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Very rare baseball newspaper... "Hal" McClure... Bucknell graduate...



Item # 684990

July 09, 1886

OFFICIAL (Baseball) RECORD, New York, July 9, 1886 

* Very rare baseball periodical

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).
This issue is replete with baseball news. The front page features an engraving of "Harold M. McClure, Catcher" - (from Northumberland, PA) with a ftpg. biographical sketch on him (see photos). The balance of the ftpg. is take up with: "Yesterday's Games" with details and scores of six games. There are also a few: "Diamond Flashes (see photos).
Page 2  has similar baseball tidbits headed "Personal Paragraphs" "Sparks From the Diamond" as well as the standings of  six leagues (see photos). Also: "New England League Briefs and "Energy In Jersey City".
Page 3 has a "Special Notice" concerning the printing of this newspaper (see photos) along with: "A Martyr To Baseball" and "Diamond Dust" which has a few tidbits. The balance is taken up with ads, with the back page filled with ads along with a notice of twelve future baseball games at the Polo Grounds.
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, has browning at the edges but is otherwise in very nice, clean condition.
This issue comes in a protective, acid-free folder for safe keeping. A rare opportunity for any serious baseball collector.
Note: According to MLB's own records, he was born in Lewisburg, PA and attended Bucknell University.

Category: Post-Civil War