[Rarebooks] FS: Baseball broadside, 1887

[Powers Rare Books]

I can offer...

      [BASEBALL].  Broadside announcement of a "Labor Day!  Grand Base 
Ball Picnic For the benefit of Woodland Park B. B. C. At Woodland Park, 
West Medway, on Monday, September 5th, 1887."  West Medway, MA: H. A. 
Bullard, Printer, 1887.
      Measures appx. 12 by 6 inches, printed in a variety of types on 
pale olive green paper, with a small (2 1/4 by 2 inches) wood-engraved 
vignette of a batter and catcher at center.  Two modest stains along 
the right edge, one accompanied by a tiny chip; closed tear along the 
left edge affecting the large word "Base"; small hole at upper center 
costing a small part of the word "Ball"; some other generaal wear, but 
overall a very good copy.
      The Woodland Park Base Ball Club faced two teams that day, the 
Arlingtons of Arlington and the Newtons of Newton (couldn't they think 
of more imaginative names?), at 10am and 3pm respectively.  Between 
games there was a Clam Bake at noon, and a supper from 5 to 7pm with 
ice cream, soad, and cigars, as well as dancing both afternoon and 
evening with the Vose & Schlief Orchestra.  At the bottom there is a 
pleasant description of Woodland Park: "Woodland Park, pleasantly 
situated on the Charles River, within two minutes waalk from the West 
Medway depot, is one of the largest and finest groves in the state.  
Among the attractions are 18 cages of Living Curiosities selected from 
all parts of the United States, Swings, Croquet Grounds, Ball Grounds, 
Boats, and a large and well furnished hall which will accommodate the 
largest picnic parties.  Good stabling for horses at the entrance."
      I've seen and handled a few baseball broadsides, but this is far 
and away the most charming--and the only illustrated--example I've ever 
seen.

$1250 plus shipping.  For a picture visit 
http://home.comcast.net/~powersrarebooks/BaseballBroadside1887.jpg

Greg Powers
Powers Rare Books