The oldest card on this board?

[benjulmag]

A bit blurry, but the third post is clearly visible.

[Texxxx]

I think the card is fantastic myself. I believe the layout of the field and the actual position of the fielders, especially the outfielders are not like they where actually in real life. The person that drew the picture had so much space to put everything in and drawing it to real life would not be easy. It was easier to bring in the outfielders and draw it like it was on the side of the hill. They would have needed several balls if they played that close to the lake also.

[barrysloate]

Corey- it's actually pretty clear.

I don't see either a plate or a post near where the batter is standing. Could the catcher or batter be blocking the fourth post?

[HercDriver]

Is that Shoeless Joe batting? Look at his sock...

Sorry...it's been a long day.

Take Care,
Geno

[gnaz01]

Originally Posted by HercDriver

Is that Shoeless Joe batting? o

Nah, the ears don't match up

[smokelessjoe]

Like Coreys' this is my ticket, card, invitation to a DANCE not a Ball Game... Unlike Coreys' I do not have the great "in-action" image of the game and mine is merely 30 years later! Yours is great Corey - Seems I remember you picking that up years ago?

I wish you could see this one in person - it is High Relief and I believe it is gold gilded. It shimmers and seems to have never seen the light of day since it was made.

Some of the guys went on to play in the majors. Pitcher George Bradley (Supposed first no hitter) played for the Eastons at this time and was probably dancing the night away

Here is some info from 1874

EASTON BASE BALL CLUB.

Among the organizations in Easton is one known throughout the entire
United States, the Easton Base, Ball Club. It was a continuation of the
Neptune, which was organized in 1866, when the great National game was in
its infancy, the club had a nine among the best in the State, during each
succeeding year. In 1872, the name "Easton" was adopted, and the club
entered for the State championship in that and the following year, but
failed to Parry off the honors. In 1874, the club entered for the amateur
championship of the State and the United States, in the, both of which they
succeeded, defeating every amateur club of note in Pennsylvania, as also
the professional Athletic and Philadelphia; the professional Atlantic, of
Brooklyn; and the several amateur clubs of New York, who took part in the
tournament for the amateur championship of the United States, at Watertown,
N. Y. The prosperity of the club was mainly due to the munificence of
George M. Reeder and W. H. Hulick.

The "champion" team was composed of the following named gentlemen
George W. Bradley, pitcher

Thomas J, Miller, catcher

John Abadie, 1st base

John Banker, 2d base

F. W. Wadsworth, short stop

William Hauge, 3d base

William R. Parks, left field

Charles Waitt, centre field

Arthur Allison, 1st base

J. J. Smith, captain, change pitcher, and right field.

The celebrity gained by the club in winning the championship in 1874, was
the cause of the above players, afterwards being engaged by the Managers of
the celebrated professional St. Louis, Washington, Boston, Chicago, and New
Haven Clubs, to strengthen their respective organizations.

The Easton Club is still in existence, and is recognized as one of the
leading exponents of the great National game in Pennsylvania.

[GaryPassamonte]

It is interesting that there is a player in the shortstop position in Corey's ticket. I was under the impression that this defensive position developed at a later date. Doc Adams has been credited with developing the shortstop position. Since the year of Corey's image is from 1844, it predates the Knickerbocker's origin. Perhaps history, once again, needs to be rewritten.

[39special]

Originally Posted by benjulmag

A bit blurry, but the third post is clearly visible.

That looks like Jamie Moyer pitching.

[White Borders]

Corey's definitely got me beat, but thought I'd show (again) my oldest card to keep the thread rolling. I think it's older than any ACC "N" card.

Best Regards and Happy Collecting
Craig

[prewarsports]

That guy has got the earliest swing in the "history" of the game!

Awesome piece.

Rhys

[dstraate]

Originally Posted by 39special

That looks like Jamie Moyer pitching.

Great stuff. Woke my wife up giggling.

[E93]

Corey,
That is a phenomenal piece! Thank you for sharing it with us!
JimB

[doug.goodman]

Corey easily has me beat. And mine is obviously not a "card", but here is my earliest baseball item, a woodcut from Harper's Oct 15, 1859.

Cricket on top, baseball on the bottom.

Sorry for the poor quality picture.

Doug

[deebro041]

Originally Posted by benjulmag

A bit blurry, but the third post is clearly visible.

Sorry for the expression, but there seems to be some kind of base to the stakes.
Could Harper steal home on this field?