19th Century Trophy Balls

[GaryPassamonte]

Alan- My 1865 Unions ball is an "H" style ball. I also had an 1864 trophy ball that was of this style. The 1878 Tecumseh ball is a figure 8 style ball. I'm sure there are a couple NA, 1871-1875, balls that are figure 8 style.

[aelefson]

Thank you Gary! My 1871 is figure eight and I think the other "Lehigh" type balls are the same style.

[sphere and ash]

Originally Posted by aelefson

Thank you Gary! My 1871 is figure eight and I think the other "Lehigh" type balls are the same style.

I just confirmed with the person who discovered the Lehigh trophy case that this ball was found in it. Presumably, it dates to 1870-1871 and represents what the Lehigh trophy baseballs look like unpainted.

[jpop43]

My example from 1867 is of the H-Stitch variety...

[aelefson]

Paul, Wow! That is really cool and has to be one of the earliest documented figure eight style balls! Jonathan, great H stitch.

[sphere and ash]

Originally Posted by aelefson

Paul, Wow! That is really cool and has to be one of the earliest documented figure eight style balls! Jonathan, great H stitch.

Thank you. The Hall has the Reach display of baseballs which I believe is from the 1876 exposition. If only they would remove the Heubach figurines or, even better, remove the balls from the case. There was also a very early Reach figure eight ball in a MEARS auction a few years ago. I was the underbidder and it’s whereabouts are unknown, at least to me. If you know where it lives, please let me know.