Masterpieces and Uncommon Commons XXV
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on:
2/12/2010
From 1887 to 1890, a large New York tobacco firm named Goodwin & Company utilized baseball player cards to promote their Old Judge and Gypsy Queen cigarette brands. Actual player sepia toned photos were pasted on stiff “blank Back” cardboard, not only as a sales incentive, but to protect the cigarettes via the stiff cardboard stock that was used. Currently there are over 3,500 variations known, with up to 20 different images for a single player! In 1890, Goodwin & Company was absorbed into the prestigious American Tobacco Company (ATC), with the ATC deciding there was no longer a need to issue baseball player cardboard subjects to promote their tobacco brands. Fortunately for collectors, cards were distributed throughout that 1890 season that just happened to include players from the newly established “Players’ League”. In 1890, baseball players revolted against monopolistic management, resulting in a significant number of players defecting from the American Association and National League to assist in the creation of the new “Player’s League” that consisted of eight different teams. While the new league only lasted only a single season, fortunately for cardboard enthusiasts the league’s sole existence resulted in a scarce number of 1890 Old Judge Players’ League variations seldom surfacing throughout the hobby. One of the key Hall of Fame players that made his presence felt by “jumping ship” to the new league was the legendary 1st baseman and eventual White Sox owner Charles Comiskey, who left the American Association to join the Chicago Pirates. It is Comiskey’s ultra-obscure 1890 Old Judge Players’ League specimen that is offered here in an SGC 10/1 holder! Unfortunately, the SGC and PSA population reports both fail to provide absolute distinct variation data for purposes of determining an exact recorded count of Players’ League subjects. However, we can virtually assure you that this incredible sparse offering represents one of only a few 1890 Old Judge Players’ League Hall of Famer cardboard heirlooms from this long forgotten league.
Hall of Fame 1st baseman and owner Charles Comiskey is famous for being the founding father of the Chicago White Sox, and being their owner for 31 years. He also assisted Ban Johnson in creating the American League. On the field, he revolutionized the 1st base position by allowing pitchers to cover the bag on ground balls hit wide of 1st base, and he was one of the original manager’s to position fielders for different batters. His highly sought after 1890 Old Judge Players’ League “arms folded” variation, while somewhat faint, still provides pleasant eye appeal for the avid collector, with the critical “PL” designation near the lower left edge depicted in bold sepia print. Moderate wrinkles do not interfere with Comiskey’s timeless real photo image, and the four corners reflect only mild, eye pleasing even wear. The bold sepia typography below Comiskey’s pose is completely legible, reading “COMMISKEY, 1st B., Chicagos”. Some diminutive surface abrasions near the lower and left edges as well as reverse side paper loss and glue remnants (most likely from scrapbook removal) account for the technical assessment. Regardless, considering the sound aesthetics of the obverse image and the extreme rarity of this practically never seen Old Judge Players’ league offering, the right to own the copy far surpasses the significance of the assigned grade. All 1890 Old Judge cards are considered scarce, with the paucity of Players’ League Hall of Fame subjects in a league of their own. This 1890 Old Judge Comiskey Players’ League memento is the ultimate embodiment of the term “ultra-rare”, and we are sure that even the most advanced Old Judge enthusiasts are already standing in line for the opportunity of adding this magnificent 19th century keepsake to their collection!
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