Members related to Pre-War Ballplayers?

[sportsbaron]

Originally Posted by aquarius31

Hi Vincent, yes I did find the 1889 MAC baseball image which was an exact match to the photo I purchased off ebay! It took a lot of data mining but it was well worth the effort. In reviewing the 19th century MSU Speculum newsletter I found many references to 'MAC' which I found odd given that it did not officially change it names until 1909 as you've already pointed out. In a few of the Speculum newsletters, I was able to find detailed accounts of games played against rivals such as Albion and Olivet college along with the rosters. Further research lead me to the MSU Archives and this image of the 1888 MSU baseball team (clearly with MAC on the jerseys). Some of the players and the manager (Professor Carpenter) from the 1888 team matched those on the 1889 team so I knew that I was heading in the right direction. The MSU archives was able to do a little more research for me and find the exact photo of the team which was printed in the 1889 Harrow yearbook. The yearbook even identified all the players and while I'm unable to match up all the names with the players, they are definitely the same image! If you want more details, send me a PM.

Photograph 1 = 1888 MSU baseball team
Photograph 2 = 1889 MSU baseball team (the one I purchased)
Photograph 3 = 1889 MSU baseball team from the Harrow yearbook

Here is my 1887 Harrow, the first MAC yearbook!