"Creepers" Trophy bat in REA

[vintagesportscollector]

Beautiful bat and interesting description as it relates to Cornell. There is no town in NY named Cornell (at least I do not think so), although that is what is described in the listing. Cornell University is in Ithaca NY, very near Groton (10 miles away). Although not described as such, I think this could be Cornell University. Cornell first started playing baseball in May, 1869, and this game was in June, 1869.

I have not researched further, and it could be another club team named "Cornell", but given the location and timing, logic would suggest this is Cornell University. If so that could make this the earliest possible Cornell sports relic that exists or could even possibly exist.

http://bid.robertedwardauctions.com/bids/bidplace?itemid=45014

268818

[Huysmans]

Hey Joe

I also looked at the listing and wondered, so I think you may be on to something.
I've also never heard of a town of Cornell... but I'm no geographer and I'm Canadian...
So what would I know?
Killer trophy bat though either way.

... I hope all is well with you my friend.

Brent

[GaryPassamonte]

Given the geography, I would say it has to be Cornell University. Wonderful bat.

[vintagesportscollector]

Found the reference, I think..this is almost definitely Cornell Univ. - 99.9% sure. On the bat one of the three teams is the "Owego Amateurs".

Here is a description of Cornell playing the Owego Amateurs in 1869 in what was only the second varsity game that Cornell ever played. Since the first game was May 1869, this second game would line up with the June, 1869 date on the bat.

268830

The bat in unquestionably wonderful, and will command a top $, but REA would probably serve themselves well by tieing this to Cornell in the description or title.

[vintagesportscollector]

Found it...as engraved on the bat, on June 29th, 1869, Cornell University played the Creepers of Groton. Done....(mic drop :p)

268831

[bgar3]

Great job, Joe.

[spacktrack]

Joe,

Thank you for posting and sharing your impressive research on this item. We have posted an addendum to the listing (crediting you). These early trophy bats are so rare that it will surely be of great interest to many collectors already, but now being able to confirm a Cornell connection can only help, so we appreciate it.

Brian
REA