Need Help with Baseball cabinet ID

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Posted By: Adam Baxter

Greetings all,
I recently won an auction on ebay for a circa 1880's cabinet card of a fireman/sports person. I took a chance on the item, because I thought it may very well be a baseball player. It is a nice studio pose of man in uniform with a baseball style cap, Bib front uniform with a ribbon pinned to his chest. If anyone could tell me whether or not they think it is a baseball player, I would greatly appreciate it. If it is a player and anyone knows who he is that would be plus as well. Link for auction is below.

Thanks,
Adam
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=13705&item=3210033290&rd=1

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Posted By: runscott

The number "2" on his belt probably refers to the station, and the award on his shirt is typical of fireman photos.

But many of the firestations had baseball teams, so it could very well be that this guy played baseball in his fireman uniform. Another good thing is the lettering on his bib jersey - definitely looks baseball-related to me, and the firemen usually had hats with a badge on the front, and this one doesn't.

Maybe he's gripping a ball in his left-hand, preparing to throw a curve!

[Archive]

Posted By: Hankron

The cabinet photograph is from the 1890s, and, in my opinion, it is unlikely to be a baseball player. However, it is an interesting image on an ornate perdiod mount. In the scheme of things, $12.50 for a photograph that the buyer enjoys having around the house or office is a good deal-- irrespective if the subject turns out to be Al Spalding or a name-long-forgotten fireman.