Heritage auction lot 13083 - claimed to depict Frank Bancroft
 

Heritage lot 13083 is a photo of what is clearly a town team, with the following description:
1880's Frank Bancroft & His Team Cabinet Photograph. Now we know where Connie Mack got his fashion sense! A thrilling find for that devoted contingent of 19th century baseball collectors, this never before seen sepia image of the first great Hall of Fame baseball manager...Bancroft...

So, I have been unable to find Frank Bancroft listed in the Hall of Fame - if I am missing something here please tell me. And then, the man in question (below far left) is not Frank Bancroft (exemplar right). Just look at the ears.

http://sports.ha.com/itm/baseball/18...ription-071515

I never thought Bancroft was in the hall and after double checking I am sure.

He certainly was a less than stellar manager and his one good 84 World Series season with a team he was given was followed by a sub .500 season with the same roster. One could call that WS season a fluke as he was basically a interim manager for teams in a traveling career. The stats are hardly HoF territory.

Also, I don't think at all that that fella in the auction photo is Bancroft either. They just don't seem to match at all.

Dave, Frank, A Bancroft is a Bancroft. :)

Earache
 

As required in the net54 rules and bylaws, I looked at the ears of the real Frank Bancroft, and it caused a certain quesiness...that is one ugly right ear. I prefer the imposter's ears, and would gladly submit his name (if I knew what it was) for consideration by the HOF pre-integration committee based solely upon the obvious worthiness of said ears.

Brian (I have an eye for ears)

"As required in the net54 rules and bylaws, I looked at the ears..."

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

Lol!

Great post Brian. :)

Frank Bancroft was one of the most influential men in bringing the game of baseball to Latin America in the 19th century so he IS and important guy in baseball history, but not a Hall of Famer.

Hence the importance of pointing out that the man in the photo is not Frank Bancroft.

It reminds me of the Holy Roman Empire, which was neither holy, Roman, nor an empire.

You and Voltaire