One of the game’s early power hitters, Ryan led the NL in HR (16), hits, and doubles for Chicago in 1888. A lefty thrower, he also pitched some, that season leading the league with three relief wins. He was a leader in the movement that established the Players’ League in 1890, and was a member of the Chicago entry, switching back to the NL in 1891. Ryan was a jolly, free-speaking joker whose openness disturbed some of his teammates. When another convivial player, Tom Burns, replaced Cap Anson as Chicago’s manager in 1898, he named Ryan captain. The team rebelled, insisting the honor be given to Bill Lange, and staged a sit-down strike before the season’s opener in Louisville. Burns capitulated and lost control of the team.