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John "Kid" Gleason... of eventual Chicago Black Sox fame...
John "Kid" Gleason... of eventual Chicago Black Sox fame...
Item # 593859
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June 04, 1886
OFFICIAL (BASEBALL) RECORD, New York, June 4, 1886 This issue is replete with baseball news. The front page features an engraving of "(William) John 'Kid' Gleason", with the biographical text on him. He would eventually become the manager of the Chicago Black Sox - but was not implicated.
The remainder of the ftpg. is taken up with: "Baseball Notes" containing a wide variety of baseball tidbits (see photos for a few).
The notes continue to pg. 2 where they take over half of the page, with a full column of standings for the six leagues.
Pages 3 & 4 are entirely taken up with advertisements including an announcement of: "Base Ball, Polo Grounds" noting eleven games.
* 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.
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).
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, slightly irregular at the spine, in good condition. It 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
