I Don't Tout Too Many Auction Items But..1890-92 Ryder Studio Cabinet Cy Young

[oldjudge]

Originally Posted by nolemmings

I agree that the item is not likely from 1890 and I also agree that the photo was taken at the same sitting as the 1891 Cy in uniform photo. It’s possible but improbable that the studio had plans for releasing photos in 1891 and wanted to get an early start. The Players League was falling apart by the time Cy got to Cleveland in August, 1890, and it was clear to everyone that dozens of players from that league would be looking for new homes in 1891. The Cleveland team roster of 1891 would be uncertain at best in late 1890, and several starters in fact were replaced the following year. Even if Cy was sure to return, it seems that the studio would want to know and have available all the current team members when shooting for 1891 commercial purposes. It’s doubtful to me that Ryder would make a special sitting appointment for Cy, who although a budding star was only 9-7 and playing on a seventh place team.
Off topic a little, but here's the box score from Cy's first start, the opener of a doubleheader:

Hi Todd! I rarely ever disagree with you but I will to some extent on this. In 1890 all leagues were suffering, but the Players League was actually doing better than the NL. In fact, after the 1890 season the PL was preparing for an 1891 season. To strengthen the league Buffalo, the weakest team, was being dropped and a group of PL executives, including John Ward, in early-October, 1890 purchased the Cincinnati NL team, with the thought of adding it to the PL to replace Buffalo. It was only later that Al Spaulding hoodwinked some PL magnates into believing the NL was doing fine and they caved and the league collapsed. Also, if the street clothes pose and the pose in uniform were from the same photo shoot they would probably have the same mount, and they don't.