Archie Bush—Amateur Era Superstar

[bgar3]

Gary, he started in 1867 and played that fall. In fact it was October 1867 that Cummings used his first curve against Bush. I like the 1867 image, but you are right, he won’t appear in the team photo until 1868 photo. I have an 1875 book that contains a large number of box scores from 1865 to 1874 , including against professional teams. Bush’s stats are amazing, mostly from the catcher’s position.

[68Hawk]

Cool historical post!
Make a great story line to write a fictional novel from...

[GaryPassamonte]

Bruce- I found this online. It's a new one for me. It came out too small. Maybe someone here can resize it. Bush is top right, 1868. I think this is from a Sporting Life magazine from 1908, but I'm not sure.

[bgar3]

Gary,
Thanks, I was not aware of that article, but the book he is talking about is one of the better books about early baseball called Old Boston Boys and the Games They Played. There are several edition from a limited edition in 1906 and later ones to 1908. The book is by James d’wolf Lovett, pitcher for the famous Lowell teams of the 1860’s. The baseball section is illustrated by several beautiful photos of the Lowell and Harvard teams, and a few of the individual players, including a great one of George Wright from early in his career. Well worth finding.
The 1867 and 1868 Harvard teams are in there, and I believe your Lowell team, but we are spoiled and prefer originals.

[pedodds]

Great post Bruce!
Thanks for sharing! Killer collection and great research! I think you have the market cornered on Archie Bush memorabilia!

[pedodds]

Hey Bruce,

What is the year that the Harvard baseball team is posed in front of the back of the dugout or the chicken coop?

[bgar3]

John,
I believe that is the 1870 team. There were a couple other players who played from time to time, but best guess is 1870, no later than 1871, but I think 1880.
I have seen a similar backdrop and thought it was described as part of the field.