Easton Base Ball Club "1873" - Northampton Pennsylvania

[smokelessjoe]

I picked up this invitation for the 1873 Easton Base Ball Club Bal Masque. It is in incredible condition and the detail on the logo is amazing. I believe it is gold gilded on parts of the banner as it shimmers when you tilt it. I think it has been folded in half for most of its life as you can see sort of a shadow around the mask left from the logo.

Has anyone seen or have anything relating to the Easton Club? I would love to see some other memorabilia etc.

I have been doing some research but have found very little. It seems some of the players did move on to the Majors. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Here is some team info for the team in 1874!

EASTON BASE BALL CLUB.

Among the organizations in Easton is one known throughout the entire
United States, the Easton Base, Ball Club. It was a continuation of the
Neptune, which was organized in 1866, when the great National game was in
its infancy, the club had a nine among the best in the State, during each
succeeding year. In 1872, the name "Easton" was adopted, and the club
entered for the State championship in that and the following year, but
failed to Parry off the honors. In 1874, the club entered for the amateur
championship of the State and the United States, in the, both of which they
succeeded, defeating every amateur club of note in Pennsylvania, as also
the professional Athletic and Philadelphia; the professional Atlantic, of
Brooklyn; and the several amateur clubs of New York, who took part in the
tournament for the amateur championship of the United States, at Watertown,
N. Y. The prosperity of the club was mainly due to the munificence of
George M. Reeder and W. H. Hulick.

The "champion" team was composed of the following named gentlemen
George W. Bradley, pitcher

Thomas J, Miller, catcher

John Abadie, 1st base

John Banker, 2d base

F. W. Wadsworth, short stop

William Hauge, 3d base

William R. Parks, left field

Charles Waitt, centre field

Arthur Allison, 1st base

J. J. Smith, captain, change pitcher, and right field.

The celebrity gained by the club in winning the championship in 1874, was
the cause of the above players, afterwards being engaged by the Managers of
the celebrated professional St. Louis, Washington, Boston, Chicago, and New
Haven Clubs, to strengthen their respective organizations.

The Easton Club is still in existence, and is recognized as one of the
leading exponents of the great National game in Pennsylvania.

[Jay Wolt]

Shawn fantastic piece, lived in Easton's suburb Williams Township a few years back.

[barrysloate]

Beautiful color banner. Is that the George Bradley who pitched the first no hitter (or something to that effect)?

[smokelessjoe]

Thanks Jay & Barry,

Jay,
Do you know of the "Masonic Hall" where the Masquerade was held? I have searched & searched for a reference of the Easton Club and the Masonic Hall, but have found nothing.


Barry
Yes it is the same George Bradley...

[barrysloate]

Shawn- I've actually seen a newspaper article from 1860 profiling Jim Creighton, and the sportswriter said that he was amazed by Creighton's ability to throw a pitch with such a twist of the arm that it appeared to curve as it reached the plate. So there are many claimants to that title.

[baseball tourist]

Great pick up! I can't believe that I will admit I was the under bidder at $13.26 for this item...but I was. Fell asleep at the wheel on that one!

[smokelessjoe]

Hey Chris,

Yeah, I was rather surprised that I picked it up for that price. You need to sleep more often!

[ksfarmboy]

Very cool piece, I like it.

[Jay Wolt]

Originally Posted by smokelessjoe

Thanks Jay & Barry,

Jay,
Do you know of the "Masonic Hall" where the Masquerade was held? I have searched & searched for a reference of the Easton Club and the Masonic Hall, but have found nothing.

Shawn, sorry, haven't a clue!