1890 Baseball Scorecard

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Posted By: Larry

Hi, All,

I came across this baseball scorecard (please see scans below), and I'm trying to figure out what it might be worth. My online searches have come up dry. Has anyone ever seen this before? The scorecard folds in half horizontally, and measures approximately 3-3/4" x 5-1/4" when opened flat (as shown). Thanks,

Larry





LSG Vintage Baseball and Sports Card Auctions

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Posted By: Dan Bretta

Wow! That's pretty cool. I can't help you on value, but if I had to guess I would guess $200+ because of condition. It's interesting that this was from 1890 but has 5 slots for Balls since the rule was changed to 4 balls for a walk in 1888.

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Posted By: barrysloate

Although it is technically not a scorecard but more likely something an umpire or official scorer might use to keep track of balls and strikes, runs and hits, etc. it is remarkable that all the moving parts are intact without even a crease, bend, or tear. That in itself is unusual. I've never seen one before but to the right person it could be worth several hundred dollars.

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Posted By: T E

I would think it would do well at a major auction house, if they would take it. The moving parts are fantastic, and five balls, too cool.

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Posted By: peter chao

Guys,

I'm wondering if there is any way to figure out if the "scorecard" was game-used. If the "scorecard" could be traced back to a particular umpire I would think that would increase the value.

Also, I like that on the bottom left of the card it says a Patent has been applied and the card was copyrighted. Very neat.

Peter

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Posted By: Dan Bretta

Doubtful that something like this would have been used by an umpire....umpires had ball and strike counters. This is something that was used by a fan in the stands to keep track of the game in the days before the electronic scoreboard.

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Posted By: barrysloate

That means the fan would have to pay particular attention to the game and not miss a pitch. Note the counter goes to five balls and has room for twenty errors! Did a team ever commit twenty errors? I don't think so.

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Posted By: Tom Boblitt

paper scorers and I'd think $150-$300 range is probably pretty good. You never know with this type item though as all you need is two well-heeled collectors to need it and it could go $500+

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Posted By: Larry

Thanks, everyone, for your comments - much appreciated! I'll let everyone know how much I finally end up getting when I sell it.

Larry

LSG Vintage Baseball and Sports Card Auctions

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Posted By: Ray

IMVHO, if it was used by an ump, it was used back during the origins of baseball when the umps sat in chairs, fairly far away from the action (but what do I know?).

Either way, that is BY FAR one of the coolest looking things I have ever seen. Thanks for sharing! - Ray

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Posted By: T E

and mechanical advertising cards were very popular. I have never seen one like this. What are the dials made of?

As noted above, this was not a practical counter for game use. Its main purpose is to sell cigars with a clever gimmick.

Too cool looking!