Earliest piece of baseball memorabilia - Pictures - Pre-1880 only, 18th Century Wins

[baseballart]

Originally Posted by Runscott

Max, please tell us more - I'm dying to learn how a 'Muffin' views baseball

A Muffin might look for morning glory, but in 19th century terms, was a name for a fan.

I did recently see an ad for this book in a MA newspaper. As you can see however, the add refers to a "Muffer", which presumably only Mr. Sloate is able to define.

[GaryPassamonte]

Corey- the elaborate painting on the bat is beautiful.

[IronHorse2130]

Originally Posted by baseballart

A Muffin might look for morning glory, but in 19th century terms, was a name for a fan.

I did recently see an ad for this book in a MA newspaper. As you can see however, the add refers to a "Muffer", which presumably only Mr. Sloate is able to define.

I believe a muffin in 18th century base ball lingo refers to a rookie or an inexperienced player, not a fan.

[barrysloate]

The stereotype of the ballplayer in 1867 was that he was rough and tumble and would likely be battered from head to toe due to the roughness of the game. The cartoon illustrations in the book reflect this in a humourous and exaggerated way.

And I should add that the "muffin" was most susceptible to injury, as he was as likely to be hit with a batted ball as he was to catch it.

[baseballart]

Originally Posted by IronHorse2130

I believe a muffin in 18th century base ball lingo refers to a rookie or an inexperienced player, not a fan.

I seem to have got my muffins and cranks confused. I should spend more time reading the books, rather than just looking at the covers. It is interesting the ad notes "muffer" instead of muffin, and I don't recall that reference before.

Max