Rare baseball newspaper features Lipman Pike, Jewish star player...

Item # 538163

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August 23, 1886

OFFICIAL (BASEBALL) RECORD, New York, August 23, 1886

* First daily baseball newspaper: Judaica content
* Lipman Pike print, Jewish baseball star

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.

Certainly the most significant feature of this issue is the front page engraving of "Lipman Pike" with a front page biographical sketch of him as well taking most of a column (see photos). Lipman Pike was the first Jewish professional baseball players. This front page print of Pike is likely the only period print of him to appear in any periodical.

The remainder of the ftpg. is taken up with other baseball items including bits headed: "Yesterday's Games" "Rah! For the Flip Flops" "How They Stand" being a ranking of the various teams; and "Diamond Waftings" which contains various tidbits.

Page 2 has further baseball tidbits headed: "Diamond Flashes" and "Around The Bases" with a lengthy list of team standings.

Pages 3 & 4 are entirely taken up with advertisements including an announcement of: "Base Ball at the Polo Grounds, Aug. 4, 5, 6, Kansas City At New York...", and the back page features a nice illustrated ad for: "Buffalo Bill's Wild West--The Only Real Novelty of the Century !..." with a print of him and of "Miss Lillian Smith, the California Girl & Champion Rifle Shot." (see photos).
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 last known 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. Fortunately this issue is in quite nice condition, with some browning at the margins but otherwise in very nice, clean condition.
This issue comes in a protective, acid-free folder for safe keeping along with a nice portfolio as well (see photo).

A rare opportunity for any serious baseball collector or any Judaica collector, and likely the only period print of the first Jewish professional baseball player.

Category: Post-Civil War