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Rare baseball newspaper from 1886...
Rare baseball newspaper from 1886...
Item # 619810
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October 01, 1886
OFFICIAL RECORD, New York, Oct. 1, 1886
* Very rare baseball periodical
* George Creamer
This is a volume two issue of a very rare & historically important baseball newspaper, the very first daily sports newspaper dedicated entirely to the national game of professional baseball.
Although the masthead reads: "Official Record" the title at the top of pages 2, 3 & 4 reads: "Official Baseball Record". This issue has a terrific baseball-themed masthead, featuring two crossed bats (barrel handles with 3 painted stripes), a baseball, and a canvas base (see).
This issue is replete with baseball news. The front page features an engraving of "George Creamer" with a page 2 biographical sketch on him. (see). The ftpg. has reports of: "Yesterday's Games" with several box scores. Also reports headed: "The Cowboys Done Up" "Plenty of Errors--Still They Win" "All They Could Do" "Wiped Out" "Oh! How They Played" and more.
Page 2 has "Diamond Flashes" "Our Tips" "Diamond Waftings" all containing various baseball news tidbits. And there are the standings of four leagues.
Pages 3 & 4 have a wealth of ads including: "Baseball At The Polo Grounds" noting the dates of 15 future games.
The rarity of this issue cannot be overemphasized. It is suspected this newspaper lasted for less than 15 months, the very first issue dated July 15, 1885 & the final issue dated Oct. 9, 1886. The first volume saw just 63 issues published, and the second had 150 editions for a total of just 213 issues ever published.
While the first volume was printed on rather high-quality "rag" paper allowing for better preservation, the second volume (1886) was printed on more acidic newsprint resulting in exceedingly few issue remaining to this day as the paper turned brown & fragile rather quickly.
This issue is complete in 4 pages, evenly toned & browned at the margins, generally in good condition. Must be handled carefully due to its fragility.
This issue comes in a protective, acid-free folder for safe keeping. A rare opportunity for any serious baseball collector.
Category: Post-Civil War
No Longer Available
