Heritage Auctions is gearing up for an exciting event with its upcoming Platinum Night sale on February 24-25. This highly anticipated auction will showcase nearly 2,800 items that span the history of baseball, from vintage Old Judge cards to modern-day stars like Aaron Judge. Among these exceptional treasures is a remarkable piece of baseball history that is sure to captivate both sports enthusiasts and collectors alike – a poster from the 1888-89 Spalding Australian Baseball Tour.
Considered one of the most significant chapters in the sport’s history, the Spalding Australian Baseball Tour was a barnstorming spectacle led by none other than Albert G. Spalding, baseball legend and sporting goods tycoon. The tour, which took place after the 1888 season, featured games between the Chicago White Stockings and an All America team assembled by Spalding himself.
What makes this particular poster truly exceptional is the fact that only two are known to exist, with the other residing in the prestigious Baseball Hall of Fame. Its rarity and historical significance make it a key lot in the Platinum Night sale.
Measuring an impressive 42 inches by 28 inches, the poster is heralded by Heritage Auctions as “the most astonishing eight square feet of paper” ever presented in their auctions. It proudly showcases images reminiscent of the iconic Old Judge and N284 Buchner Gold Coin baseball cards. The players featured on the poster include notable figures such as Cap Anson, John Montgomery Ward, and Ned Hanlon – all future Hall of Famers.
The Spalding Australian Baseball Tour was an ambitious endeavor by Albert G. Spalding to promote baseball on a global scale. The teams played games in various locations, including the Sandwich Islands (now Hawaii), New Zealand, Ceylon, Egypt, Italy, France, and England, before concluding their tour in Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Ballarat. This grand adventure required meticulous planning and a significant investment of $30,000 of Spalding’s personal funds. The tour even received an endorsement from President Grover Cleveland, further solidifying baseball’s status as America’s game.
The poster not only represents a remarkable moment in baseball history but also offers a unique glimpse into the early professionalization of the sport and its efforts to captivate a global audience. It serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of baseball and its place in the annals of American culture.
With a pre-sale estimate of $100,000, this exceptional poster presents an unparalleled opportunity for collectors to own a genuine piece of the sport’s storied past. Its historical and cultural significance make it a highly sought-after artifact that will undoubtedly generate excitement among avid collectors and baseball enthusiasts alike.
As Heritage Auctions’ Platinum Night approaches, anticipation builds for the chance to witness this rare 1888-89 Spalding Australian Baseball Tour poster make its way into the hands of a fortunate collector. It represents not only an important piece of baseball memorabilia but also a tangible link to a time when baseball’s global reach was in its infancy. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of this historic event and own a piece of baseball history that will continue to be cherished for generations to come.
