Very rare baseball newspaper from 1886...
Item # 541771Sorry, but this item is no longer available. Please be in touch at info@rarenewspapers.com if you would like to be placed on a want list or are interested in a potential alternate issue.
April 27, 1886
OFFICIAL (BASEBALL) RECORD, New York, May 27, 1886 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. This title could well be the most important contemporary record of 19th century 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 photo).
This issue is replete with baseball news. The front page features an engraving of "George Shaffer" with a ftpg. biographical sketch on him beginning: "Was born in Phila. Pa. about 34 years ago & his ball playing career commenced there. For 5 or 6 seasons he was connected with prominent amateur clubs..." with much more (see photos). The balance of the ftpg. is taken up with many interesting: "Baseball Notes" from the day, a few including: "Bierbauer should be kept on second base." "And now the Southern papers are roasting Umpire Young." "We still think that Stovey is making a mistake in playing in centre field." and "The Louisville club has a good team all around & should have a better record than it has. There is a screw loose somewhere."
Pg. 2 also has some "Baseball Notes" (see), and the standings of six leagues. There is also a "Special Notice" concerning the printing of this newspaper (see photos).
Pages 3 & 4 are entirely taken up with advertisements including a bkpg. ad for: "Baseball! Polo Grounds" noting the dates of ten 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 measuring about 10 by 13 inches. There is browning at the margins, with a few archival mends to the bottom margin of pg. 3 not affecting text. Generally in very nice condition.
This issue comes in a protective, acid-free folder for safe keeping. A rare opportunity for any serious baseball collector.
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 photo).
This issue is replete with baseball news. The front page features an engraving of "George Shaffer" with a ftpg. biographical sketch on him beginning: "Was born in Phila. Pa. about 34 years ago & his ball playing career commenced there. For 5 or 6 seasons he was connected with prominent amateur clubs..." with much more (see photos). The balance of the ftpg. is taken up with many interesting: "Baseball Notes" from the day, a few including: "Bierbauer should be kept on second base." "And now the Southern papers are roasting Umpire Young." "We still think that Stovey is making a mistake in playing in centre field." and "The Louisville club has a good team all around & should have a better record than it has. There is a screw loose somewhere."
Pg. 2 also has some "Baseball Notes" (see), and the standings of six leagues. There is also a "Special Notice" concerning the printing of this newspaper (see photos).
Pages 3 & 4 are entirely taken up with advertisements including a bkpg. ad for: "Baseball! Polo Grounds" noting the dates of ten 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 measuring about 10 by 13 inches. There is browning at the margins, with a few archival mends to the bottom margin of pg. 3 not affecting text. Generally in very nice condition.
This issue comes in a protective, acid-free folder for safe keeping. A rare opportunity for any serious baseball collector.
Category: Post-Civil War
