Sunday, June 29, 2008

19th Century Only Auction: Harry Wright

19th Century Only is one of my favorite sports collectibles auction houses. They always feature some great rare artifacts from Baseballs past. Unfortunately, there isn't a whole lot of Dodger related items available, but there is an interesting studio cabinet of "The Father of Professional Baseball" Harry Wright. This cabinet photo is part of a set of 9 cards that feature members of the 1886 Philadelphia National league team. I'll let the auction description tell you all about Harry Wright.
Born in England, Wright came to America with his father who was well known as a Cricket player. Along with Harry's brothers Sam and George, the three sons took up the game of baseball when it began in America. Harry Wright became a pioneer of this new game. Harry joined the New York base ball club, the Knickerbockers. Backed by investors from Ohio, Wright formed the Cincinnati Red Stockings with his younger brother George. This was the first professional base ball club. This team went undefeated in 1869 with 65 wins and 0 losses. Wright managed the Boston Red Stockings in 1871 through 1875, the Boston Red Caps from 1867 through 1871, the Providence Grays from 1882 to1883, and the Philadelphia Quakers (Phillies) from 1884 through 1893. Harry Wright was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1953.

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