Heritage Auctions’ upcoming Platinum Night event is generating excitement amongst baseball enthusiasts as it features a remarkable artifact from the 1888-89 Spalding Australian Baseball Tour. This poster, one of only two known surviving copies, holds immense historical value and offers a fascinating glimpse into the early days of the sport’s professionalization and global reach. Led by baseball legend Albert G. Spalding, the barnstorming tour showcased games between the Chicago White Stockings and Spalding’s All America team.
Scheduled for February 24-25, the Platinum Night auction boasts nearly 2,800 items, ranging from vintage Old Judge cards to modern memorabilia honoring players like Aaron Judge. However, the star of the show is undoubtedly the 1888-89 baseball tour poster, which measures an impressive 42 inches by 28 inches. With its rarity and significance, it has been described by Heritage Auctions as “the most astonishing eight square feet of paper” ever featured in their auctions.
Featuring stunning images reminiscent of the beloved Old Judge and N284 Buchner Gold Coin baseball cards, the poster showcases players who participated in the historic tour. Among them are legendary names like Cap Anson, John Montgomery Ward, and Ned Hanlon, all of whom would eventually find their place in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Capturing this memorable chapter in baseball’s rich history, the poster stands as a testament to the sport’s enduring legacy.
Albert G. Spalding’s vision for the tour was to promote baseball on a global scale, showcasing the game’s appeal and solidifying its status as America’s pastime. The teams embarked on a remarkable journey that took them through various countries and continents, including the Sandwich Islands (now known as Hawaii), New Zealand, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), Egypt, Italy, France, and England. The tour’s grand finale included games played in renowned Australian cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Ballarat.
The logistical undertaking of the tour was immense, with Spalding investing $30,000 of his own money to make it a reality. The endorsement of President Grover Cleveland further emphasized the significance of the tour, solidifying baseball’s status as a sport that represented American values both at home and abroad. The tour received widespread attention and upon its conclusion, a celebratory banquet was held at Delmonico’s restaurant in New York City, serving as a testament to the tour’s success and impact.
Beyond its historical value, the 1888-89 baseball tour poster provides a captivating look at baseball’s strive to reach a global audience and establish itself as a professional sport. Its pre-sale estimate of $100,000 reflects the rarity and significance of this piece of sporting history, offering collectors and enthusiasts a unique opportunity to own a tangible piece of the sport’s storied past. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this extraordinary moment in baseball history. Place your bids at Heritage Auctions’ Platinum Night event and secure this remarkable artifact for yourself.