What in the World is Going on Here in CHICAGO?? Help?
 

Check out the GUNS & Knives!!! Looks like a rifle on the ground as well :)

Man, if this is not an odd one... Not sure what "Rules for Base Ball 1999" means? On the back it reads "1899 William "Bill" George with sign on" & "George Trott on the other end" & "Property of Frances George Watters". I have found a George Trott of whom was a rather famous Cricketer. I posted a picture of him below, (last pic) not sure if it is a match. Looks like both guys on the far left have Baseball gloves on. All I can read on the Scoreboard is "SKELTON --- CLOTHIERS" (I think)...

Would love to here your thoughts or any insight on this one.
Thank you,
Shawn

Two more pics...
 

Two more pics...

Just my thoughts...this was a very rough period in baseball...lots of fighting and problems...lots of drinkers and high livers...actually what led to the founding of the American League...perhaps this was a clever play on the idea that by 1999 baseball would be played by thugs with guns...much like the NBA of modern day. :D

I don't know Shawn.......
 

But that is an awesome photo !!! I love it !! :D

Sincerely, Clayton

Kind of a Fatty Arbuckle look alike?

Thanks Guys,

bbcard1, you may be on to something... Perhaps it is a parody on the future of baseball.

Shawn

I think that's exactly what that is...fantastic photo!

Tonight we're gonna party like it's 1999
 

Looks like a couple of dandies making ready to engage in a duel to be facilitated or prevented by the Keystone Cop, the devolution of baseball as anticipated by the guy's sign. I also think bbcard1 is on the right trail.

The photo certainly seems to depict a baseball field, as the scoreboard reflects innings. There is actually only one town in America called Skelton, and that was a town in Southeastern Indiana. It no longer exists. The belt buckle on the policeman is "CCP". This could be any number of local departments in the area, possibly even in Ohio as Skelton was located very close to the state border.

Tom C

I Think We Are Getting Somewhere - Chicago!!!
 

Just found this online!!! Chicago Police Dept!!!

That is one of the most interesting early baseball photos I have ever seen.

Hi Shawn -

I can't help directly with the unusual photo but have a little info regarding the bottom photo.

http://www.net54baseball.com/attachm...1&d=1292863187

On the top of the photo it says "Harry Trott" as Australian Test Captain. (Test is a form of cricket.)

This article is from an Illinois paper dated October 4, 1896. It mentions Captain G.H.S. Trott

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_UrSHvogCrmM/TQ...74359%20PM.jpg

Bizarre and fascinating image... Agree that the posts above are indeed on the right track. Would also like to see, though, what else Tom Shieber might discern and derive from the photo at his Baseball Researcher site
[ http://baseballresearcher.blogspot.com/ ]...

The Chicago History Journal See Link Below
 

While doing some research on this photo I came across a website called
"The Chicago History Journal" that is run by Sharon Williams. I contacted her and asked if she may have some info on the photo. Sharon did not, but asked if she could do a write up on it. I think Sharon did a great job and she even included a link to Net54! (Thank you Sharon)

Also, someone replied with a very interesting theory as well... It is at the bottom of the article.

Thought you guys & gals might like to see it. And thanks again to everyone who has helped.

Shawn England

http://www.chicagohistoryjournal.com/