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A. J. (Doc) Bushong... inventor of the catcher's mitt?
A. J. (Doc) Bushong... inventor of the catcher's mitt?
Item # 577542
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July 27, 1886
OFFICIAL RECORD, New York, July 27, 1886 This issue is replete with baseball news. The front page features an engraving of "A. J. Bushong" with a front page biographical sketch on him. (see photos). He was one of the more notable catchers of the 19th century, and is credited by some for the invention of the catcher's mitt. He was also involved in one of the earliest baseball "scandal", which involved prize-sharing.
The ftpg. is take up with reports of four baseball games under the heading: "Yesterday's Games" and includes the standings for the National League & the American Association. Page 2 has various baseball tidbits headed "Diamond Flashes", "Chasing Flies" and "Sparks From the Diamond" and includes the standings of 6 baseball leagues (see).
Page 3 has a "Special Notice" concerning the printing of this newspaper (see photos) and a few more game tidbits under: "Around The Bases". There is also a variety of ads. The bkpg. has: "Baseball At The Polo Grounds" noting the dates of 12 future games, plus many other ads.
* Very rare baseball periodical
* 19th century original
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 photo).
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, is browned at the margins, somewhat irregular at the blank spine margin, and in rather nice 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
