So do you think this is a Baseball Image

[Archive]

Posted By: Anonymous

A few uniforms alone do not a baseball image make. This was billed as a baseball team but all I see are canes. Looking for the opinions of the board. Thanks.



Adam B

[Archive]

Posted By: mr. moses

looks not too tough Take that number "9" and mix in the 2 guys what is wearing dem bib-front uniformz - a few sets of matching socks - and voila! baseball........ NOT an expert on this sort of thing just a general thought or two - early days there was little difference other than at times an identifying belt - buckle - silk between the uniform of the ball player and a fireman. Also it would be quite unusual for equipment NOT to be seen as it isn't a formal photograph or composite - etc.. It is possible that 2 or more baseball players are in fact in this photograph. Maybe prior to some base ball sponsored social event (picnic, dance or something). I honestly didn't take more than a minute or 2 to look at the photo. More could be suggested by what they are sitting on or the style of clothes they are wearing. I can't see the pic as I type this but don't recall seeing any women there. Many more here in the know than I. Sure they will help.

judge a man on the way he runs the bases
the friends he keeps
and the hole cards he plays.

I surmise guys with canes would be a favored baseball opponent.

(edited to add wagon and bystanders suggest some sort of parade or celibration. Much of the wheeled item is obscured from view but might be fire related - although the focus appears to be all on the gentleman and not some specific event or entity like the Eirie fire company or the sanitorium base ball club or the NEW and improved fire truck.)

[Archive]

Posted By: barrysloate

Interesting photo but tough call.

The man standing on the left with the striped socks, striped pants, and two tone hat (who dresses him in the morning?) looks more like a jockey. The two guys with the semi-bib fronts (not quite bibs) could reasonably be baseball players. But it looks like a mishmash of people from different walks of life and various sports.

No equipment, maybe two ballplayers, not an easy one and you can never be sure. Looks to be right around 1870.

Edited to add on a second look one of the so-called baseball players is holding a riding crop. This could be a group of jockeys.

[Archive]

Posted By: Jimmy

maybe cricket or they appear to be Jockeys for horse racing - still a interesting photo

Jimmy

[Archive]

Posted By: davidcycleback

I would guess jockeys, though the two white capped guys' uniforms are much like baseball uniforms. If it's jockeys, its still an interesting image. As race horsing is popular, jockey photos might have fair value.

[Archive]

Posted By: Rick McQuillan

I'm 95% sure that the middle player is a young Honus Wagner.

[Archive]

Posted By: Mike

Jockey's. Cool picture.

[Archive]

Posted By: davidcycleback

There's an 1880s Allen & Ginter set that has jockeys, and they are wearing bib-style jerseys similar to the old baseball jerseys.

The other thing is that those guys in suits are awfully duded up for a town baseball game. Look more like the types to own horses and attend races.