Very rare baseball newspaper from 1886...
Item # 545415Sorry, but this item is no longer available. Please be in touch at info@rarenewspapers.com if you would like to be placed on a want list or are interested in a potential alternate issue.
July 02, 1886
OFFICIAL (BASEBALL) RECORD, New York, July 2, 1886 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. This title could well be the most important contemporary record of 19th century 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 "Alonzo Knight" with a ftpg. biographical sketch on him beginning: ".The subject of our illustration & sketch was born in Philadelphia...educated at Girard College & on its play-ground first practiced the national game..." with much more (see photos). The balance of the ftpg. is taken up with an interesting variety of: "Baseball Notes" which are an interesting collection of curious tidbits on the game (see photos for portions).
Page 2 continues with many more "Baseball Notes" much as found on the ftpg. including: "Baltimore is in mourning. Big Bill Taylor has been released. Taylor was only paid $12,00 for the season but as his work was pretty bad he was released. He has a beer garden in Baltimore & will likely give up baseball and attend to it." plus much more.
There are also standings of seven baseball leagues, and a "Special Notice" concerning the printing of this newspaper. Page 3 is entirely taken up with ads including one for: "Baseball At The Polo Grounds" noting the dates of 12 future games. The bkpg. is entirely filled with ads as well.
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 margins, is slightly irregular at the spine margin but not even close to any text. Generally in very nice condition.
This issue comes in a protective, acid-free folder for safe keeping. A rare opportunity for any serious baseball collector.
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 "Alonzo Knight" with a ftpg. biographical sketch on him beginning: ".The subject of our illustration & sketch was born in Philadelphia...educated at Girard College & on its play-ground first practiced the national game..." with much more (see photos). The balance of the ftpg. is taken up with an interesting variety of: "Baseball Notes" which are an interesting collection of curious tidbits on the game (see photos for portions).
Page 2 continues with many more "Baseball Notes" much as found on the ftpg. including: "Baltimore is in mourning. Big Bill Taylor has been released. Taylor was only paid $12,00 for the season but as his work was pretty bad he was released. He has a beer garden in Baltimore & will likely give up baseball and attend to it." plus much more.
There are also standings of seven baseball leagues, and a "Special Notice" concerning the printing of this newspaper. Page 3 is entirely taken up with ads including one for: "Baseball At The Polo Grounds" noting the dates of 12 future games. The bkpg. is entirely filled with ads as well.
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 margins, is slightly irregular at the spine margin but not even close to any text. Generally in very nice condition.
This issue comes in a protective, acid-free folder for safe keeping. A rare opportunity for any serious baseball collector.
Category: Post-Civil War
