him a go-to option in critical moments.
The name “Graveman” couldn’t be more fitting for a Halloween baseball cards-themed lineup. On Halloween night, Kendall Graveman’s presence on the mound might seem like he’s emerged straight from the grave, ready to bury any hopes of a late-inning rally. His sinker, which often sends batters slumping back to the dugout, might as well be a shovel, digging a deep hole for the opposing team.
Best Card: 2022 Topps Heritage Black Border Kendall Graveman #603
Kendall Graveman’s 2022 Topps Heritage black border is a pure Halloween baseball cards style. His black jersey, flying open while he pitches, is surrounded by a strong black border (the regular set has a white border). An ungraded version costs around $5.
Charlie Grimm
Charlie Grimm, nicknamed “Jolly Cholly,” had a long and storied career in baseball, both as a player and a manager. Grimm played primarily as a first baseman from 1916 to 1936, spending most of his career with the Chicago Cubs, though he also had stints with the Philadelphia Athletics, St. Louis Cardinals, and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Known for his defensive prowess and steady bat, Grimm finished his playing career with a .290 batting average, 79 home runs, and 1,077 RBIs. His leadership on the field eventually transitioned into a successful managerial career, where he led the Cubs to three National League pennants in 1932, 1935, and 1945.
As a manager, Grimm was known for his upbeat personality and ability to get the best out of his players. His “Jolly Cholly” persona made him a beloved figure in Chicago, where he managed the Cubs in three separate stints. Under his leadership, the Cubs were consistently competitive, and his influence extended beyond his playing days, as he remained a prominent figure in the Cubs organization for decades. Grimm’s understanding of the game and his players earned him respect throughout the baseball world.
But on Halloween, the name “Grimm” takes on a more sinister tone in a Halloween baseball cards lineup. Imagine him as a character straight out of a spooky fairy tale, perhaps the embodiment of the Grim Reaper himself. On a crisp October night, with the wind howling through Wrigley Field, Charlie Grimm might just seem like the perfect harbinger of doom for opposing teams.
Best Card: 1934 Goudey Charlie Grimm #3
The 1934 Goudey cards feature quotes from Lou Gehrig and are some of the best and most colorful cards of the 30s. The 1934 Goudey set is very collectible and always a fan favorite. Graded in excellent condition, the card sells for around $100-$300.
Spook Jacobs
Forrest Vandergrift Jacobs, better known as “Spook” Jacobs, was a second baseman who played in Major League Baseball in the 1950s. Jacobs had a relatively brief career, playing from 1954 to 1956, primarily with the Philadelphia Athletics and later with the Kansas City Athletics and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Despite his short stint in the majors, Jacobs made a memorable debut in 1954, collecting four hits in his first game. Over his career, he posted a .247 batting average with 8 home runs and 69 RBIs. While his time in the big leagues was limited, Jacobs was known for his quick hands and solid defensive play at second base.
Jacobs’ best season was his rookie year in 1954 when he hit .258 with 13 doubles and 8 stolen bases. He was a scrappy player, often finding ways to contribute both at the plate and in the field. Though he never became a star, Jacobs’ nickname “Spook” added a certain charm to his persona, making him a fan favorite during his time in the majors.
The nickname “Spook” reportedly came from Jacobs slender frame and ghost-like speed on the base paths, as if he could vanish into thin air. On Halloween, one might imagine Spook Jacobs as a spectral figure darting around the diamond, his presence felt more than seen, like a ghost haunting the infield. Perfect for a lineup of Halloween baseball cards!
Best Card: 1956 Topps Spook Jacobs #151
The 1956 Topps set is famous for its horizontal design and stacked checklists, players like Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron and Willie Mays. Jacobs’ card shows a portrait of him, seemingly watching himself sliding safely into home plate. In near-mint condition, the card sells for around $50.
Candy Cummings
William Arthur “Candy” Cummings is a name that resonates with baseball history, not just for his playing career but for his contribution to the game itself. Cummings played in the late 19th century, primarily from 1872 to 1877, for teams like the New York Mutuals, Hartford Dark Blues, and Cincinnati Reds. As a pitcher, Cummings had a successful career, posting a lifetime ERA of 2.42 and a record of 145-94.
However, Cummings is best known not for his statistical achievements, but for his invention of the curveball, a pitch that revolutionized the game of baseball. His development of the curveball is often cited as one of the key innovations in the sport’s history, changing the way pitchers approached the art of pitching. Cummings was posthumously inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939, cementing his legacy as both a player and an innovator. Though his career in the major leagues was relatively short, his impact on the game was profound and lasting.
On a Halloween night, the name “Candy” might seem more suited to trick-or-treating than to the baseball diamond. But don’t be fooled—Candy Cummings brought a different kind of trick to the game, one that left batters bewildered and swinging at air. His curveball, as sweet as any Halloween treat, had a way of disappearing just when hitters thought they had it lined up. It’s an innovation that continues to “haunt” batters to this day. For that reason, Candy Cummings is at the top of our Halloween baseball cards lineup.
Best Card: 1950 Callahan HOF Candy Cummings
No cards have ever been uncovered that depict Candy Cummings during his player career. His earliest cards are from the advent of mainstream baseball card production. This card is from a set celebrating HOF inductions, and features a simple line drawing of Cummings. It sells for around $20 in ungraded, good condition.
