1903 Cy Young cane on eBay

[btcarfagno]

Originally Posted by ooo-ribay

I think it may be "real" but presented by some unofficial group. I sometimes wonder whether an item like this was at all treasured or used by the recipient. For me, a cane from the Podunk City Chamber of Commerce would be way, way, way less valuable than something issued by a team or league.

This is what I am thinking. Someone from West Bumscrew wanted ol' Cy to attend their community day at some point well after he retired and this was a kindly gesture for him. I would also agree that value is greatly compromised without a trail of ownership. He may have given to someone before leaving the event for all we know. Still a neat item. Not something I would be interested in for anywhere near its current price though.

Tom C

[jhs5120]

It would make sense that they presented Cy Young with a cane during his later years. You don't really give a 35 year old athlete a cane as a present. This cane might originate from as late as the 1940's. It would be interesting to know whether there was an anniversary game or some sort of pregame ceremony for Young.

[vintagesportscollector]

While I agree it would make sense that they presented Cy Young with a cane during his later years, it’s not true that you wouldn’t really give a 35 year old athlete a cane as a present, back then. Today canes are primarily regarded for Orthopedic use, but back then Canes were used very widely as a fashion statement and for ceremony.

[steve B]

Maybe related to the building of Northeasterns Cabot gym? It was built in 1953- 4, so he might have been around for the groundbreaking. The naming as the Cabot center and placing the plaque that mentions the World Series wasn't until after he died. But there was also a plaque out back near where homeplate was that was also placed about the same time as the one on the building, so they must have been considering the importance of the location.

It looks older, but refitting something older might have been done.

Steve B

[scooter729]

No response from the seller on this one and it's been over a couple of days now, so I'm assuming he knows something might be questionable with it, but bidding is at $4500 now so he doesn't want to mess up anything.....

[ruth-gehrig]

$7600 and climbing

[Angyale]

I believe he lived in the Newcomerstown/Peoli area of southeastern Ohio at the end of his life. Doubt he was in Mass.

Eric