Tintype question

[aquarius31]

Hi, I've been casually collecting tintypes for the past few years and have been particularly interested in acquiring those depicting different #'s of players. I have a few which are definitively baseball and others which are certainly a sport of some type although not as clear cut.

I picked up this one recently because it was very interesting imo. I have not seen many tintypes which have a 'team' of 6. The individual standing in the back right is clearly holding a ball of some type and there looks to be an object on the right hand side which is either an over-sized bat or part of the frame that surrounds them. There's a knob on the right hand side object although I'm leaning towards it being part of the wooden frame.

Any thoughts on dates and sport would be greatly appreciated. It looks like 1870's to me and either baseball or cricket.

I'm happy with this item regardless as it aligns with my progression on # of players....just need 4 and 5 subjects now :)

[drcy]

The vast majority of baseball photos don't show nine players. After all, the photo at the bottom shows what are clearly and undeniably baseball bats and there are only thee people.

My guess is the the top one is 1870s baseball. The ball isn't obviously a baseball, and it would be nice identification-wise if it was, but cricket uniforms and baseball uniforms have traditionally been different looking. Post 1860s, cricket uniforms are known for their long white pants with no stripes, while baseball uniforms are known for their signature knickers. You can usually tell a cricket player from a baseball player at first glance, just due to the look of the uniforms. The guys in the top photo are wearing baseball-style uniforms.

[aquarius31]

Thanks David for the great observations...much appreciated!