Is this Cap Anson?

[bgar3]

No for me also. The photographer was born in 1854 so the early date of 1868 is highly unlikely, more likely 1875-85. Nice early image.

[incugator]

How do you know when the photographer was born?

[bgar3]

I googled him when I saw it on eBay. Edward Hinmann. I thought it was a nice image, never thought it was Anson, or anyone else famous, but would have been much more interested if it were 1868-70. Ultimately I concluded it was not, but I am sure others may disagree. I think it could be pre 1880 as there is no mask in the photo, but it is circa 1880 to me.

[JustinD]

Just for reference -

http://cabinetcardphotographers.blog...on-hinman.html

[incugator]

Thanks for the insight. There are definitely a bunch of possibilities here. I wish I could ID at least one other player in the photo. It seems unlikely that this was an actual team in Clarinda, Iowa since there is no documentation of a team there. Anybody who can share more about what they would know about this image would be appreciated.

[bgar3]

I think it just that, a local team from the area around Clariinda that would play other Iowa teams. I am not sure what documentation you think should be there, but many teams from this time period do not have a lot of historical records and you are lucky to find them when you do. If it were a college or university team there would usually be a 10th player. Good luck.

[Jobu]

I think his father and brother played too - have you looked at photos of them?