FS: Sporting Life issues dated 1899

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Two issues of The Sporting Life from the year 1899. Both issues are full of articles about rumors of the formation of a new league (The American League), and related player raids between rival leagues.

The first, dated July 29, 1899, has a nice photo of New York pitching great Jouett Meekin. There are precious few collectibles of Meekin available, as he only appears in the Newsboy Cabinet set, and the Elmer Chickering Cabinet set. Meekin is credited by baseball historians as the pitcher who gave the first intentional walk, and also is the only pitcher to hit three triples in a game. In 1894, as part of a pitching duo that included Amos Rusie, he went 33-9 in helping New York win the Temple Cup. Also included in this issue are articles about plans for the new American League, Hugh Jennings refusal to accept a trade to Louisville (he didn't think they would be accepted into the new league), and the debut of a rookie pitcher named Jack Chesbro. There is a full week's worth of box scores. The issue is about 90% baseball, 10% other sports.

This is a full 24 page issue, and due to its age is very brittle. However, though the front page has come loose, it is in remarkably good shape for a 111 year-old newspaper. There are minor tears and relatively small pieces missing at some of the edges. $25 delivered.

The second issue is dated November 11, 1899, and is complete at 16 pages. Since it was the off-season, fewer pages were needed. On the front page is infielder Philip Geier of Cincinnati. The only baseball card he appears on, as best I can tell, is W600. Great articles in this issues as well, including Amos Rusie's plan to jump to the new league, John McGraw and Wilbert Robinson of Baltimore considering their options, and more on plans for the new league. Again, about 90% baseball.

This issue is fully intact and complete, with only minor tears and very small pieces of the edges missing. $15 delivered.

These make great display items, as they are smaller than a regular newspaper (14" by 10") and have nice pictures of players on the front page. Would also accept $35 for the pair.

Mark
drumback2@cox.net