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HoFer John Ward in an Impressive, Historically Significant 1888 Newspaper Print.
Lot 27. HoFer John Ward in an Impressive, Historically Significant 1888 Newspaper Print. On the front page of the Nov. 27, 1888 Daily Graphic published in New York, artwork by C. Rigby portrays the New York Giants’ star shortstop on the auction block with the caption “Slavery Days Again.” The artwork and caption refer to the predicament of major league players resulting from the actions by the baseball owners in 1887 and 1888. In 1887, the owners made the (in)famous “reserve clause” a standard part of players’ contracts. That year, Ward published an article in Lippincott’s Magazine criticizing the clause and other owner practices. He was in a position to do so because in 1885, the players had formed the Brotherhood of Professional Base Ball Players and elected him president. In the article, Ward asked, “Is the Base Ball Player a Chattel?” He specifically mentioned Chicago’s sale of King Kelly to Boston for $10,000. Kelly had no say in his sale. Matters became worse for the players in 1888. At the end of the season, Al Spalding took a group of players, including Ward, on a world tour. While Ward and they were out of the country, the owners instituted a salary classification that limited salaries to $1,500 to $2,500. The new scheme effectively lowered players’ salaries. While on the tour and as the owners’ shenanigans progressed, Ward and other players came up with the idea for a “Players League.” He and others launched the short-lived new league in 1890 after the owners declined to recognize the Brotherhood. After baseball, Ward became a successful lawyer. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1964. The Daily Graphic artwork depicting Ward and presaging the Players League is large, about 14” x 20 ½” and framed. It is incredibly clean and bright with a horizontal crease at the center where the paper was folded, and there may be a ½” border tear along the fold. Great display, and an outstanding piece of baseball history.
Winning Bid $222.
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