Pre-1870 Baseball Memorabilia

[bobfreedman]

This Trophy Ball is mentioned in the book "Eyes on the Sporting Scene from 1870 - 1930" . On about page 41, it states "The Liberty Club played on the grounds east of Oak Hill cemetery and were the champion club of 1867. A silver ball the size of a baseball was awarded by Mr. Spencer Wood of New City, New York., following the tournament. There was a club called the Yankee base ball club in Nyack in 1866, a name that would take on its own meaning in the future. By spring of 1868 the best of the Old Liberty Base Ball Club was absorbed into the Tappan Zee Base Ball Club of Nyack".

As you can see, the name on the ball is Spencer Wood and is without question, the "Silver Ball" that is referenced in the book. I need to do more research on the ball (any help would be appreciated) but this is a great start.

[ruth-gehrig]

Bob you are like a magnet to all the great stuff! Absolutely superb! Great ball.

[YankeeFan]

WOW! These artifacts from the the dawning of the game we love really take you back and spur the imagination. Makes you wish you could have witnessed some of it.

Bob, that silver ball is gorgeous! Congratulations on the pick up and thank you for showing us.

[Bobsbats]

Anonymous Cabinet front.jpg

[khkco4bls]

Originally Posted by bobfreedman

This Trophy Ball is mentioned in the book "Eyes on the Sporting Scene from 1870 - 1930" . On about page 41, it states "The Liberty Club played on the grounds east of Oak Hill cemetery and were the champion club of 1867. A silver ball the size of a baseball was awarded by Mr. Spencer Wood of New City, New York., following the tournament. There was a club called the Yankee base ball club in Nyack in 1866, a name that would take on its own meaning in the future. By spring of 1868 the best of the Old Liberty Base Ball Club was absorbed into the Tappan Zee Base Ball Club of Nyack".

As you can see, the name on the ball is Spencer Wood and is without question, the "Silver Ball" that is referenced in the book. I need to do more research on the ball (any help would be appreciated) but this is a great start.

Bob,incredible piece. Where did that originate. Did you get that at auction or privately

[aquarius31]

Amazing thread! Here are a range of pre 1870's items. I've shown most of these before so nothing new.

1856 Porter's Spirit of the Times - Early rules along with diagram of the field
1857 Porter's Spirit of the Times - Gothams vs Eagles
1860's belt buckle
1860's 1/4 plate tintype with glass cover
1860's CDV of 2 players from Dunkirk, NY
1868 CDV of Xenia BBC