Heritage Auctions’ upcoming Platinum Night event is set to make waves in the world of baseball collecting with the inclusion of a truly remarkable artifact – a poster from the 1888-89 Spalding Australian Baseball Tour. This poster, one of only two known surviving copies, showcases a pivotal moment in the sport’s history and holds immense historical significance. It represents a barnstorming tour led by baseball titan Albert G. Spalding, who was not only a legendary player but also a prominent figure in the sporting goods industry.
Scheduled for February 24-25, the Platinum Night auction will feature nearly 2,800 items ranging from Old Judge cards from yesteryear to the modern exploits of current superstar Aaron Judge. However, the highlight of the event will undoubtedly be the 1888-89 Baseball Tour poster, which stands as a centerpiece among the impressive lineup. The fact that the other known copy of this poster resides in the Baseball Hall of Fame speaks volumes about its rarity and importance.
Measuring 42 inches by 28 inches, the poster has been hailed by Heritage Auctions as “the most astonishing eight square feet of paper” ever showcased in their auctions. Its design features images reminiscent of the iconic Old Judge and N284 Buchner Gold Coin cards, showcasing the players who took part in the tour. Among them are future Hall of Famers such as Cap Anson, John Montgomery Ward, and Ned Hanlon.
The Spalding Australian Baseball Tour was a groundbreaking venture, conceptualized by Spalding himself, to promote the game of baseball on a global scale. The tour took the teams through various countries, including the Sandwich Islands (now known as Hawaii), New Zealand, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), Egypt, Italy, France, and England. The journey culminated in games played in Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Ballarat. This bold undertaking required considerable logistical planning, with Spalding personally investing $30,000 and securing an endorsement from President Grover Cleveland.
Beyond its promotional value, the poster provides a unique window into the early professionalization of baseball and the sport’s efforts to capture a worldwide audience. It showcases a pivotal moment when baseball was not just America’s game but also a symbol of national pride. The Spalding Australian Baseball Tour garnered significant attention and was celebrated with a banquet at the prestigious Delmonico’s restaurant in New York City upon the teams’ return.
The 1888-89 Baseball Tour poster, with its profound historical value, offers collectors an unparalleled opportunity to own a tangible piece of the sport’s rich past. With a pre-sale estimate of $100,000, it represents an exciting chance for baseball enthusiasts and collectors alike to add a remarkable gem to their collections. Don’t miss the chance to bid on this exceptional artifact at Heritage Auctions’ Platinum Night event. It’s an opportunity that is sure to generate immense interest among the baseball memorabilia community.
