April 2021 Auction Ends Thursday, April 29th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/29/2021
The very first baseball illustration to appear in any periodical, contained in this issue of ''Porter's Spirit of the Times'' - a sports related newspaper, from 6 December 1856. Illustration appears on page 229, the 13th page of the newspaper, and measures approximately 3'' square, showing the Striker at Home plate, with the Catcher behind, and the distance (measured in paces) between striker and 2nd base. Other details include the Pitcher, the ''Long Field'' players and the ''Short Field'' player, positioned almost exactly where the shortstop now stands. Interesting commentary accompanies the illustration, reading in part, We have been so inundated with communications in reference to the mode of playing the game of Base Ball...The game of Base Ball is generally played by nine on each side. The names of the points and positions of the players can be seen on the diagram...an umpire is chosen on each side and a referee to decide, when the umpires cannot agree...'' The article then makes mention of a possible convention to harmonize the rules among different clubs, ''...a convention of the Base Ball Clubs, which we hope will convene before long to regulate the details of this popular game.'' The first baseball convention would be held approximately three months later. Newspaper is complete in 16 pages, measuring 11'' x 16''. Mild foxing and dampstaining, overall in very good condition.
Significant Newspaper in the History of Baseball From 1856 -- The First Baseball Illustration to Appear in Any Periodical
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