If the 19th Century counted things may be different

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Posted By: Gilbert Maines

It's ok to think that Vintage means pre-1980. However, I find it less ok that pre-1900 accomplishments are totally discounted as irrelavant.

In my estimation, baseball has continuously undergone changes, and the binding force which sets this sport apart from others is its 150+ years of documented history.

Authors, historians and others often treat the early dead ball era as if it did not exist. Nolan Ryan has struck out more batters than any man alive. But many dead men easily surpassed his total. Hornsby does not have the single season batting average record. Chesbro's 41 wins are noteworthy, but it only places him in the top 50 pitchers all time. The same can be said for ERA and other 19th century records.

If this early history was not typically deemphasised, those who think vintage = pre-1980 would have a broader understanding of this sport. I think that many baseball fans do not know much about pre-1950 baseball. And this lack of awareness has an impact on card prices (actually it keeps them affordable).

What do you think?